Roulette is a casino game in which players bet on the number or type of numbers that they think will appear when a small ball is released into the spinning wheel. A croupier spins the wheel, and players place their bets by placing chips on a betting mat that corresponds to the compartments on the wheel. When the ball lands in one of the compartments, if players have bet on that number, section or color, they win according to their odds.

The game is played with a small ball and a wheel that has numbered divisions ranging from 1 to 36 in a seemingly random pattern. The divisions alternate between red and black, and there is a single green zero on European roulette wheels. American roulette wheels have an additional extra green division numbered 00, which increases the house edge and makes the game worse for players.

When a player wins a bet the dealer will signal that it is time to begin the next round of betting by clearing off the table and placing a token on the winning spot. The dealer will then distribute the player’s chips. Unlike most other casino games, roulette chips do not have a value printed on them. Instead, each set of chips comes with six to eight sets of different colored chips and the value is determined by the total buy-in divided by the number of chips received. The dealer will then place a token on top of her stack of the appropriate color of chips to indicate the value.

In addition to the individual number bets, players can also make street and corner bets by putting chips on the ends of rows that contain three numbers. These bets are known as “outside bets” and are more affordable than the individual digit bets. Generally, outside bets pay out more often than individual number bets.

There is no surefire way to win at roulette, but there are a few basic strategies that can help you improve your chances of success. First, avoid betting on the number or type of numbers that you think will win. You will increase your chances of winning if you place your bets closer to the center of the table.

It is also important to understand that there are a lot of factors that can influence the outcome of a roulette game. Regardless of the strategy you use, be sure to stay aware of your bankroll and know when to walk away. The best online casinos in the US offer a wide selection of roulette games and will let you play for free or real money. This will give you a chance to see how the game works and decide if it is for you.