Roulette is a casino game of chance that has been around since the 17th century. It is popular with players for its glamour and mystery, but it also offers a surprising depth of strategy to serious betters who are willing to play the game seriously.

A roulette wheel consists of a spindle with metal partitions or frets that separate its divisions and are painted alternately red and black. A ball is spun around the wheel and dropped into a numbered sector when it stops.

Before the ball is rolled, the player places chips on a betting mat that indicates the number they believe will come up. Chips can be used to place individual bets, or groups of numbers can be placed as outside bets.

When a number is hit on a spin, the player’s bet is paid out in chips. Each chip has a value and can be sold to other players if the bet wins.

The winning number is indicated by a small symbol on the table. A winning bet will have a marker on it, and losing bets are cleared off the table. The dealer then explains the winning number to the player and collects his chips.

There are 38 numbers on a roulette wheel, divided into nonconsecutively numbered compartments that are surrounded by metal partitions. A green division carries the sign 0 on American tables, and a red division carries the sign 00 on European wheels.

Betting combinations are available for both inside and outside bets, as well as announced bets. Announced bets are special betting combinations that are most commonly featured in French Roulette, though they may also be found in online European roulette variants.

These betting combinations are designed to give the player a higher chance of winning than ordinary bets. The payouts for these bets are usually much lower than for straight-up and combination bets, but they do have the advantage of offering an edge against the house.

If a number is hit on a spin, a marker will appear on the table. The player will then indicate whether they want to cash in their chips or keep them for another spin.

A bet on a single number is called a straight-up bet, and it pays 35 to 1. A bet on a group of numbers pays 36 to 1 or more.

Some casinos offer free spins for a limited time to new players. This can be a great way to try out a game of roulette before committing any money. However, you should understand that these free spins are subject to house rules and restrictions. In addition, free spins will not guarantee a win and may only be valid for a certain amount of time.