Roulette is one of the most popular casino games around. It is easy enough for novices to play and has plenty of betting options for experienced players. You can find this game at every online and land casino.

The roulette wheel is a spinning circular disk, with 37 or 38 red and black numbered compartments, and a green zero or 00 (on European-style wheels). A small ball, called a “coin,” is dropped into the wheel while it is in motion. When the coin lands in a number, the player wins. The game is based entirely on luck, and the only skill involved in playing is in selecting which bet type to place.

Roulette has a long and colorful history. Its origin is unknown, but fanciful stories abound. One legend credits 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal with inventing the game. Another claims that it was brought to Europe by Dominican monks. Regardless of its exact origin, the game became an essential part of Monte Carlo’s casinos in the 18th century.

The game has many variants, each with its own rules and odds. The game can be played against a computer or a live dealer. It is a very fast-paced game, and it can be extremely exciting to watch the wheel spin and the ball settle. But remember, you’re putting your money at risk, so be sure to understand the odds and betting rules of each variant.

There are many different types of bets in roulette, each with its own odds and payouts. A straight-up bet, for example, pays out 35 to 1 if the ball lands in your selected number. However, the odds of hitting that number are actually 37 to 1, and the house gets a built-in edge by paying less than the true odds.

Despite its popularity, roulette has a relatively low profile in the United States compared to other casino games, such as slot machines, video poker, blackjack and craps. However, it remains a popular choice in Europe. One of its attractions is the “La Partage” rule, which lowers the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35%. This is due to the fact that if the ball lands in the zero pocket, the dealer divides all losing wagers in half and gives half back to the players. The house’s advantage in the game is 2.70% without this feature.