The Different Variations of Roulette
We all have our favorite version of roulette, and it’s easy to forget there are other versions of the age-old game to choose from, just like there are different varieties of blackjack and craps. Any high-end online casino should offer European, American and the French version of roulette.
Below is an explanation of the main variations of online roulette that you can find at a high-end online casino or pokies site.
The Roulette Table Explained
A European roulette table layout comprises 36 squares, numbered from one to thirty-six. There is also either a single or double zero on top. European is the most popular version, with 37 pockets. American roulette has a double zero, which gives the house a greater edge.
You can make a wager on any of these squares or certain combinations linked by the grid lines, i.e., Rows, two adjacent squares, and four squares, among others.
Eighteen of the numbers are red; the rest are black. Bets include 50/50 bets on the winning number being red or black, odd or even.
- !st – 2nd – or 3rd 12 – You can bet on the roulette ball landing on numbers 1- 12, 13 – 24, or 25 – 33.
- Columns – In this bet, you decide whether the ball lands on a number in the right, left or center column.
- Halves – With this bet, you decide whether the ball will land on a number between 0 -18 and 19 -36
The American roulette table is very similar to the European with the only difference being an additional zero (a double zero). This double zero is placed next to the single zero at the top of the table.
The Roulette Ball
The roulette ball used to be made out of ivory but is now usually made out of molded acetal, nylon or phenolic. All three materials can affect the ball’s liveliness when dropped onto the roulette wheel.
If a ball is lively, it is harder to predict where it will land, but there are also some drawbacks to using a bouncy ball, as there have been times it has jumped out of the wheel, causing delays in games and disgruntled players.
Of course, no physical ball is used in online roulette (unless you are joining a live online game). A Random Number Generator or RNG will determine the outcome of all games.
French Roulette
As mentioned, European and American roulette are similar; the only real difference is the single zero versus the double zero, which affects the house edge.
French roulette features the same wheel with single zero slots and all the betting options as European roulette. Still, the table has a slightly different layout as there are some extra bets players can make whilst enjoying a game of French roulette.
- If you make an outside bet and lose because the ball has landed on the single zero, you will be awarded half your bet back. This option is called “La Partage”, which originates from the French word – “to share”.
- The other rule difference when playing French roulette is “En Prison”. With this rule, you are offered an option if you have made an outside bet and lost because the roulette ball lands on a single zero; you can take half of your bet or make the same bet again.
If you decide to make the same bet again, the croupier will place a marker on your bet to show it is locked in place (in prison).
