Roullete (pronounced “rou-LEY”) is a game of chance in which you wager on a number or grouping of numbers on a roulette wheel. The game evolved in the 18th century in France and became a popular casino game throughout Europe. Despite its relatively simple rules, the game offers surprising depth and can yield high rewards for serious players.

The wheel is a solid wooden disc slightly convex in shape and has thirty-six metal compartments called frets or pockets (called canoes by the roulette croupiers) that alternately appear as red or black and are numbered nonconsecutively from 1 to 36. On European wheels, a single green compartment carries the numeral 0. Two additional green compartments on American tables carry the numerals 0 and 00, which significantly lowers the odds of winning for the player.

Before the ball is spun, players place chips on a betting mat, which is designed to clearly identify the bet being made. The chip placement indicates the type of bet being placed (Inside bets are on six numbers or less; Outside bets are on 12 or more). The bets are then swept away and the dealer spins the roulette wheel. The ball then lands in one of the numbered slots.

Before the start of a new round, players should first clear losing bets from the table and cash out their winnings. Then they should select a roulette table within their budget and begin by placing bets on groups of numbers rather than individual digits, since these bets are generally cheaper and have a higher probability of hitting. Players should also be careful not to overextend their bankroll, and it is a good idea to start by playing only small bets until they have built up a cushion of winnings.