Roullete is a casino game that involves spinning a wheel and betting on the outcome of the spin. Players may bet on a single number, various groupings of numbers, colors (red or black), whether the numbers are odd or even, and if they are high (19-36) or low (1-18). The game originated in the 17th century and has since become a popular pastime worldwide. Despite its relative simplicity, the game offers a surprising depth for serious bettors who use a sound strategy.

The game begins when a player places his or her chips on the roulette table. The croupier then spins the wheel, and the ball will eventually drop into one of the compartments on the wheel. Winners will be rewarded according to their betting odds. Outside bets, such as red-black, odd-even, first and second dozen, and high/low, pay out at a lower probability than inside bets.

A roulette wheel consists of a round bowl-like disk with numbered divisions that alternate between red and black, with a green (0) and a double-zero (00) pocket. The roulette table also has a numbered grid where bets are placed.

While fanciful stories exist about the origins of the game, roulette is most likely based on the ancient Italian games of Biribi and Hoca. It is believed to have come to France in the early 18th century and was a popular casino game throughout Europe by the late 19th century. The game became popular in the United States as well, but due to rampant cheating by both operators and gamblers, it was eventually modified to prevent devices from being hidden within the wheel or table.

Today, roulette can be found in many casinos and is available online. New variations on the game have emerged, including multiball roulette played with up to three balls and mini-roulette versions that feature a smaller wheel and the ability to bet on just 12 numbers.

Before you play, establish a betting unit size based on your available bankroll. Each roulette table carries a placard describing the minimum and maximum bets. Most tables have a $5 minimum for inside bets and a $1,000 maximum for outside bets.

When you are ready to start, choose a table within your budget and place the appropriate amount of chips on the table. Once the ball spins, the dealer will clear losing bets and pay winners. Remember that it is important to keep winnings separate from your bankroll.

Successful roulette strategies involve predicting which numbers will come up more often than others on the wheel. This can be done by watching other players, hoping to pick up on their habits and making bets accordingly. It is also possible to find a biased wheel in poorly run casinos that can be exploited.

The simplest method is to utilize the Martingale strategy, which requires that you double your bet after each loss and reset it when you win. This system is best used on games with even money payouts, such as roulette and blackjack. However, this strategy is not effective for other casino games with higher house edges, such as video poker or slot machines.