Roulette is one of the most popular casino games worldwide. It has provided glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. The game is relatively easy to understand but can have a surprising depth for serious betters. It is also a great choice for those looking to play online.
The game involves a revolving dishlike device with 37 or 38 compartments that are painted alternately red and black, plus a single green zero (on American wheels). A small ball is spun around the edge of the wheel in order to come to rest within a number of the compartments. The croupier then calls the winning number and pays the winners based on their betting odds. The game is played in casinos, gambling houses, and now also on the Internet.
There are many variations of the game, including multiball roulette with up to three balls, no-zero roulette where the green zero slot is removed and mini-roulette versions where you can bet on just 12 numbers. Some versions of the game use a different layout or a smaller wheel than others. Some use a curved wheel while others have a traditional flat wheel.
A player’s first decision is what size of chip to bet with. There are usually a variety of denominations, from $0.10 to $500. Clicking on the desired size will place a chip on the table. Players can also select multiple chips at once if they wish to place a group bet or a combination of inside and outside bets.
The simplest and most basic roulette bet is an outside bet, which covers any number except a single one. These bets can be placed in groups on the table, ranging from red-black and odd-even to the first, second and third dozen. They can also be made on a range of specific categories, such as high-low, low-high and odd-even.
Other bets are more complex and involve placing chips in a specific area of the table or on specific types of numbers. These bets are called “call” bets and are unique to European roulette. These bets can be placed as a single unit, or in smaller units, such as two units or five units. In addition, some players use a betting system known as the Martingale, which requires you to double your bet after each loss and add one unit every time you win.
The game has a long and varied history, with fanciful stories claiming that it was invented by 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal or by Dominican monks. The game became widespread in the 18th century and quickly gained a reputation for sophistication and excitement. It is available in land-based casinos and online, as well as in mobile apps.