Roullete is a casino game in which players place wagers on the outcome of a spin of a numbered wheel. Bets can be placed on a single number, various groupings of numbers, the color red or black, whether the number is odd or even, and whether it is high (19-36) or low (1-18). A small ball is then spun around the wheel and, when it comes to a stop, the winning number is determined.

The rules of roulette are simple and the game is easy to understand, but winning is more complicated. Besides knowing the odds and bet types, it’s also important to have a realistic view of what you can expect from the game. If you’re new to the game, start by placing “outside bets” — these bets cover large groups of numbers and have lower house edges. As you become more comfortable with the game, you can increase your stakes and try your luck with the more complex inside bets.

The roulette wheel consists of a solid, slightly convex wooden disk with thirty-six compartments (or pockets) painted alternately in red and black. A separate compartment, painted green, carries the sign 0. There are also two green compartments on American wheels that carry the signs 00. The dealer spins the wheel and throws the ball. When the ball lands on a number, the winning bets are paid out and play resumes for the next round. The dealer will then clear the table of the losing bets and announce, “No more bets!” This prevents players from attempting to cheat the system by using devices hidden under the tables or in the wheel, and it gives the dealers time to ensure that no one has an unfair advantage before beginning the next spin.