Roulette Games Available at Casinos
Roulette offers a diverse range of formats, from the classic European, American, and French layouts to distinctive versions that include smaller or multiple wheels. The variety of roulette games available in both traditional and live online casinos is extensive. When it comes to payouts, odds, betting options, and the strategies or systems you might employ, much depends on your personal playing style. With numerous options at your disposal, we aim to guide you through making the best choices for your game. Below, you will find the most popular roulette games available both in live environments and in the game lobbies of online roulette sites.
Top 5 Roulette Variants
What Are the Differences Between Roulette Variants?
Exploring the diverse selection of roulette games, we'll examine the nuances that distinguish each variant in terms of its layout, payout structure, and some of the most popular strategies employed by players. These insights can be found across online casinos that offer roulette, providing a comprehensive understanding of how each game offers a unique experience.
European Roulette
European Roulette stands as a highly favored variant in numerous online casinos. It offers players the opportunity to place bets on a spectrum of numbers from 0 to 36. The wheel's configuration showcases numbers 1 to 36 in alternating red and black, along with a solitary green 0, cumulating in 37 betting slots. A win on a single number yields a payout of 35:1. For those seeking a wider range of betting options, outside bets are available, including choices like red, black, odd, even, low (1-18), high (19-36), and columns. For more targeted betting, inside bets such as corner bets (covering four numbers) or street bets (covering a row of three numbers) are available.
With a house edge of approximately 2.7%, European Roulette offers the second-lowest house advantage, only surpassed by French Roulette. Its layout and favorable house edge make it a popular choice for devising roulette strategies. Among the notable strategies applicable to any roulette table are progressive betting systems like the Martingale, which is more aggressive, and the D'Alembert or Fibonacci, which are considered safer options. For those who prefer to minimize risk, the Romanovsky strategy offers flat betting, covering approximately 86.5% of the European table.
It's crucial to remember that no roulette strategy guarantees wins, and being prepared for potential losses is essential.
American Roulette
American Roulette follows a layout similar to European Roulette, with the key difference being the inclusion of both a 0 and a 00 on the wheel. This addition keeps the single number payout at 35:1 but significantly increases the house edge to 5.26%, making it the variant with the highest advantage for the casino compared to European Roulette.
In terms of strategies and systems, the same approaches used in European Roulette can be applied to American Roulette, though the player's odds are slightly reduced due to the additional 00 pocket. Overall, American Roulette tends to be less favorable for players. However, it's worth noting that some casinos might offer promotions exclusively for American Roulette tables. If you're considering signing up for a new roulette site, it's advisable to check whether the bonus limits apply specifically to American Roulette.
French Roulette
French Roulette shares the same layout and number range (0 to 36) as European Roulette, offering the same 35:1 payout on single number bets. A key difference is the inclusion of a special rule that acts as a safety net for players. Specifically, when an even money bet (such as red/black, odd/even, low (1-18)/high (19-36)) is placed and the ball lands on zero, the bet isn't immediately lost. Instead, it is given a "get out of jail" opportunity, meaning the bet stays on the table for another spin, providing a second chance to win.
This rule, however, only applies to even money bets, which are typically found on the outside first line of the betting table. In the unfortunate event that zero is hit twice in a row, the bet is lost. This special rule adds an interesting strategic element to French Roulette, distinguishing it from European Roulette.
This table offers the lowest house edge, which is a significant advantage. However, it's worth noting that many American casinos might not adopt this rule, which diminishes its effectiveness, rendering the gameplay similar to European Roulette. Finding a French Roulette table in a live casino setting could prove challenging, but it remains the optimal choice for those looking to experiment with new strategies, especially due to the advantageous "get out of jail" rule.
Mini Roulette
For those who prefer playing roulette on a more intimate scale, Mini Roulette offers an appealing alternative. This variant features a compact table with only 13 slots: numbers 1 to 12 and a single zero. This unique take on traditional roulette offers a distinct experience, with smaller payouts reflecting the reduced scale. For single number bets from 1 to 12, the payout is 11:1. In an interesting twist, landing on zero doesn't result in a total loss of your bet; instead, you only forfeit half.
This is a different approach compared to the "En Prison" rule in French roulette, where your bet is carried over to the next round. As a result, the house edge in Mini Roulette is slightly lower than that of European roulette, making it a slightly more player-friendly option.
Multi-Wheel Roulette
For those intrigued by the idea of simultaneously betting on multiple roulette wheels, Multi-Wheel Roulette offers an exciting opportunity. This variant allows players to bet on up to 6 wheels at a time, or even more in some cases. It's important to note that your bet effectively multiplies with the number of wheels you choose to play. For instance, placing a $1 bet on red across six wheels means your total bet is $6, with potential winnings calculated separately for each wheel.
One recommended strategy for Multi-Wheel Roulette involves betting on single numbers, which can yield a 35:1 payout. This approach capitalizes on the increased chances of hitting a single number across multiple wheels, as opposed to betting on just one. However, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific rules at the table, as payouts can vary depending on the number of wheels in play.
Adopting this strategy can be advantageous, but it requires a larger bankroll to accommodate the increased bet sizes inherent to playing multiple wheels. Therefore, players should ensure they are prepared for the higher stakes involved.
Multiplayer Roulette
Multiplayer games have gained popularity in live casinos, with Lightning Roulette being a notable example that successfully combines the live experience with the excitement of multipliers. Typically, multiplayer roulette is played on a European roulette wheel, where multipliers randomly appear on single numbers. The payout for a single number, influenced by the number of multipliers, ranges from 29:1 to as low as 19:1. For instance, Roulette 6 by Pragmatic Play features 6 multipliers.
It's important to note that multipliers only apply to single number bets. Bets placed on outside or inside bets without multipliers receive standard payouts. A strategic approach to multiplayer roulette involves a mix of betting styles. Starting with flat bets, including both outside and inside bets, can help build your bankroll. Transitioning to single number bets, such as betting on 25 numbers for broader table coverage, increases the chance of hitting a multiplier but also carries a higher risk of loss.
Progressive Jackpot Roulette
When playing progressive jackpot games, you have the opportunity to trigger a multi-level progressive jackpot, which can include up to four different jackpots. The number and types of jackpots can vary significantly among roulette games. Similarly, the rules for activating them differ; in some instances, you may need to hit the same number multiple times, while in others, jackpots are triggered randomly after placing your bet. Progressive jackpots are designed to add an extra layer of excitement, offering the chance for a substantial payout. However, we generally recommend caution with these games.
If you're seeking the thrill of contributing to a progressive jackpot, slot games might be a more straightforward option, as they often involve more players contributing to the jackpot than roulette does.
Live Dealer Roulette
Experiencing live dealer roulette, streamed directly to your computer from a studio, offers one of the most immersive experiences akin to visiting a physical casino. This format is available for various roulette versions, including European, American, and French roulette, ensuring that all your favorite styles are accessible in a live format. Multiplayer roulette, in particular, has gained popularity, with many casinos now offering this option for live play.
It's important to note that the minimum bet size for live dealer tables is usually higher due to the additional costs associated with operating a live studio and employing dealers, compared to traditional online roulette games without live dealers.
Casinos often emphasize their live dealer sections, and it's easy to see why. They typically attract players through daily roulette promotions or welcome bonuses specifically for roulette, which can enhance your gaming experience.
It's crucial to understand that, in the realm of casino games, roulette is known for having a higher house edge compared to games like blackjack, which has a lower house advantage. Therefore, no strategy can guarantee a win every time, and it's important to be prepared for the possibility of loss.