Roulette is a gambling game in which players make bets on the outcome of a spinning wheel. The game has a table, a revolving wheel with numbers and one or two zeros, and several other sections offering different betting options. The croupier (dealer) throws a small ball into the wheel and it spins around until it comes to rest in one of the compartments, red or black, odd or even, first, second, or third dozen, etc. When the ball lands on a number, the winners are paid according to their bets.
The game’s popularity has inspired a variety of bets and betting strategies. Some are based on probability while others aim to beat the house edge. Some of these systems claim to increase the odds of winning by predicting when the ball will come to rest in a particular slot on the wheel.
While a majority of bets are placed on individual digits, there are also a variety of bets that cover categories of numbers and other features of the wheel such as color, odd/even or high/low. These types of bets are known as outside bets and are a great place for beginners to start, since they offer more predictable results with higher payouts if won.
Before placing any bets, it’s important to set a budget and choose a table that fits your bankroll. Each roulette table will display a placard listing the minimum and maximum bet amounts. You can then choose the type of bet you want to make and give your dealer a specific amount of money in exchange for colored roulette chips. The value of these chips is equal to your buy-in divided by the table’s minimum bet.
Once you’ve placed your bets, the croupier will throw the ball into the rotating wheel and the game will begin. Once the ball reaches a compartment, the winning bets will be determined and the croupier will clear the table and pay out the winners.
If you’re unsure of what bet to place, here are some suggestions:
High or Low Bet: Also known as passe et manque in French, this is a wager that the winning number will be either the first 18 (1-18) or last 18 numbers (19-36). This is an even-money bet with a payout of 1:1. Dozens Bet: In this bet, you’re wagering that the ball will land in the first, second or third dozen on the layout. This is another even-money bet with a payout o 1:1.