Roulette is a table game that has long been a staple in casinos around the world. It is easy enough for beginners to learn, yet has enough betting options that experienced players can find it enjoyable too. It has a reputation as being one of the fastest and most exciting casino games available. Despite this, it is not as popular as some of the other table games like blackjack, video poker and craps. The basic game is played on a large, circular table where a croupier spins a ball in a wheel with 37 or 38 compartments (depending on whether it’s an American or European wheel) numbered nonconsecutively from 1 to 36. Two additional green divisions on the American wheel carry the numbers 0 and 00, which radically increases the house edge. Before the wheel is spun, players place their bets by placing chips on a special betting mat. These bets are either placed on specific numbers, sections or colors of the roulette wheel. Bets on specific numbers are called “inside bets”, while those on other groups of pockets based on their position are known as “outside bets”. Once the ball has landed in a pocket, winners will be paid according to the odds of the bet they made. The payouts for each type of bet vary depending on the amount wagered. The simplest bet is a single number, which pays out 35:1. Other popular bets include the low red and high black groups, and the first, second and third dozen. The symmetries between the numbers on the roulette wheel can help you choose the best bet for you. Roulette is the only table game that offers a wide range of bets, but the betting limits on individual tables are often quite different. It is important to set a budget before playing and to choose a table that allows you to make bets within that limit. This will help you to stretch your bankroll and can also allow you to test out a few roulette strategies without worrying about running out of money. While roulette has one of the smallest followings in the United States compared to other table games such as baccarat and blackjack, it is still a major attraction at Monte Carlo and other European casinos. There are several different ways to cheat at roulette, some of which may be illegal. However, there are also a number of tricks that can be used to alter the odds in your favor. The roulette game is not only popular in land-based casinos but has also migrated to online gaming. Many online casinos offer the game alongside other popular casino games and slot machines. Some online casinos offer a variety of variations on the traditional game including French roulette, which has an en prison rule. This means that if your even-odds bet loses to a zero, the dealer will give you half of your money back. This significantly improves the house edge, which makes it a better game for players.