Roulette is an exciting casino game that has offered glamour, mystery, and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. Its simple rules and large payout potential make it a favorite among gamblers around the world. It is a game of chance that can be played by all ages and experience levels. In addition to the obvious, betting on a number or grouping of numbers, you can bet on color (red or black), whether it is odd or even, and whether the wheel is high or low (1-18 or 19-36). The bets are placed by putting chips down on a betting mat with the specific location of the chip indicating the bet being made. The game of Roulette was derived from the earlier games of hoca and portique and gained its present layout and wheel structure about 1790.

In the beginning of a roulette game, players make their bets by placing chips on a betting area on the table. The dealer then spins the roulette wheel and a small ball is thrown into the wheel, swirling and bouncing until it comes to rest in one of the divisions on the wheel. The divisions are numbered from 1 to 36 and alternate red and black with an extra green 0 on American tables.

When a winning number is hit the player receives a payout based on the amount of their bet. Unlike other casino games, the player’s wagered chips are left up to possibly win again on the next spin, so they do not disappear when they lose.

The house edge in Roulette can vary, but generally speaking it is higher than that of Baccarat. A good strategy to follow is to start by wagering on “outside bets” that cover groups of numbers instead of individual digits and are cheaper to place. This will lower the overall cost of your bets and increase your chances of hitting them.

Frank Scoblete is a well known author who grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and spent the ’60s getting an education; the ’70s editing, writing and publishing; and the ’90s and 2000s in casino gambling. He has authored 35 books and is a widely acclaimed casino gaming specialist. He lives in Long Island, New York. He has written for a variety of publications, including the “New York Times” and has appeared on numerous TV shows.