Roulette is a game of chance played at a table, having in the center a revolving, dishlike device called a roulettewheel into which a small ball is spun to come to rest finally in one of 37 or 38 compartments, indicated by a numbered marker. Typically the numbers are alternately red and black, but there may be one or two zeros, depending on the wheel. Various sections afford the players a variety of betting opportunities and there are many betting systems.

Roulette, French for “little wheel,” was invented more than 300 years ago. Its precise origin is unknown, although 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal is credited with its invention while studying probabilities. Some historians believe that it is derived from older games like hoca and portique, while others trace its history to ancient China, where a similar game involved 37 animal figurines.

A croupier, or a dealer, spins the wheel and then places a small white ball in the slot corresponding to the number it landed on. The player then places a bet and pays the croupier his winnings. The payouts for winning bets vary from 1 to 36 chips. Each player receives a color of chips, so that bettors can be differentiated from one another; it is recommended that even spouses play separately in order to avoid conflicting betting patterns.

The game has long been a favorite of gamblers, especially high rollers, because of its simplicity and relatively low house edge of 2/13 or 7.69% (depending on the type of bet). There are numerous roulette strategies, but no system guarantees a positive outcome. Even so, in the 1930s some professional gamblers were able to consistently gain an advantage in roulette by seeking out rigged wheels and betting opposite the largest bets.

For over 25 years, Roulette has been a critical laboratory for composers and improvisers to try new ideas. Amid its storied history, Roulette has seen its share of successes and failures, but it remains true to its roots as an experimental arts venue. Now, Jim Staley—the trombonist, composer, and founder of the Roulette organization—has decided to move on from his TriBeCa loft that was home to the venue for decades. In the coming months, he will step down as artistic director of the organization and its flagship Greene Street space. Ahead, Staley discusses the past, present, and future of the organization.