Roulette Variations
| Updated: Guide on the Most Popular Roulette Variations to Try Out
There are different theories about the origin of roulette, but it is no secret that France is at the heart of its history. The wheel was invented by the French physicist and mathematician Pascal, although his goal was different. He wanted to invent a perpetual-motion machine rather than a casino game. His attempt failed, but it helped lay the foundation for an exciting 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 the 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 gained popularity across Europe. Later, roulette returned to its original home. The structure of the wheel remained mostly unchanged, with the exception of a newly introduced zero pocket. At first glance, this may seem like a minor change, but it significantly affects the game.
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Roulette continued to spread around the world, and its popularity continued to grow. The game made its way across the ocean and was introduced to American society. To increase the house advantage, a double-zero pocket was added to the American wheel. This difference remains today, which is why we can identify three main variations of the game: French, European, and American roulette. Although 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 versions of the game, French, European, and American roulette, we will also introduce players to several popular online roulette games. These include Roulette Royale, 3D Roulette, Multi Wheel Roulette, Double Ball Roulette, Mini Roulette, and Double Action Roulette, giving iGaming fans more ways to diversify their gaming experience.
Playing Roulette in a French Style
French roulette is often regarded as 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 black and red, except for the zero pocket, which is green.
The arrangement of the table is also distinctive. In some casinos, the wheel on the French table is placed in the middle, so the betting layout is positioned differently. The outside betting field is split into two sections that run along both sides of the table. This unique layout provides better access and allows more people to join the game.
Being the original version does not make it outdated. On the contrary, French roulette remains immensely popular because it offers favorable 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 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 in the zero pocket again, the bet is lost. Otherwise, the bet can either win or lose according to 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. Players receive half of their stake back, while the casino keeps the other half. Like the En Prison rule, this applies only to even-money outside bets.
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 exciting betting options that cover all the numbers in particular sections of the wheel. These are commonly known as “call bets” or “announced bets.” Players announce their preferred bets, and the dealer places the chips. More precisely, there is a slight difference between call bets and announced bets.
Call bets are also referred to as bets on credit because no chips are placed to cover the wager. For this reason, they are prohibited in most casinos. With announced bets, however, 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 wheel pocket. There are various types of call bets, offering different payouts and covering large portions of the layout. Although the names of the bets are in French, the basic idea behind them is easy to understand.
Playing Roulette on a European Table
The European and French tables overlap to a great extent, and many people do not notice any difference between them. In both variations, the wheel is constructed in the same way and has a single zero pocket. Therefore, the house edge is also 2.7% on all bets. Although the markings on the French table are in French, the available wagers are the same. The only exception is that European tables sometimes do not offer the additional betting options and advantageous rules found in the French version of the game.
It should be noted that, in some casinos, the distinctive French rules also apply to the European table. Before approaching a roulette table, make sure you are familiar with the rules used at that particular table. The European variation is the most popular and is widely available at online casinos.
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 the second most common roulette variation. It offers a greater advantage to the house. The wheel consists of 38 numbered pockets, representing all the numbers from 0 to 36 plus an additional double-zero pocket. The presence of the second zero pocket accounts for the higher house edge of 5.26%. Thus, the probability of winning is slightly lower than in the European variation. For example, if you place a straight-up bet on the number 17, you have one chance to win compared with 37 chances to lose. By comparison, the single-zero wheel offers better odds for the player. With the same straight-up bet on a French or European table, you have one chance to win compared with 36 chances to lose.
The numbers on the American wheel are arranged differently from those on a single-zero wheel. Looking at the wheel, players can see that two consecutive numbers are positioned opposite one another. The additional zero pocket on the American wheel also creates 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. American tables do not use the advantageous French rules. However, players may benefit from the “Surrender” rule, which is similar to the La Partage rule. It comes into effect when the ball lands in one of the two zero 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 Five-Number bet. This wager increases the house edge to 7.90%, while its 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
Many players prefer to play online because they are not distracted by the noise of a physical casino. Regardless of which variation you choose, each table provides different minimum and maximum limits that can accommodate a range of bankrolls.
Moreover, most online casinos offer statistics showing the so-called “hot” and “cold” numbers. “Hot” numbers have appeared most frequently, while “cold” numbers have appeared least often. Many players value this information and consider it when placing bets.
As technology continues to advance, online casinos are offering entertaining variations of roulette that differ from the standard game.
Roulette Royale
Screenshot of Roulette Royale
Roulette Royale is part of Microgaming’s gaming suite. It is played under the same rules as the European single-zero wheel, but its defining feature is a sizable progressive jackpot. 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 potential payout is substantial. If a number is hit two, three, or four times consecutively, the payout is smaller. It is important to note that when the same number appears more than twice in a row, the jackpot prizes for which players qualify are fixed and depend on the size of the side bet placed.
The standard payouts remain unchanged, and winning straight bets pay 35:1.
3D Roulette
Screenshot of 3D Roulette
Players who appreciate visual appeal may enjoy the available 3D variations of this casino classic. The game follows the same rules as the European version, but its graphic design creates a more immersive experience. To make it feel more authentic, the game offers audio that mimics the sounds of land-based casinos.
The standard single-zero wheel is positioned in the middle of the screen, and the layout is just above it. The game also provides additional settings so that players can adjust the interface to their preferences. Some versions display how many players have won a particular bet.
Multi Wheel Roulette
Screenshot of Multi Wheel Roulette
In multi-wheel roulette, the game is played on six different wheels, each featuring only one zero pocket. Players can cover all the wheels with a single bet. If you do not want to play on six wheels simultaneously, you can deactivate some of them. Playtech offers a multi-wheel roulette game in which up to six wheels are available per round.
Some variants allow players to activate up to eight single-zero wheels, including Microgaming’s Multi Wheel European Roulette Gold. Players can use the convenient Favourite Bet feature to save their preferred wager types. The game also features a clear design that simplifies navigation. Another feature of this version is its racetrack, which allows players to place call bets.
Double Ball Roulette
Screenshot of Double Ball Roulette
This is a unique variation of the game that is played with two balls. Some versions are played in real time and can be found in the Live Dealer section of an online casino.
Although there are 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 try the game can choose between a single-zero and a double-zero wheel.
The live lobby is not the only place to find double-ball roulette. Several software developers have released such variants, including Felt Gaming. Its roulette variant offers a jackpot payout of 1,200 to 1. In addition, players are given control over the release of the second ball, allowing them to become more involved in the gameplay.
Mini Roulette
Screenshot of Mini Roulette
This variation follows the basic rules of standard roulette. The difference lies in the wheel, which contains 13 pockets representing the numbers from 0 to 12. The zero pocket is blue. The limited number of pockets increases the chance that the ball will land in the zero pocket. However, a rule allows players to retain half of their bets under certain conditions. The reduced number of pockets also affects the payouts.
These roulette variants may be more suitable for inexperienced players because they offer fewer betting options and lower betting limits. 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. Most notably, outside bets are not even-money wagers. When betting on black or red, for example, players receive a payout only if both winning results are red or black.
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 diverse enough to suit a range of player preferences. Although most variations follow the same core rules, players should become familiar with the specific features of their chosen game before playing. Compare the available options and choose the variation that best suits your preferences.
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.