Roulette has offered glamour, mystery, and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. Although many players believe that roulette is a game of pure luck, serious betters can gain an edge by employing a sound strategy. Read on to learn more about the rules, how to place bets, and how to handle winnings.

The game of Roullete consists of a table marked off with numbers from 1 to 36, and several other sections affording the players a variety of betting options. In the center of the table is a revolving dishlike device called a roulettewheel into which a small ball is spun to come to rest finally in one of the 37 or 38 compartments. The divisions on a roulettewheel are alternately red and black, and on American tables there is an extra green compartment numbered 0.

Before the dealer spins the wheel, the players lay down their chips on a betting mat, which indicates the bet being made. Bets on six or less numbers are referred to as “Inside bets”, while those on 12 or more numbers are known as “Outside bets”. The symmetries of the wheel can also be used to assist in calculating a player’s chances of success. For example, on a European roulette wheel the number zero costs 17 chips to complete and pays 235 chips; while the numbers 1, 2, and 3 cost 27 chips to complete and pay 297 chips.

When the dealer is done spinning the wheel, he or she will mark the winning bet and clear the losing chips from the table. Then the winners will be paid and the table is ready for the next round. Players can re-bet the same chips they held prior to the spin by placing them on the end of any street (row of three numbers) on the table map. Between spins, players can give the dealer money by putting it on the table and asking for “colour”. The dealer will then give the player coloured roulette chips equal in value to the amount of money given.