Roulette is a gambling game where bets are placed on either a single number or various groupings of numbers. The game also includes bets on color (red or black) or whether the number is odd or even. A spin of the wheel then determines a winner. Roulette is a popular game in many casinos and is also available in online form. There are some variations on the rules of the game, however most are very similar. For example, some versions of the game offer La Partage, which allows players to receive half their losing wagers if the ball lands in the zero pocket. This lowers the house edge on even money bets to 1.35%.

Roulette was derived from earlier games such as hoca and portique. Its history dates back more than 300 years and has been attributed to 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal, who was studying probability. The game is believed to have reached its present form around the 18th century.

A Roulette wheel consists of a central compartment surrounded by 38 red and black numbered divisions. There is also a green zero on American wheels. A small ball is rolled onto the wheel and then into one of the compartments. If the player’s bet is on that particular number or grouping, the player wins.

The Roulette table has different betting areas that are clearly marked on it. The table layout also explains the different types of bets that can be placed. Beginners should start by placing outside bets, which are broader wagers that cover groups of numbers. These bets are typically cheaper and have a higher chance of winning.

Once the bets are placed, a croupier will spin the roulette wheel. Once the wheel comes to a stop, the croupier will remove all losing bets from the table and pay out winning bets based on the payout chart. Then the game begins again with another round of betting and spinning the wheel.

The game of roulette has a long and varied history, and there are many theories about its origins. Some believe it was invented by a French mathematician, Blaise Pascal, while others say it was developed in China or by a monk. Whatever the truth may be, the game became a popular casino fixture throughout Europe and America, particularly in gambling dens. The game was eventually banned in some jurisdictions, but has since returned to popularity with both new and veteran gamblers. Today, roulette is considered to be the most popular game in European casinos. Its popularity has even extended to the United States, where it was introduced in the 1930s. It is also a featured game in the Monte Carlo casino.