Roullete is one of the simplest casino games to play, yet it offers a surprising level of depth for serious betters. While roulette has never had the popularity of slot machines, video poker, blackjack, or craps, it remains a mainstay at Monte Carlo and other European resort casinos.

The game is played with a small, circular wheel containing thirty-six red and black compartments (known as “canoes” by roulette croupiers) numbered nonconsecutively from 1 to 36. The wheel also has two green compartments, which on American wheels carry the signs 0 and 00. A metal plate affixed to the wheel, called the “separator,” divides the compartments into alternately colored zones. A croupier spins the wheel and, when it stops, players place their bets on various numbers, groups of numbers, color, odd-even, and first, second, or third dozen combinations.

After each spin, the dealer places a marker on winning bets and clears the table of losers. Winners are paid and betting begins again. If you win a bet, cash your chips out as soon as possible. Do not dip into your winnings to make future bets; this will only lower your odds of winning. Some players like to watch other players, hoping to pick up hints about the next spin by reading expressions or observing the way other players make their bets. While this may offer some entertainment value, it will not improve your odds of winning more than coincidentally. A basic strategy for winning is to start by making outside bets, which are cheaper and have a higher chance of hitting. Then, gradually move in to placing bets on the individual number slots. The last bets to place are the inside bets, which are more expensive and have a lower probability of hitting.