Roulette is a game of chance played at a table marked off with numbers 1 to 36, and one or two zeros. It has in the center a revolving, dishlike device called a roulette wheel into which a small ball is spun to come to rest finally in one of 37 or 38 compartments, as marked on the wheel.

Unlike other casino games, the house edge of roulette is not as high as in craps. The house edge varies with the type of bet placed. To maximize your chances of winning, you must choose the correct bet type for the game. Several different types of bets can be placed, including straight-up bets, split bets, red/black bets and first, second or third dozen bets. Each bet type has its own odds and payouts.

The wheel consists of a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape with thirty-six metal separators, or frets, around its circumference. The pockets, painted alternately red and black, are numbered nonconsecutively from 1 to 36. On European-style wheels, a 37th compartment painted green carries the number 0, and on American wheels, two green compartments on opposite sides carry the numbers 0 and 00.

Players place their bets on the numbered area of the table by laying down chips on the betting mat. Each roulette table carries a placard that describes the minimum and maximum bets allowed. The bets can be made in a variety of ways, but the most common are inside and outside bets. Inside bets are placed on individual numbers and have a higher house edge than outside bets, but their payouts are much larger.

After each round, the croupier throws a ball into the spinning roulette wheel. It then lands in one of the compartments and winners are rewarded according to their bets.

Before you make any bets, decide on a betting unit size based on your available bankroll. A good rule of thumb is to bet 1% of your bankroll on the D’Alembert system, which will help you manage your risk and keep your losses to a minimum. This way, you will have the flexibility to increase your bets when you’re winning and decrease them when you’re losing.

Once the ball has landed, the dealer places a marker on the winning number and pays out any winning bets. Then the losers clear off the table, and the process repeats. It’s important to cash out your winnings as soon as possible and not dip into your losses to bet again.

When you’re ready to play roulette again, choose a table that offers your preferred bets and limits. Then, set a budget and stick to it. Each roulette table carries a placard describing the minimum and maximum bets, so you can pick the best one for your situation. Also, be sure to choose a table that accepts your preferred deposit method. Some casinos offer bonus roulette, which offers additional incentives to players who place certain bets.