Roulette Variations
| Updated: Guide on the Most Popular Roulette Variations to Try Out
It is commonly believed that the game of roulette is as old as the wheel itself. In fact, there are different theories about its origin, but it is no secret that France is at the heart of everything. The wheel was invented by the French physicist and mathematician Pascal, yet his aim was different. He wanted to invent a perpetual-motion machine rather than a casino game. His attempt failed, but something good came out of it – an amazing and thrilling casino game. Two French brothers later expanded on Pascal’s idea and turned the spinning device into the renowned roulette wheel.
Unfortunately, gambling was illegal in France at that time, so the two brothers introduced the game to the German gambling community. The idea was warmly welcomed, and they subsequently opened a casino in Hamburg. That is how the game won over hearts across Europe. Later on, roulette returned to its original home. The structure of the wheel remained mostly unchanged, with the slight difference that a zero-numbered pocket was introduced. At first glance, this may seem like an inconspicuous change, but it definitely affects the entire game.
Roulette continued to travel around the world, and its popularity never ceased to grow. The game made its way across the ocean and was introduced to American society. The only issue was the house’s low profit margin. To increase the overall profit, known as the house edge, a double-zero pocket was added to the American wheel. Nowadays, this difference remains, which is why we can outline three main variations of the game – French, European, and American. Even though they are all played under the same basic rules, certain differences should be understood before you start playing roulette.
This guide focuses on the most popular roulette variations to try. Besides the three basic varieties of the game – French, European, and American roulette, we will also draw players’ attention to several much-sought-after online roulette games. These include Roulette Royale, 3D Roulette, Multi Wheel Roulette, Double Ball Roulette, Mini Roulette, and Double Action Roulette, providing iGaming fans with unlimited options to diversify their gaming experience.
Playing Roulette in a French Style
French roulette is what you might call the “original” version. In fact, “roulette” means “little wheel” in French. The wheel itself is the same as in the European variation of the game. It consists of 37 pockets, representing the numbers from 0 to 36. They are arranged so that a high number (19 to 36) is positioned next to a low one (1 to 18). The pockets are colored alternately in black and red, except for the zero-numbered pocket, which is green.
What is even more interesting is the arrangement of the table itself. In some casinos, the wheel on the French table is placed in the middle, and the betting layout is therefore positioned differently. The outside betting field is split into two and runs along both sides of the table. This unique layout provides better access and allows more people to join the game.
However, being the original version does not make it outdated; on the contrary, French roulette is immensely popular because it offers favourable odds and a relatively low house advantage. The presence of only one zero pocket decreases the house edge to 2.7%. Furthermore, certain rules can even halve the edge to 1.35%. These include the En Prison and La Partage rules.
En Prison Rule
This rule comes into effect when players have placed an even-money outside bet and the ball lands in the zero pocket. The stake is then “imprisoned” for the next spin. If the ball lands again in the zero pocket, the bet is lost. Otherwise, the bet can either win or lose in accordance with the usual rules of the game.
La Partage Rule
In a nutshell, if the ball lands in the zero pocket, players split the stake with the house. You get back half your stake while the casino keeps the other half. Similar to the En Prison rule, this applies only if you have placed an even-money outside bet.
French Roulette Odds and Payouts
| Bet Type | Player Odds | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight (single number) | 2.7% | 35 to 1 |
| Split (two numbers) | 5.4% | 17 to 1 |
| Street (three numbers) | 8.1% | 11 to 1 |
| Corner (four numbers) | 10.8% | 8 to 1 |
| Column | 32.4% | 2 to 1 |
| Dozen | 32.4% | 2 to 1 |
| Red/Black | 48.6% | 1 to 1 |
| Even/Odd | 48.6% | 1 to 1 |
| Low/High | 48.6% | 1 to 1 |
The Extra Betting Options on the French Layout
As an additional benefit, the French table offers some very exciting betting options that cover all the numbers from particular sections of the wheel. These are well known as “call bets” or “announced bets”. The name alone suggests that these wagers are anything but ordinary. The player only needs to announce the preferred bet and the dealer places the chips. To be more accurate, there is a slight difference between “call bets” and “announced bets”.
“Call bets” are also referred to as bets on credit because no chips cover the wager. That is why they are prohibited in most casinos. The only difference is that with “announced bets”, chips are placed on the table. These bets can be placed until the croupier says “no more bets” and before the ball lands in a pocket of the wheel. There are various types of “call bets”, which offer different payouts and cover large portions of the layout. Even though the names of the bets are in French, one can easily grasp the main idea behind them.
Playing Roulette on a European Table
The European and French tables overlap to a great extent, and many people do not even notice any difference between them. In both variations, the wheel is constructed in the same way, offering only one single-zero pocket. Therefore, the house edge is also 2.7% on all bets. Even though the markings on the French table are in French, this should not bother you, as the bets are the same. The only exception is that, sometimes, European tables do not offer the additional betting options and advantageous rules (or at least most of them) that can be found in the French version of the game.
It should be noted that, in some casinos, the French “peculiarities” also apply on the European table. Hence, before approaching the roulette table, make sure that you are familiar with the rules used at that particular table. The European variation is the most popular and is offered by every reputable online casino.
European Roulette Odds and Payouts
| Bet Type | Player Odds | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight (single number) | 2.7% | 35 to 1 |
| Split (two numbers) | 5.4% | 17 to 1 |
| Street (three numbers) | 8.1% | 11 to 1 |
| Corner (four numbers) | 10.8% | 8 to 1 |
| Column | 32.4% | 2 to 1 |
| Dozen | 32.4% | 2 to 1 |
| Red/Black | 48.6% | 1 to 1 |
| Even/Odd | 48.6% | 1 to 1 |
| Low/High | 48.6% | 1 to 1 |
Playing Roulette on an American Table
American roulette is, by far, the second most common roulette variation. It offers a greater advantage for the house. The wheel consists of 38 numbered pockets, representing all the numbers from 0 to 36 plus an additional double-zero pocket. It is the presence of the second zero pocket that accounts for the higher house edge of 5.26%. Thus, the probability of winning is slightly lower compared to the European variation. For example, if you place a straight-up bet on the number 17, you have only one chance to win as opposed to 37 chances to lose. By comparison, the single-zero wheel offers better odds for the player. Taking the same straight-up bet on a French or European table, you have one chance to win versus 36 chances to lose.
The numbers on the American wheel seem to be arranged in a more systematic way. Looking at the wheel, every player can easily spot that two consecutive numbers are positioned opposite one another. The presence of the additional zero pocket on the American wheel leads to a slight difference between the European and American betting layouts. The American layout is double-ended because it has an additional box representing the double-zero pocket. It should be mentioned that it is impossible to find an American table managed by the advantageous French rules. Luckily, players can benefit from the so-called “Surrender” rule, which is similar to the “La Partage” rule. It comes into effect when the ball lands in one of the two zero-numbered pockets, reducing the house edge from 5.26% to 2.63% for all even-money outside bets.
The betting options are the same as in the European variation, except that the American table offers the so-called Five-Number bet. This boosts the house edge to 7.90%, so players are advised to avoid this wager, especially as the payout is only 6 to 1.
American Roulette Odds and Payouts
| Bet Type | Player Odds | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight (single number) | 2.6% | 35 to 1 |
| Split (two numbers) | 5.3% | 17 to 1 |
| Street (three numbers) | 7.9% | 11 to 1 |
| Corner (four numbers) | 10.5% | 8 to 1 |
| Column | 31.6% | 2 to 1 |
| Dozen | 31.6% | 2 to 1 |
| Red/Black | 47.4% | 1 to 1 |
| Even/Odd | 47.4% | 1 to 1 |
| Low/High | 47.4% | 1 to 1 |
Advantages of Online Roulette
Interestingly, many players prefer to play online because they are not distracted by the noise. Regardless of which variation you choose, every table provides different minimum and maximum limits that can accommodate any bankroll.
Moreover, most online casinos offer statistics that reflect the so-called “hot” and “cold” numbers. “Hot” numbers come up most frequently, while “cold” numbers appear least often. Many players value this information and use it when placing bets.
With technology advancing by the day, online casinos now offer highly entertaining variations of the game that are anything but standard.
Roulette Royale
Screenshot of Roulette Royale
This variation of roulette is one of the most appealing to players, and it comes from Microgaming’s gaming suite. It is played under the same rules that govern the European single-zero wheel, but the exceptional feature is a sizable progressive jackpot, which is highly tempting. All players are required to place a side bet that contributes to the jackpot. Thus, the more players join, the higher the jackpot becomes. The jackpot is won if the same number is hit five times in a row. The odds are slim, but the payout makes it worth a try. If a number is hit two, three, or four times consecutively, the payout is smaller. It is important to note that if the same number appears more than twice in a row, the jackpot prizes players qualify for are fixed and depend on the size of the side bet they have placed.
The standard payouts remain unchanged, and, as usual, winning straight bets pay 35:1.
3D Roulette
Screenshot of 3D Roulette
Players who appreciate visual appeal should try the available 3D variations of this casino classic. The game follows the same rules as the European version, but its graphic design provides a second-to-none experience. To make it even more authentic, the game offers audio that mimics the sounds in land-based casinos.
The standard single-zero wheel is positioned in the middle of the screen, and the layout is just above it. Naturally, it also provides additional settings so that every player can adjust the interface to their personal preferences. A great advantage of this variation is that it displays how many players have won a certain bet.
Multi Wheel Roulette
Screenshot of Multi Wheel Roulette
Known as one of the most advantageous online variations of the game, multi-wheel roulette is played on six different wheels, each featuring only one zero pocket. Players can cover all the wheels with a single bet. Of course, if you do not feel like playing on six wheels simultaneously, there is an option to deactivate some of them. Playtech is the provider responsible for a multi-wheel roulette game in which up to six wheels are available per round.
There are also variants that allow players to activate up to eight single-zero wheels, such as Microgaming’s Multi Wheel European Roulette Gold. Placing a bet is a walk in the park, as players can use the convenient Favourite Bet feature, which allows them to save their preferred wager types. The game also boasts a design that makes navigation a breeze. Another reason to try this version is that it is equipped with a racetrack, allowing players to place call bets.
Double Ball Roulette
Screenshot of Double Ball Roulette
This is a unique variation of the game, played with two balls. It is offered in most online casinos, but players should keep in mind that it is played in real time. Therefore, you can find the game in the Live Dealer section.
Although there will be two winning numbers, outside bets are still possible. For example, if you place a bet on all the red numbers, both balls must land in red pockets. Players who would like to give it a try can choose between a single-zero or double-zero wheel.
Yet, the live lobby of the online casino you are playing at is not the only place to check when you want to experience the thrill of double-ball roulette. Several software developers have rolled out such variants, one of which is Felt Gaming. Their roulette variant offers greater winning opportunities, and the jackpot of 1,200 to 1 makes it all the more appealing to avid casino fans. In addition, players are given control over the release of the second ball, allowing them to immerse themselves even further in the gameplay.
Mini Roulette
Screenshot of Mini Roulette
This variation follows the basic rules of standard roulette. The difference is in the wheel, which contains 13 pockets for all the numbers from 0 to 12. It should be noted that the zero pocket is blue. The limited number of pockets increases the chance that the ball will land in the zero pocket. However, there is a rule that allows players to retain half of their bets under certain conditions. The payouts are also affected by the reduced number of pockets.
Such roulette variants may be more suitable for inexperienced players because they offer fewer betting options and lower bet limits. As already noted, the payouts are not standard: winning straight bets pay 11:1, split bets pay 5:1, and street bets pay 3:1. Corner and column bets pay 2:1, while half-dozen, red/black, and even/odd wagers pay even money.
Double Action Roulette
Screenshot of Double Action Roulette
This variation features an authentic wheel inspired by the Mark VII design. It consists of an inner and outer ring, each representing its own set of numbers. The two rings are positioned opposite each other, resulting in two winning numbers. This variation also offers a different betting layout. It consists of two main sections, each corresponding to one of the rings on the wheel. Outside bets are also possible, but the selected outcome must appear on both rings.
Players should bear in mind that the payouts differ from those in standard roulette games, and, most notably, outside bets are not even-money wagers. Thus, when betting on black or red, for example, players will get a payout only if both balls have landed in red or black pockets.
Naturally, the biggest prize is awarded when the same number appears on both rings; in such cases, players receive a payout of 1,200 to 1.
The available roulette variants are so diverse that they can match the individual preferences of every player. Although most variations follow the same core rules, every player should become familiar with the specific features of the chosen game before diving in. To find the best variation for you, avoid setting limits—simply give them a try.
FAQ
French Roulette stands out with its single-zero wheel and player-friendly rules, like En Prison and La Partage, reducing the house edge to as low as 1.35% on even-money bets. Its layout features a unique betting area, offering additional betting options and making it a top pick for those seeking more favorable odds.
American Roulette introduces an extra double-zero pocket, increasing the total roulette wheel sections to 38 and raising the house edge to 5.26%. This tweak definitely lowers your winning chances compared to single-zero versions, making American Roulette a thrilling choice for those who enjoy a higher risk and dynamic gameplay.
European Roulette is beloved for its single-zero wheel, which reduces the house edge to 2.7%, offering better odds than its American counterpart. Lacking the double-zero pocket, the European wheel provides a balanced blend of risk and return, making it a preferred choice for many due to its straightforward layout and familiar betting options.
Online casinos have revolutionized roulette with inventive variations like Multi Wheel Roulette, allowing bets on multiple wheels simultaneously, and Double Ball Roulette, using two balls for double the excitement. Mini Roulette, with fewer numbers, and progressive jackpot games like Roulette Royale, offer fresh challenges and unusual roulette rewards. Live dealer roulette variants with multipliers applied to straight bets are also fun variations you can find online.
French Roulette’s call bets, like Voisins du Zero and Tiers du Cylindre, cover specific wheel sections, offering strategic betting options. Meanwhile, the En Prison and La Partage rules significantly reduce the house edge on even-money bets, enhancing player odds and making French Roulette a go-to for strategic bettors seeking advantageous play conditions.