Roullete is a casino game of chance in which players place bets on which number, or grouping of numbers, the ball will land when the wheel spins. Bets are placed by laying down chips on a betting mat, the precise placement of the chips indicating the bet being made. Roulette became a popular game in the casinos and gambling houses of Europe in the late 18th century. Fanciful stories claim it was invented by the 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal or by a Dominican monk.
The game consists of a circular table and a spinning wheel with 35 to 36 compartments numbered alternately red and black, and one green zero (on American tables there is an additional green division labelled 00). A ball is dropped onto the wheel from above, and the compartment it comes to rest in determines whether a bet wins or loses.
Prior to the wheel being spun, a dealer clears all losing bets off the table and pays the winners before play begins for the next round. Once the winning bets have been paid, a marker is placed on the winning chip to indicate that betting for that round is closed. The dealer then announces that the next wheel spin will begin and the process repeats.
In the United States, roulette has one of the smallest followings among casino games, being overshadowed by slot machines, video poker, blackjack and craps. However, it continues to attract large crowds in Monte Carlo and other European resorts.
The game of roulette can be played by both the novice and the experienced player, as there are numerous betting options. Although it is primarily a game of chance, the skillful player can lower the house edge by employing various strategies. These strategies usually involve placing bets on groups of numbers rather than individual digits, and they are known as “outside bets”. By correctly guessing the number and type of bet, players can make money at roulette. However, it is important to remember that roulette is still a casino game and, therefore, there is no guarantee of winning. Therefore, players should always be aware of their bankroll and be prepared to walk away from the table when it becomes necessary.