Roulette is a casino game that is based on luck and involves spinning a wheel. Players place bets on a single number, various groupings of numbers, the colors red and black, odd or even, high (1-18) or low (18-36).
The roulette wheel is a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape with a metal band around it. Thirty-six of the compartments on the rim are painted alternately red and black and are numbered non-consecutively from 1 to 36. A 37th compartment, painted green, carries the number 0. On American wheels two additional compartments painted green are labeled 0 and 00. The wheel is spun by the croupier, and the ball drops into one of the compartments when the dealer stops spinning. If the ball lands in your chosen color or number, you win.
In addition to the game itself, online casinos offer a variety of betting options for roulette. The different betting combinations give you different odds for winning and payouts if you win. The different types of bets are divided into three categories: inside bets, outside bets and announced bets.
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers on the layout and come with higher payouts if you win. They also have a lower house edge than outside bets.
Outside bets are placed on groups of numbers and cover a larger section of the wheel. They have a lower house edge than inside bets, but the payouts are smaller.
Announced bets are special betting combinations which only appear in some roulette variations. They have their own French names and are a vital part of the rules you must learn.
When choosing a roulette site you should look for a large selection of games as well as a generous bonus offering. Some operators will only count a small proportion of your roulette wagers towards meeting bonus playthrough conditions and others will exclude the game entirely.
Another consideration is the quality of the software used by the casino. You should ensure that the games are fair and that they are regularly tested by independent bodies. Some reputable online casinos have their own gaming labs and employ dedicated staff to test their products. This is the only way to guarantee that you will enjoy your roulette experience.