Roulette is an iconic casino game, instantly recognizable by its spinning wheel and the small white ball that determines players' fortunes. As a game of pure probability, roulette is easy to learn and offers a unique kind of excitement.

The Basics: Wheel Layout and Objective
The core of the game is the roulette wheel, which is divided into numbered pockets. You will encounter two main types of roulette wheels:

Single-Zero Roulette: It features numbers 1 through 36 plus a single green zero, for a total of 37 slots. This version offers better odds for the player, with a house edge of 2.7%. American Roulette: This variant is identified by its 38 pockets, which include both a "0" and a "00". Players face worse odds in this version because of the "00".

The aim of the game is simply to bet on the winning number.

Placing Your Wagers
Roulette offers a wide variety of betting options, which can be divided into two main categories: Inside Bets and Outside Bets.

Inside Bets
These are bets placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the inside of the betting layout. They have higher payouts but lower odds of winning.

Straight Up: Betting on one specific number. The highest payout in the game. Split: A two-number bet that pays 17:1. Street: A three-number bet that pays 11:1. Corner: A bet on a group of four numbers. Payout is 8 to 1.

Outside Bets
Outside bets cover large sections of the wheel. They are easier to win but offer smaller payouts.

Red/Black: A simple color bet that pays even money. Odd/Even: Betting on the number being odd or even. High/Low: Betting on the number falling in the 1-18 or casino 19-36 group. Dozens/Columns: A bet on one of three dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) or one of three columns. Payout is 2 to 1.

Roulette Systems
Because roulette is a game of pure chance, there is no strategy that can guarantee a win or overcome the house edge in the long run. While popular, betting systems like the Martingale are flawed and can wipe out your funds in a short amount of time. The best "strategy" is to manage your bankroll, casino play for casino entertainment, and if possible, always choose European roulette over American roulette.