Roullete is a gambling game in which a small ball is released in the opposite direction of a revolving wheel and players make bets concerning which red or black numbered compartment the ball will drop into as it comes to rest. Roulette is played in casinos and at home as well as on the Internet. It is one of the most popular casino games, and its success is based on pure luck.

The game originated in the 17th century, when French physicist Blaise Pascal invented the cylinder, later known as a roulette wheel, during his quest to create a perpetual motion machine. The game became popular in Europe, and it is now available at online casinos as well as land-based casinos around the world. New types of Roulette are also gaining in popularity, including mini-roulette versions with a smaller wheel and the ability to bet on just 12 numbers.

Players place bets by placing chips on a special table map that indicates which numbers they are betting on. Each number is represented by a color, and bets placed on groups of six or less are termed Inside bets. Bets placed on more than 12 numbers are Outside bets. Each table carries a placard describing the minimum and maximum bets allowed. Generally, each American roulette table has a higher minimum bet than the European version because of the different payouts offered.

In addition to the basic rules, some players use strategies aimed at improving their chances of winning. They may play their birthday, anniversary or lottery numbers. They might also observe their opponents, hoping to spot a bias in the wheel or some other trick that will improve their odds. Such strategies are almost always futile, however, since roulette is a game of chance and, barring exceptional circumstances, there is no way to overcome the built-in house edge.

Roulette is a very popular casino game, and is played by millions of people worldwide each year. It is a simple game to learn, and is great fun to play. While it doesn’t have the enthralling appeal of blackjack or poker, and is not as common in American casinos as video poker and slot machines, it still attracts large crowds in Monte Carlo, where it is a mainstay. In the United States, the game has a relatively small following and is in danger of being overtaken by games such as baccarat and Caribbean Stud. However, it remains a popular choice at some of the top online casinos.