Roullete is a French word that can be translated to mean “little wheel.” Roulette is one of the casino’s most popular games, based solely on luck and attracting large crowds at online and land casinos. It is easy enough for beginners to learn and has a lot of betting options that can make it more exciting for more experienced players.
The game consists of a table where players place bets before a croupier spins a ball around a wheel. The wheel has thirty-six compartments, painted alternately red and black. A 37th compartment, painted green on European wheels and red on American ones, carries the number zero. The dealer also keeps track of all bets, dividing the even-money bets in half and giving half to the player. This is known as the La Partage rule.
There are a variety of bet types in roulette, and each has its own house edge. The most common bets are outside bets, which are placed on the outer rim of the table and cover a range of numbers or groups of numbers. These bets are higher risk, but offer larger payouts. Inside bets, on the other hand, are placed on the numbered portion of the table and cover single numbers or small groups of numbers. These bets are lower risk, but pay out less money.
After the wheel stops spinning, the croupier will pick up the ball and place it in a special pocket called a spittoon. Then the table will lock and players will no longer be able to place bets. This prevents cheating by placing devices in the table or wheel, and also ensures that all bets are accounted for.
The spittoon also serves as an important safety feature in case the croupier loses control of the ball. It keeps the ball from flying off the table and hitting a player or bystander. The spittoon is also an effective deterrent to larceny, as the croupier can use it to arrest thieves and retrieve stolen goods.