Roullete (French for “little wheel”) is a gambling game in which a small ball rolls around a revolving wheel and players make bets on which red or black numbered compartment it will drop into as it comes to rest. Bets may be placed on a single number, various groupings of numbers, the colors red and black, whether the number is odd or even, or if it is high (19-36) or low (1-18). A croupier spins the wheel in one direction and a small ball in the opposite direction over a tilted circular track that runs around the perimeter of the roulette table.
Roulette is considered a classic casino game and can be found in most casinos and gambling dens. It is easy enough for beginners to learn, and offers a variety of betting options for the more experienced player.
A standard European roulette wheel has thirty-six red and black compartments numbered from 1 to 36, plus two green compartments (on American wheels the zero and double zero are painted green). The croupier places a chip or ball on a special table layout that corresponds with the compartments on the wheel. The table also contains a square of 0s and 00s, which are used as additional bets.
Despite its age and widespread availability, roulette has a relatively small following among modern casino games, with nowhere near the popularity of slot machines, video poker, blackjack, or craps. In Europe, however, the game continues to draw crowds to Monte Carlo and other major gambling centers. In the United States, it draws more players than baccarat, and has a smaller following than poker or other card games, but it is still one of the most popular casino table games.
