Roulette is a gambling game where a small ball rolls around a wheel and people make bets on what number it will land on. The wheel has separate compartments for each red and black number and a green zero (on American tables only).

Bets are placed on a special table that corresponds with the different divisions of the wheel. Each bet type has different odds. In addition to individual numbers, players can also place groups of numbers forming a square on the betting area of the table. The payouts for these bets are less than if you win a straight up bet.

The game emerged in Europe in the 18th century and is played with a roulette wheel and a betting table. The wheel has numbered compartments for red and black and one extra green division for a double zero. If you play at a casino online, you’ll find that the roulette games there follow the same rules as the real thing.

Before the game begins, the dealer clears the table of the previous round and places a marker on the winning number. Players then place their chips on the corresponding spots on the betting mat. Bets on individual numbers are called “Inside bets.” Those on larger groups of numbers are called “Outside bets.” Each type of bet has a different house edge, so it is important to know the odds before you place your bet.

Roulette is easy to learn and can be a lot of fun, but it’s a gamble and you should only bet with money that you can afford to lose. Some players try to improve their chances of winning by watching other players, hoping they can catch a hint of what their opponents are doing. However, this is not a reliable way to increase your chances of success.

Before you start playing roulette, set a budget and stick to it. You can do this by choosing a betting table that is within your budget. Each roulette table carries a placard that describes the minimum and maximum bets, so you’ll be able to choose the one that best suits your needs. Once the dealer announces “no more bets,” the table will lock, preventing cheating or additional advantages.