Betting is very simple in roulette if you follow these simple rules.

Be sure to ask about the minimum bet amounts. If you're playing at a $5 minimum table, this means you must bet at least $5 on the outside bets (odd, even, black, red, etc). On the inside (number) bets, you can satisfy the minimum by betting $5 on one number, or $1 each on 5 different numbers.

You'll notice that roulette chips are different from those used at other table games. In American roulette, each player is given a specific colored chip, so that the dealer can tell the different player's chips apart.

Also, you will have to tell the dealer the value that you want your chips to have. If you're at a $5 minimum table, you should use $1 as your chip value so that you can place several $1 number bets if you wish. These chips can only be used at that roulette table and must be exchanged for normal chips when you leave the table.

To make a bet, simply place however many chips you wish on that number, or on the outside bets. If someone else already has a bet on your number, simply place your chip on top. You can place bets even while the wheel is spinning, up until the time the dealer calls "no more bets" or waves his hand over the table.

Once the ball has landed in a slot, the dealer calls out the number and color, places a marker on that number on the betting table, and pays off the winners. Be sure to take your winning chips off the table if you don't want to let them ride on the next spin.

That's all there is to it! There is no thinking required, other than deciding which bet you want to make, and you can place your bets with your eyes closed and still have the same odds of winning.

Good Luck!