Roullete or, as it is sometimes abbreviated, roulette is one of the most popular casino games in the world. Whether it’s played for real or just for fun, it has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to gamblers since the 17th century. Its relatively simple rules are easy to understand, yet it offers a surprising level of depth for serious players.

There are many stories about the origin of roulette, but most agree that it was derived in the early 18th century from the older games hoca and portique. It achieved its current wheel and table layout in about 1790, and quickly became a major attraction at casinos and gambling houses throughout Europe.

A roulette wheel consists of a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape, with metal compartments or pockets arranged in rows and columns on the perimeter. The pockets are alternately red and black, with a single green pocket (on European-style wheels) or two green pockets (on American-style wheels). Between the compartments are metal separators, called frets by croupiers. Each of these is numbered nonconsecutively from 1 to 36; on some European-style wheels, a 37th compartment carries the sign 0 or 00, depending on the variant being played.

The symmetries of the roulette wheel help to create some interesting betting opportunities. For example, the first 12 numbers on the right side of the wheel are a grouping called “the first dozen”; bets placed on this group pay out 2-1. The second and third dozen is another symmetrical grouping that pays out at the same rate. Other groups such as the column, corner, and six-number bets all offer different types of odds.

Each roulette table carries a placard that describes the minimum and maximum bets allowed for that particular game. The best way to maximize your winnings is to set a budget before entering the casino and stick with it. It’s also a good idea to make only outside bets, which are cheaper and offer the greatest chance of hitting. Avoid making grandiose or complicated strategies, as they won’t improve your chances more than coincidence will.