The game of Roullete (or Roulette in English) is a classic casino game. It involves a numbered wheel that is spun while a small ball is thrown onto the wheel, bouncing around until it settles on a number. If the player has wagered on that number or one of the color groups (red or black), odd or even, they win.
The American version of the game, which has an extra green compartment that carries the number 0, is less popular with players than the French version, which has a house edge of only 1.35% and a variety of special rules that improve its odds. These include the En Prison rule, which allows an even-odds bet to lose and still have half its original stake returned before the next spin, and La Partage, which reduces the house edge for inside bets by reducing the amount lost when a number wins.
In a real casino, players place their bets by laying chips on a betting mat, with the precise location of the chips indicating the desired bet. The numbers on the wheel are arranged in thirty-six nonconsecutive compartments, called frets or canoes by roulette croupiers, painted alternately red and black, with a single green compartment for the zero and two other green compartments for the double-zero on American wheels. The number of chips required to cover the whole number and two adjoining numbers in a street bet can be calculated by counting the number of adjacent digits on the table map.
Depending on the size of the betting unit, bets can be placed on six, twelve, or more numbers. Bets on six or fewer numbers are referred to as “Inside bets”, while those on more than six are known as “Outside bets”.
When a bet is placed, the dealer spins the wheel. Then the ball comes to rest in one of the pockets on the wheel. If the bet is a winner, the winning chips are removed from the table and the players are paid out. A bet on the number 17 pays out 235 chips, for example, while a bet on three numbers will pay 392 chips.
The best way to increase the chances of winning at roulette is to use a strategy, but avoid using grandiose or complicated strategies because the game is mostly based on luck. Start by wagering on “outside bets” (groups of numbers instead of individual digits). These bets are often cheaper and have a higher likelihood of hitting, making them better value for your money. It’s also a good idea to bet a small amount each time, especially when you’re just starting out. This will prevent you from getting carried away and losing too much, and it will help you get used to the gameplay. Moreover, it will allow you to build your bankroll gradually over time.