What is Roulette?

Lesson 1 of 12

Roulette is one of the most famous casino games in the world. The name originates from the French word for “little wheel”.

The game is played using a spinning wheel and a small ball. Players place bets on where they believe the ball will land after the wheel comes to rest.

Modern roulette exists in several variations, with European Roulette being the most common form in most parts of the world.

The wheel contains numbered pockets. In European Roulette these numbers range from 0 to 36.

When the ball comes to rest in one of these pockets, winning bets are paid according to fixed payout rules.

Although roulette is considered a game of chance, understanding its structure, probabilities and betting options is essential for every serious player.

At Roulette Intelligence, we believe that education should come before strategy. Before studying betting systems, players should understand how the game itself works.

Key Facts

• Origin: France

• Numbers: 0–36

• Total pockets: 37

• Most common version: European Roulette

• House edge: 2.70%

Next Step

Continue with European Roulette to learn why the European version differs from American Roulette and why that difference matters.

Next Lesson: European Roulette →