Roulette, known in French as Roullete, is a casino game based on luck that has attracted generations of players. The game is wildly popular at online and land-based casinos and the roulette wheel is one of the most recognized symbols of the gambling industry. The basic concept is simple — a ball is thrown into a spinning wheel and lands in one of the compartments numbered from 1 to 36, alternately painted red and black. A 37th compartment carries the sign 0 on European-style wheels while American tables have an extra green zero compartment on opposite sides of the wheel.
Prior to a spin of the roulette wheel, bets are made by placing chips on a betting mat, with specific locations for different types of bets. A bet on a single number is called an Inside bet, while those on groups of numbers are known as Outside bets. The number and color of the winning bet are then indicated by a marker placed on the winning chip, and the losing chips are cleared from the table.
There are a wide range of strategies associated with roulette, but the house edge is relatively constant. The best thing a player can do is decide on a budget for their play and stick to it. This will help them avoid overextending their bankroll, which can cause them to lose money quickly.
In the United States, roulette has a relatively small following compared to slot machines, video poker, blackjack and craps. However, it is a mainstay at Monte Carlo and other European casinos.
The history of roulette is a bit murky, although the game is thought to have originated in Europe sometime before the 17th century. The name probably comes from the French word for a little wheel. The first formal roulette wheel was designed by the French mathematician Blaise Pascal in 1716 and was adapted for use in gambling dens and casinos. After a brief ban in Europe, the game became popular throughout France and then spread to other gambling establishments in Europe.
The game has since become an international favorite, and it is currently more popular in the United Kingdom and Europe than in the United States. In the US, it draws fewer players than games such as baccarat and keno, but it still attracts crowds in some casinos.