Roullete (pronounced “roll-ay”) is a game of chance in which players place bets on either individual numbers or various groupings of numbers. In the center of the table is a revolving device called a roulette wheel, into which a small ball is spun and comes to rest in one of the 37 or 38 compartments on the wheel. If the player’s bet — which can be placed on whether the number is red or black, odd or even, or in one of two value ranges — comes up, they win.
The wheel is a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape, with metal partitions, called frets by the croupiers, which are painted alternately red and black. Thirty-six of these compartments (on American wheels, a second green compartment carries the number 0) make up the wheel’s numbered segments. A curved track runs around the perimeter of the wheel, and a small ball is rolled in the direction of the corresponding sector when the wheel stops rotating.
Traditionally, roulette balls were made of ivory but today are typically synthetic materials like resin and Teflon. The size, weight and material of the ball has a significant impact on its behavior on the track. A smaller, lighter ball will make more revolutions on the track and jump more unpredictably before landing on a number.
When placing bets, remember that inside bets have a higher house edge but also pay out more money when they win. Outside bets are broader wagers that cover an entire category of numbers and have a lower house edge but a smaller payout when they win. Those bets are best for beginners, as they offer a higher probability of winning with a lower investment.
After all losing bets have been cleared from the table and winners paid, the dealer will spin the wheel. Once the ball is thrown, the dealer will announce “no more bets!” This prevents cheating by preventing players from betting on the wheel after the dealer has announced the end of play for the current round.