Roulette tables come in all shapes and sizes, but the basic layout is always the same. There are 36 numbered slots on the table, with one of those slots being reserved for the “roulette” ball.
The table has a spinning wheel that is usually made of metal or plastic and is about 18 inches in diameter. The ball is placed at the bottom of the wheel and as it spins around, it makes a noise that can be heard by players at the table.
When a player places a bet, they must choose one of the numbers on the table. That number is then put into one of 36 betting positions on the table. The numbers 1-36 are called “red” numbers because they are on the front half of a Roulette wheel.
The number 37 is also a red number, but it’s located in the middle of the wheel. Numbers 38-46 are called “black” numbers because they are on the back half of the wheel.
Once a player has made their bet, the dealer will place either a red or black chip next to that number on the table. The dealer then picks up one of four white balls and places it into one of the numbered slots on the wheel. The ball starts to spin around and as it does, it drops down through one of four small chutes that feed into an opening at the bottom of the wheel.
If you’re betting on red numbers (1-26), when your ball falls into one of those chutes, you win your bet and receive your chip back plus any cash that was put into that particular slot. If you’re betting on black numbers (27-46), when your ball falls into one of those chutes, you lose your bet and don’t receive anything back from your chip(s).
