Roulette is a casino game named after the French word for little wheel. It is a game of chance where players place bets on a single number or various groupings of numbers, the color red or black, or whether it is odd or even. A croupier spins a numbered wheel and a small ball is then thrown in the direction of the desired number. If the ball lands on that number, the winning bets are paid out. If it lands on a green pocket, the bets are left in place for another round.
The house edge for a roulette bet can range from 2.63 percent to 7.89 percent depending on the type of wheel used. The odds of winning are different for each type of bet, so it is important to understand the betting system and the payouts before playing. In addition to knowing the rules, you should practice roulette with virtual money before betting real cash. This will help you get familiar with the game and improve your chances of winning.
When playing roulette online, it is important to establish a budget and stick to it. You should only use money that you can afford to lose and should never bet more than 5% of your total bankroll on a single bet. This will prevent you from making costly mistakes while playing the game.
There are many roulette games available at online casinos. It is recommended to play European roulette, as it has a lower house edge than the American version. You can also play French roulette, which has an additional rule called “en prison” that allows you to keep your bets if they lose.
In America, roulette is a relatively minor attraction compared to slot machines, video poker, blackjack, and craps. It still draws large crowds in Europe, however. It is particularly popular in Monte Carlo and other elite casinos.
A good strategy for roulette is to make outside bets, which have a higher probability of hitting. These include straight, split, corner, and street bets. It is also important to learn the table layout so you can bet effectively.
Before a roulette round begins, the dealer will clear the table and pay any winners from the previous game. He will then spin the wheel and throw the ball, announcing “no more bets!” to signal that betting for the current round is closed. Then, the winner bets are placed on the table and the process repeats. The best way to win at roulette is by correctly guessing which number the ball will land on.