Roulette is an iconic casino game, instantly recognizable by its spinning wheel and the small white ball that determines players' fortunes. Its name means "little wheel" in French, and the game is one of pure chance, making it accessible and exciting for beginners and veterans alike.

How the Game Works
At its heart is a large wheel sectioned into pockets, each with a unique number. The two primary versions of roulette are:

European Roulette: It features numbers 1 through 36 plus a single green zero, for a total of 37 slots. Due to the single zero, the house advantage is a favorable 2.7%. American Roulette: The American wheel adds a second green pocket, the "00", bringing the total to 38 slots. Players face worse odds in this version because of the "00".

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

Understanding the Betting Options
All roulette wagers fall into one of two main classifications.

Inside Bets
Inside bets are wagers on the numbered section of the table. They offer big payouts but are harder to hit.

Straight Up: Betting on one specific number. The highest payout in the game. Split: Betting on the line between two numbers. Street: A three-number bet that pays 11:1. Corner: Betting on the intersection of four numbers.

Outside Bets
These are wagers on general outcomes and casino have better odds with lower payouts.

Red/Black: A simple color bet that pays even money. Odd/Even: Betting on the number being odd or casino even. High/Low: A bet on whether the number will be in the low range (1-18) or the high range (19-36). Payout is 1 to 1. Dozens/Columns: Betting on a group of 12 numbers.

Is There a Winning Roulette Strategy?
Because roulette is a game of pure chance, there is no strategy that can guarantee a win or casino overcome the house edge in the long run. Systems like the Martingale (doubling your bet after a loss) are extremely risky and can lead to catastrophic losses very quickly. The best "strategy" is to manage your bankroll, play for entertainment, and if possible, always choose European roulette over American roulette.