Roulette is a casino game that involves the spinning of a numbered wheel. A small ball is then thrown onto the wheel while it is in motion, and it spirals and bounces around until it settles on a number. If the player has bet on that number – or various groupings of numbers, the colour red or black, whether it is odd or even, or one of two value ranges in which that number sits – then the player wins.
A croupier spins the wheel and then a ball is rolled onto it. The croupier then removes all losing chips from the table, and winning bets are paid out according to the payout table. The process then repeats.
There are many variations on the rules of the game, but the basic principles are the same. The simplest bet is a single number, which is staked by placing chips on the center of a square. Other bets include a split (two adjacent numbers) or a street (four consecutive numbers). Each number on the wheel has its own color and a separate paytable. The number zero, for example, costs 17 chips to complete and pays 235 chips.
The house edge in roulette is the difference between the odds of a given bet and the payout amount. There are several ways to reduce this advantage, such as selecting a table with the lowest minimum bet and maximum bet limits, or using a strategy that maximizes outside bets. In the United States, some casinos also offer a version of the game with two green pockets, 0 and 00, which increases the house edge by about 3%.
Before you play, establish a betting unit based on your available bankroll. This will help you manage your money more effectively and make the most of your perks. It is also important to read the fine print of any bonus terms and conditions before you begin playing. Understanding the wagering requirements will allow you to clear your bonuses faster. If you are unsure, ask the dealer for clarification.