Despite significant changes in the casino industry over the years, the classic roulette wheel has endured. One of the greatest things you can do at an online casino is learn how to play roulette and take pleasure in all of its variations. We will examine the distinctions, parallels, and other aspects of European, American, and French roulette in this comprehensive overview.

Roulette Wheel

The primary action occurs on the roulette wheel. Standard variants of the game involve dropping a ball onto a spinning wheel. Depending on the version of the game you are playing, the ball will then land in either 37 or 38 pockets. The outcome of this will then determine whether or not you won your wager. The roulette wheel’s layout and design haven’t changed much in decades, and there aren’t any significant alterations in the works.

Roulette Table

The roulette table is where you will put your bets, and it is a very different thing from the roulette wheel. There are two types of betting on the table: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets let players place more specialised wagers, like straight-up or doubles, and show all 37/38 numbers on the grid. All of the larger betting options and even-money wagers will be shown on the outside of the table. Regardless of the type of roulette being played, the arrangement is essentially the same.

Roulette Variants

Roulette stands out as one of the most iconic casino games, and over time, various versions have emerged, each with distinct features that differentiate them. The three most common types are European, American, and French Roulette, each marked by differences in wheel design, table layout, and rules. European Roulette is the most popular and has a single zero, which makes it more advantageous for players. In contrast, American Roulette includes an additional double zero, which raises the house edge. French Roulette, while similar to European, incorporates the La Partage rule, which can help reduce losses on even-money bets.

In addition to these well-known variants, other forms of roulette present unique twists on the classic game. For example, Mini Roulette has a smaller wheel with only 13 numbers, changing the odds and payouts. Multi-wheel roulette lets players place bets on several spinning wheels simultaneously, enhancing the excitement and potential winnings. With so many options available, players can experiment with different rules and strategies to discover their preferred way to play.

American Roulette

The second most popular kind of roulette game you will likely come across is American Roulette. An extra zero is placed on the table in American roulette, increasing the house edge and altering the rules for players. Let’s examine the American Roulette regulations, numbers, and table arrangement.

American Roulette Table Layout

American roulette’s betting table is not all that different from the classic European roulette setup. The sole difference between the outside and inside betting possibilities in the betting table is the double zero, which is an extra zero at the top of the number columns.

American Roulette Wheel Numbers

Like its European cousin, the American roulette wheel features a green zero in addition to the standard numbers 1 through 36. The double zero number, which is located on the other side of the roulette wheel from the conventional zero, is where the wheel distinguishes itself.

American Roulette Rules

American Roulette adheres to the conventional roulette structure and rules. The right reward is awarded after players place their bets and the wheels are spun. Our payments guide at Gambling Zone contains all the information you need to know about American Roulette payouts.

European Roulette

The most well-known and widely played kind of roulette is unquestionably European roulette. The 37-digit wheel used in the game has a number zero at the top and numerals 1 through 36 evenly divided between red and black. 

European Roulette Table Layout

There are 18 black numbers, 18 red numbers, and one zero on the European roulette table. The table is set up with several columns, each containing a number from 1 in black to 36 in red. At the top of the columns is the green-colored number zero.

European Roulette Wheel Numbers

In addition to the conventional 1-36 numbers, European Roulette also include the green number zero. When playing European Roulette online, players can wager on as many numbers as they like.

European Roulette Rules

The simplest roulette rules are still used in the European version of the game. Just after placing their wager and verifying it, players press the spin button. After that, any wins are distributed. To find out if there are any extra features or bonuses, you should always look at the paytable of the game you are playing.

French Roulette

Despite a few minor variations, French roulette is very identical to European roulette. Despite a minor layout difference, they both have the same numerals. The La Partage rule can be used in French roulette, and there are other call-bet choices.

French Roulette Table Layout

French roulette follows a similar layout to European roulette. A green zero is placed at the top of the wheel, and there are 36 numbers, numbered 1 through 36, that are equally divided between red and black.

French Roulette Wheel Numbers

The numbers on the European roulette wheel and the French roulette wheel are identical. The numbers are arranged in a red-black-red-black pattern, with 18 red and 18 black numbers. With 32 red on one side and 26 black on the other, the green zero is at the top of the board.

French Roulette Rules

The “La Partage” rule is the primary distinction between French and European roulette. According to this regulation, a player only loses half of their wager if they place an even-money wager and the ball lands on zero. The home edge is somewhat diminished as a result.

Which Roulette is best for the players?

When it comes to selecting the best roulette variation for players, French Roulette emerges as the most advantageous choice. Although American, European, and French Roulette all share the same basic principles, the differences among them greatly affect a player’s long-term odds. American Roulette, featuring an extra double zero (00), has the highest house edge at 5.26%, making it the least appealing version. European Roulette provides better odds with just one zero, reducing the house edge to 2.70%. However, French Roulette takes it a step further by including special rules that lessen player losses, making it the top pick for those aiming to enhance their winning chances.

A major benefit of French Roulette is the La Partage rule, which is unique to this variation. This rule significantly boosts the odds for players who favor even-money bets, like red/black or odd/even. When combined with the already lower house edge of European Roulette, La Partage positions French Roulette as the most strategic and rewarding option for players.

The La Partage Rule

The La Partage rule is a distinctive aspect of French Roulette that offers players a significant advantage by minimizing potential losses. When a player makes an even-money bet (like red/black, odd/even, or high/low) and the ball lands on zero, they only forfeit half of their bet rather than the entire amount. This effectively halves the house edge on even-money bets, reducing it from 2.70% to just 1.35%.

For instance, if a player wagers $100 on red and the ball lands on zero, they would only lose $50 in French Roulette, as opposed to losing the full $100 in European or American Roulette. Over time, this seemingly minor difference can have a substantial effect on a player’s bankroll, allowing for longer play and better winning opportunities. This makes French Roulette especially attractive to strategic players who aim to minimize risk while still enjoying the thrill of the game.

In conclusion, if you’re seeking the best version of roulette with favorable odds, French Roulette stands out as the top choice. With its lower house edge and the La Partage rule that mitigates losses, it offers the best return for players, making it the wisest option for those looking to enhance their chances of success at the roulette table.

Other Roulette variants

Apart from the popular American, French, and European roulette, there are a few other variants as well of the casino game.

Triple-zero Roulette

Triple-zero roulette is an additional type of roulette. As the name would imply, this employs three zeros rather than the two in American roulette or the one in European and French roulette. The house edge is further increased by this extra zero. As a result, gamers are not particularly fond of the game.

100/1 Roulette

A completely different variation of the game is 100/1 Roulette. There are 100 on the board in place of the usual numbers, and if you can place a straight-up wager, you will win 100/1. Naturally, the odds of you winning are substantially lower, and the much bigger reward necessitates a much higher risk.

Mini Roulette

Online players are drawn to mini roulette, a variation of the game played on a much smaller wheel. There are just 13 numbers in mini-roulette: 1–12, followed by a zero. The house edge is typically greater, and there are far fewer betting opportunities in the game.

Multi-ball Roulette

Multiple balls are released into the grid simultaneously in multi-ball roulette. Although the payments are modified appropriately, the existence of numerous balls does increase players’ chances of winning. 

Live Roulette

A real roulette table under the management of a dealer is used to play live roulette straight from a studio or actual casino. Players can wager and enjoy the excitement of a real roulette wheel from the comfort of their own homes when they play live roulette.

Video Roulette

Any digital variation of European or American roulette that uses a virtual interface and wheel to simulate the sensation of playing in a real casino is referred to as “video roulette.”

Multi-wheel Roulette

A variation of the game that lets players wager on multiple roulette wheels simultaneously is called multi-wheel roulette. This is a very common version that is available at many of the best online casinos.

Conclusion

Roulette is one of the most popular and timeless casino games, providing players with a range of options that suit various strategies and risk appetites. It’s essential for players to understand the distinctions between American, European, and French Roulette to make the best choice for their gaming experience. American Roulette has the highest house edge because of the additional double zero, while European Roulette offers better odds with just a single zero, making it a more appealing option. However, French Roulette is often considered the best choice due to the La Partage rule, which minimizes losses on even-money bets and further reduces the house edge.

In addition to these classic versions, modern casinos feature several exciting variations, such as Mini Roulette, Multi-Wheel Roulette, and Live Roulette, each adding a unique twist to the traditional game. Whether you’re a casual player or a strategic gambler, trying out these different formats can enhance your enjoyment and improve your chances of winning. Ultimately, French Roulette is the preferred option for players looking for the best odds and an optimized gaming experience.