Roulette has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th Century. It is one of the most popular table games worldwide and despite its simple rules, there is a surprising depth of strategy for serious players to explore.

Roulette is played with a cylinder that has 37 numbered divisions around its edge and alternate between red and black. On the American version of the game there is an extra green division numbered 0. The ball is spun in a circle and when it stops, the number it lands on determines whether you win or lose.

Before the dealer spins the wheel, players place their bets by placing chips on a betting mat. These chips indicate the bet you are making, whether it is a single number or various groupings of numbers, the color red or black, or high or low. A bet on six numbers or less is called an Inside bet and a bet on 12 or more is an Outside bet. The chips are then swept up and the winning bets paid out.

When you play Roulette, it is a good idea to set a budget and stick to it. Each table carries a placard that explains the minimum and maximum bets allowed. Between each spin, give the dealer your money and ask for “colour.” The dealer will then hand you coloured roulette chips equal to the amount you gave them. This will help you avoid the temptation to dip into your winnings and keep playing beyond your limits. It’s also a good idea to avoid betting on individual numbers, as this type of bet has the highest house edge.