The Different Variations of Roulette

Gamblers have been captivated by roulette and its multinational versions and varieties for ages. Roulette, with its recognisable spinning wheel and the excitement of betting on where the ball will fall, is an old-school staple of any respectable casino.

However, what are the different variations of roulette? Also, are they available at the best online casino for UK players? The three most common variations of roulette are American, European, and French. Each version has its own rules, the roulette board in each game, the house edge, and what makes playing the different casino roulette tables so unique.

American Roulette: The 00 Version

Players need a special wheel with 38 slots (1 through 36, plus a single zero (0) and a double zero 00) to play American roulette. The slots in the American roulette wheel are red and black, and the zeroes are green. In contrast to European and French roulette, American roulette features a double zero compartment.

A second "zero" slot distinguishes American roulette from other forms of the game. Because of this extra compartment, the house edge in American roulette is much higher than in European or French versions. Depending on how many numbers in roulette wheels are, the number of betting options a player has also changes.

European Roulette: The Most Popular Game for UK Players

The European roulette wheel has 37 slots, numbered from 1 to 36 plus a single zero. Each digit is either red or black, with zero being represented by a green space. Since the house edge in European roulette is smaller than in American roulette, it's more common among players.

The double zero slot is nowhere to be found in European roulette, which is the main distinction between the European and the American version of it. Because of this distinction, the house edge in European roulette is smaller, making the game much more appropriate to use not only strategies but also to have higher winning possibilities.

When compared to American roulette, European roulette has a smaller house edge of 2.70%. With only one zero slot, players have a smaller house edge because they have a lesser chance of having the ball fall in a losing pocket.

French Roulette: The Sophisticated Choice for UK Players

The French roulette wheel features 37 numbers (1-36 plus a single zero), mirroring the European version. However, French roulette distinguishes itself from its European counterpart primarily through its unique rules and betting options, offering a more refined experience for UK players.

France's adaptation of roulette boasts its own distinct set of rules and betting possibilities. Beyond the standard bets, French roulette introduces special wagers like "voisins du zero" (neighbours of zero), "orphelins" (orphans), and "tiers du cylindre" (a third of the wheel), alongside the well-known "la partagé" and "en prison" rules.

Crucially, if you place an even-money bet (such as red/black, odd/even, or high/low) and the ball lands on zero, you only forfeit half of your stake thanks to the "la partagé" rule. This rule significantly enhances the player's advantage, reducing the house edge on even-money bets to a favourable 1.35%, making it a top choice for savvy UK gamblers.

Exploring Other Online Roulette Variants

Over the years, roulette has evolved into numerous exciting versions. The advent of live dealer roulette has further expanded the game's appeal, offering modern twists and immersive experiences for players across the UK.

Multi-Wheel Roulette, Mini Roulette, and 3D Roulette are just a few examples of the many variants available, often including live dealer options. Most online casinos allow players to try these variants for free, giving you the chance to practice before wagering real money.

Mini Roulette

Thanks to innovative software providers like Playtech and Evolution Gaming, roulette enthusiasts can now enjoy Mini Roulette, a compact version of the classic game. Mini Roulette is designed to be adaptable to smaller screens, making it perfect for mobile play on the go, allowing you to place bets even when multitasking.

Multi-Wheel Roulette

If one roulette wheel simply isn't enough, 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 offer the perfect blend between the real-life casino experience and online versions. For UK players, live dealer roulette games allow you to interact with the dealer, watch an actual wheel spin, and place bets that the dealer then places on a real table. Plus, live dealer roulette has multiple versions available 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 is based on European Roulette rules, with a significant difference in the layout. Obviously, this makes the game more exciting and dynamic for UK players.

Conclusion for UK Players

Each online roulette 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 are on a roulette wheel, each version's rules, and house edges to optimise winnings. It's recommended that players try out various types of roulette gamble online to discover the one they enjoy playing the most.