Roulette is a popular casino game that has many bet types. Each bet type pays out differently, and it’s important to understand these differences before you play. You should also know how the table is set up and what numbers sit in each area of the table.

A roulette wheel has thirty-six compartments painted alternately red and black, with a green compartment containing the number 0. Players place their chips on the table when the dealer is not taking bets.

Origin

The game of roulette is believed to have originated in 18th-century France, where it first appeared in casinos and gambling houses. While some fanciful theories claim that it was invented by 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal or by Dominican monks, its present layout and wheel structure were probably derived from earlier games hoca and portique.

It is also thought that the game may have been influenced by an Italian game called Biribi and another game played by Roman soldiers. The latter involved spinning shields that had symbols on them and placing bets on which symbol would come up in front of an arrow. Many websites that provide an overview of the history of roulette cite these supposed ancestors, but they are difficult to verify.

Bets

There are a number of betting opportunities available on the roullete table. These include inside bets, which are placed directly on specific numbers, and outside bets, which are placed on a group of numbers. The most common type of outside bet is the Split Bet, which is also known as a cheval in French. This bet involves placing your chips to straddle the line between two adjacent numbers on the layout. This wager pays 17-1 if you win.