Roulette Basics
A captivating wheel-based game of chance, roulette can trace its origins to France and has charmed generations of players over the centuries since its debut. Despite being simple in nature, it is still an immensely thrilling game, and both of these qualities have helped it become an indispensable element of both land-based and online casinos all over the world. Over the years, its widespread popularity and spread across the globe as well as the advancement of technology have led to the creation of several variations that are now considered well-known and commonly played.
Online Casinos Roulette Variations
As previously mentioned, numerous variations of roulette have been developed throughout the classic table game’s long history as it spread to different parts of the world. The virtual format afforded by roulette finding a new home and audience in the world of online casinos has only amplified this, resulting in even more ways for roulette fans to enjoy their favorite table game.
Below are the different variations of roulette you can find in most online casino libraries today.
European Roulette
Arguably the most popular roulette variation particularly among online casino players, European roulette uses a 37-pocket wheel with the pockets being numbered from 0 to 36. The singular zero pocket ensures it has a low house edge of just 2.7% which is the main reason it is a favorite among both novice and experienced players. Because of this, many roulette game providers have developed at least one European roulette game with attractive aesthetics and smooth gameplay that can be found in most online casinos.
American Roulette
The primary way American roulette differentiates itself from its European counterpart is its additional double-zero pocket which brings its wheel pocket total up to 38. This extra pocket can significantly impact a player’s odds, especially since it increases the house edge to 5.26%. Despite this, American roulette has a sizable fanbase online as the double zero adds an extra layer of excitement and players often enjoy the challenge it presents. As a result, many casinos both online and offline provide both American and European options so that players can freely choose their preferred variation.
French Roulette
Unsurprisingly, French roulette is identical to European roulette in terms of its wheel configuration. However, it sets itself apart from both its European and American counterparts by offering unique rules not found in either variation. The highlights are the La Partage and En Prison rules which allow players to recover half of their even-money bets if the ball lands on zero. This feature reduces the house edge even further to a staggering 1.35%, making it an attractive choice for savvy players.
Multi-Wheel Roulette
Those who are after a more exhilarating roulette experience might be interested in trying multi-wheel roulette as it allows players to place bets on multiple wheels simultaneously. By doing so, they increase their chances of winning with the tradeoff being that gameplay is more complex than in usual roulette games. This makes it a thrilling option for roulette fans who enjoy a gaming environment that has a faster pace compared to the usual fare.
Live Dealer Roulette
An amazing experience exclusive to online casinos, live dealer roulette delivers a gaming experience in real time that bridges the gap between land-based casinos and the online world. This is achieved through a video stream that allows players to see and interact with a live dealer who will spin the wheel and answer questions as if the players were standing at a physical roulette table. In this way, players can enjoy the social aspects of physically being at a real casino without sacrificing all the creature comforts of home that they love. It should be noted that most live dealer roulette games feature European or French roulette but fans of other variations like American roulette should not have that difficult a time in finding a live dealer version of their preferred roulette variation.
Immersive Roulette
The next stage of evolution for live dealer roulette, immersive roulette takes things a step further by allowing players to experience roulette like never before thanks to multiple camera angles and slow-motion replays. This enhanced visual experience provides players with an engaging way to follow the action, making it a popular choice in many online casinos.
3D Roulette
By utilizing the details and next-level visual appeal of 3D graphics, 3D roulette immerses players in a virtual casino environment and gives them a new way to enjoy their favorite table game. The stunning realism of its graphics and animations make the gameplay feel more realistic and entertaining.
Speed Roulette
For players who prefer rapid-fire gameplay, speed roulette features faster spins and an equally quick betting process. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a high-paced environment as it allows for more rounds to be played in a shorter amount of time.
Specialty Variations
Many online casinos also offer unique roulette variations that incorporate different themes or additional features such as special betting options and bonus rounds. These unconventional variations add an additional layer of excitement to the game as they offer something new whether it is a different way to play roulette or simply a fresh appearance that is wildly different from the traditional roulette wheel and table layout.