Roulette is a casino game in which a ball is dropped onto a revolving wheel with numbered holes. Players place bets on which number or section of the wheel the ball will land in. There are a variety of bets including single numbers, various groupings of numbers, colors (red or black), odds and evens and whether the numbers are high (19-36) or low (1-18).

The game has many variations that exist online and in land-based casinos. These include American, European and French roulette. Each has subtle differences that you should know before playing.

Most people think that the 17th century French mathematician Blaise Pascal invented the game of roulette. However, the truth is that it was already being played all over the world long before this time. The earliest recorded use was in ancient China, and the game then made its way to France, where it was modified by Dominican monks. Its popularity spread quickly throughout Europe and into the United States.

To play, simply drop a colored chip on the roulette table to indicate your bet. Then spin the roulette wheel and watch the ball whizz around and eventually fall into one of the pockets. If you win, you will receive your winnings immediately and can then either place another bet or withdraw them if you wish.

There are different variations of the Roulette game, but most have similar rules. The most common is the European version which has a single zero and has a much lower house edge than the American double-zero variation. The European Roulette game also includes the ‘La Partage’ and ‘En Prison’ rules which offer additional insurance for even money bets if the ball lands on zero.

Other variations of the game have been created to make it more exciting for players, and many are now available in online casinos. These include side bets that pay out more for certain bets, and bonus payouts for predicting the correct color or number in a row.

If you are a new player to roulette, it is recommended that you try out the simplest variant – French Roulette. It has the smallest house edge of all the versions and will give you the best chance of winning. It may seem daunting at first because of the French terms used on the betting mat, but you can always ask the dealer for help if needed. If you don’t want to risk your cash, try the free play version of the game instead. This is a great way to learn the rules and practice your strategy before spending real money on the game. Good luck!