The Different Variations of Roulette
Roulette has a long and storied history, captivating players worldwide with its various international versions and exciting gameplay. The iconic spinning wheel and the thrill of predicting where the ball will land make roulette a timeless classic found in every reputable casino.
But what are the different roulette variations you can play online, and are they available at India's top online casinos? The three most popular versions are American, European, and French roulette. Each variant comes with its own distinct rules, table layout, house edge, and unique features that make playing at different roulette tables an exciting experience.
American Roulette: The Double Zero Twist
To play American roulette, you'll encounter a wheel with 38 slots. These are numbered 1 through 36, along with a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). The numbered slots are divided between red and black colours, while the two zero slots are green. The presence of this double zero compartment is what sets American roulette apart.
That extra "zero" slot in American roulette significantly increases the house edge compared to its European or French counterparts. The number of available betting options also varies depending on the number of pockets on the roulette wheel.
European Roulette: A Player Favourite
The European roulette wheel features 37 slots, numbered 1 to 36, plus a single zero. Each number is either red or black, with the zero pocket being green. This version is a favourite among players because its house edge is lower than that of American roulette.
The key difference compared to the American version is the absence of the double zero slot in European roulette. This leads to a smaller house edge, making the game more appealing for strategic play and potentially offering better winning chances.
With a house edge of approximately 2.70%, European roulette offers a more favourable experience for players. Having only one zero slot means there's a reduced chance of the ball landing in a losing pocket, directly contributing to the lower house advantage.
French Roulette: "La Version Francaise"
The French roulette wheel has also 37 roulette numbers (1 through 36 plus a single zero) just like the European version. French roulette differs most significantly from European roulette in its rules and betting possibilities.
France's take on the roulette game has its own set of rules and betting possibilities that set it apart from other variants. French roulette has its own distinct betting possibilities like "voisins du zero," "orphelins," and "tiers du cylindre," in addition to the standard "en prison" and "en prisoner" bets.
If a person bets even money (red/black, odd/even, high/low, etc.) and the ball falls in the zero slot, he or she will only lose half of their original wager (the La Partage regulation). French roulette offers the best chances to players because of this rule, which lowers the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35%.
Other Online Roulette Game Versions
After so many years, it's quite understandable that roulette offers different versions already. Plus, the creation of live dealer roulette has launched even more variations, thus giving the game a modern twist.
Multi-Wheel Roulette, Mini Roulette, and 3D Roulette are just a few of the many roulette variants out there - all three of them are also live versions. It's common practice for online casinos to allow players to practice these variants for free before allowing them to bet real money.
Mini Roulette
Thanks to software providers like Playtech and Evolution Gaming, roulette fans are now able to play Mini Roulette, which is a smaller version of the original online game. Mini Roulette can adapt to smaller screens - despite being played on a PC or laptop. This allows players to play roulette while doing another activity, like betting during a game.
Multi-Wheel Roulette
If one roulette wheel simply doesn't make it, there's also the chance to bet on roulette with up to eight games simultaneously. Multi-Wheel Roulette follows the European Roulette rules, with all of the games happening at the same time.
Live Dealer Roulette
Live dealer games are the perfect blend between the real-life experience and online versions. In the case of roulette, the live dealer roulette games allow players to interact with the dealer, watch an actual wheel spin, while making bets that the dealer places on a real table. Plus, live dealer roulette has multiple versions in most live casinos.
Pinball Roulette
It's time to forget about the classic roulette wheel and replace it with something fresh, like a pinball machine. This is the principle of Pinball Roulette, most famously from Playtech. The game bases on European Roulette rules, with a big difference in the layout. Obviously, this makes the game more exciting and dynamic.
Conclusion
Each roulette online game offers thrilling action. However, online roulette games are all different and it's crucial to get a hang of them before starting. For example, due to the La Partage rules, players have a better chance of winning in French roulette than in American roulette. In order to make the most of your online roulette experience, it is important to not only understand the differences between the various versions of the game but also to have a solid grasp of the roulette rules and common pitfalls to avoid.
Players can use the same strategies in all versions of roulette, but it's vital to be familiar with how many numbers on a roulette wheel there are, each version's rules and house edges to optimize winnings. It's recommended that players try out various types of roulette gamble online to discover the one they enjoy playing the most.
FAQ
What are the main types of roulette available to play?
The three most widely recognised roulette variants are American, European, and French roulette. While each roulette game has its own set of rules and visual features, they all revolve around the same idea: spinning a wheel and betting on where the ball will land.
What are the key differences between American and European Roulette?
The layout of the wheel is the primary distinction between American and European Roulette. The American version has both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00), bringing the total number of pockets to 38. The European version only has one zero (0), resulting in 37 pockets. This difference affects the house edge, giving players a slightly better chance in the European version.
What makes French Roulette unique compared to other versions?
French Roulette uses the same wheel as European Roulette but includes two additional rules: "La Partage" and "En Prison." These rules can further reduce the house edge. With La Partage, if you've made an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, you'll get half your bet back. En Prison gives you the option to freeze your bet for the next spin if the ball lands on zero, giving you another chance to win.
Can I apply the same strategies across all roulette variants?
While many roulette strategies are universal, the most effective ones will depend on the specific variant you're playing. For example, the Martingale strategy might be more effective in European and French Roulette due to their lower house edge. If a casino offers multiple versions, it's best to understand the rules of each and adapt your strategy accordingly. Remember to gamble responsibly.
What is the "racetrack" in roulette, and which versions feature it?
The racetrack is a special betting layout found in European and French Roulette. It represents the numbers on the wheel in their actual order, allowing players to bet on groups of numbers that are physically next to each other. Common examples include Voisins du Zero, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins. This can be useful for players in India who prefer to bet on specific sections of the wheel.
