The different types of roulette

Step into the diverse universe of roulette with our in-depth article. From European to American and beyond, learn about each version's nuances and excitement for an immersive gaming journey! Discover the unique rules, betting options, and strategies that make each variation a captivating casino classic. Get ready to elevate your roulette game and embrace the thrill of the spinning wheel!

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The different versions of roulette

Roulette is a popular casino game with different variations, including French, European, and American roulette. French roulette is often considered the original version of the game and features a wheel with 37 numbered pockets, including a single zero. It offers special rules like La Partage and En Prison, which give players advantages when the ball lands on zero. European roulette, similar to French roulette, also has 37 pockets, including a single zero. It does not include the special rules but still provides favorable odds compared to American roulette. On the other hand, American roulette has 38 pockets, including both a single zero and a double zero. This additional double zero increases the house edge, making it the version with the lowest odds for players. Understanding the distinctions among these variations is important when playing roulette, as they have different rules, odds, and strategies.

European roulette

European roulette is one of the most popular variations of the game and is widely played in both land-based and online casinos. Here's a detailed explanation of European roulette:

The European roulette wheel consists of 37 numbered pockets, numbered from 1 to 36, and a single green pocket for the zero (0). The numbers are not arranged consecutively but rather in a random order. The pockets alternate between red and black colors, except for the zero, which is green.

The betting layout in European roulette features a grid with various betting options. Players can place bets on individual numbers, groups of numbers, or certain characteristics of the numbers (such as odd or even, red or black, etc.). The layout includes inside and outside bets, which offer different odds and payouts.

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or combinations of numbers within the inner part of the betting layout. They include:

Straight Bet: Betting on a single number by placing the chip directly on that number.
Split Bet: Betting on two adjacent numbers by placing the chip on the line between them.
Street Bet: Betting on a row of three numbers by placing the chip on the outer edge of the row.
Corner Bet: Betting on a group of four numbers by placing the chip at the intersection of their corners.
Six Line Bet: Betting on two adjacent rows of three numbers by placing the chip at the outer corner where the rows meet.

Outside Bets: Outside bets are placed on broader categories of numbers or characteristics of the numbers found in the outer part of the betting layout. They include:

Red/Black: Betting on the color of the winning number.
Odd/Even: Betting on whether the winning number will be odd or even.
High/Low: Betting on whether the winning number will be in the range of 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high).
Dozens: Betting on one of three groups of 12 numbers: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36.
Columns: Betting on one of three vertical columns of numbers.

European roulette employs the "La Partage" rule or the "En Prison" rule. When the ball lands on zero, half of the even money bets (red/black, odd/even, etc.) are returned to the player (La Partage), or the bets are held "in prison" for the next spin, and if the next spin results in a win, the player gets their original bet back (En Prison). These rules help to reduce the house edge and provide some advantage to the player.

The payouts in European roulette vary depending on the type of bet. Straight bets have the highest payout of 35 to 1, while outside bets such as red/black or odd/even typically pay 1 to 1. The more numbers a bet covers, the higher the probability of winning but the lower the payout.

European roulette offers a lower house edge compared to American roulette, making it a popular choice among players. It provides a wide range of betting options, allowing players to customize their strategies and play styles. Understanding the rules and bet types in European roulette can enhance your enjoyment and increase your chances of success when playing this classic casino game.

American roulette

American roulette is a popular variation of the game found predominantly in the United States. It shares similarities with European roulette but has a distinct feature that sets it apart. Here's a detailed explanation of American roulette:

The American roulette wheel consists of 38 numbered pockets, including numbers 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). The additional double zero pocket is what distinguishes American roulette from its European counterpart. The numbers are colored in red and black, while the zero and double zero pockets are usually green.

The betting layout in American roulette is similar to European roulette, featuring a grid with various betting options. Players can place bets on individual numbers, groups of numbers, or certain characteristics of the numbers (such as odd or even, red or black, etc.). The layout includes both inside and outside bets, offering different odds and payouts.

The presence of the double zero in American roulette increases the house edge compared to European roulette. This means that the odds of winning are slightly lower in American roulette.

The payouts in American roulette are similar to European roulette, with straight bets having the highest payout of 35 to 1 and outside bets typically paying 1 to 1. The presence of the double zero reduces the overall odds of winning compared to European roulette.

American roulette offers a thrilling gameplay experience and is commonly found in casinos throughout the United States. It provides a variety of betting options, allowing players to customize their strategies. However, due to the higher house edge resulting from the additional double zero, some players may prefer the better odds offered by European or French roulette. Understanding the rules and bet types in American roulette is crucial for maximizing your enjoyment and making informed betting decisions.

French roulette

French roulette is a classic variation of the game that shares similarities with both European and American roulette. It is known for its unique rules and the inclusion of specific bets that differentiate it from other versions. Here's a detailed explanation of French roulette:

The French roulette wheel features 37 numbered pockets, including numbers 1 to 36 and a single green pocket for the zero (0). The numbers are colored in red and black, similar to European roulette. The wheel layout and numbering are the same as in European roulette.

The betting layout in French roulette is similar to European roulette, featuring a grid with various betting options. Players can place bets on individual numbers, groups of numbers, or certain characteristics of the numbers (such as odd or even, red or black, etc.). The layout includes both inside and outside bets, offering different odds and payouts.

La Partage and En Prison Rules: French roulette includes two special rules that can benefit players when the ball lands on zero (0):

La Partage: If you place an even money bet (e.g., red/black, odd/even) and the ball lands on zero, you will receive back half of your original bet. This rule reduces the house edge on even money bets.
En Prison: If you place an even money bet and the ball lands on zero, your bet is "imprisoned" for the next spin. If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your original bet back. This rule gives players another chance to recover their bet when it lands on zero.

French roulette allows for call bets, also known as announced bets or neighbor bets. These bets are typically placed by announcing them to the dealer instead of directly placing chips on the betting layout. Call bets include specific combinations of numbers and are often based on the wheel's physical layout. Common call bets include Voisins du Zéro (neighbors of zero), Tiers du Cylindre (third of the wheel), and Orphelins (orphans).

The payouts in French roulette are similar to European roulette. Straight bets have the highest payout of 35 to 1, while outside bets such as red/black or odd/even typically pay 1 to 1. The La Partage and En Prison rules help reduce the house edge on even money bets, making French roulette more advantageous for players compared to American roulette.

French roulette offers a sophisticated and elegant gaming experience. Its unique rules and inclusion of call bets provide additional betting options and strategic opportunities. The La Partage and En Prison rules make it more player-friendly compared to some other variations. Understanding the rules and bet types in French roulette can enhance your gameplay and potentially improve your chances of winning.

FAQ on roulette versions

In roulette, the term "double zero" refers to the pocket on the wheel that contains the number 00. It is specific to American roulette and distinguishes it from other variations like European and French roulette, which have a single zero pocket (0). The double zero pocket increases the total number of pockets on the wheel to 38, whereas in European and French roulette, there are only 37 pockets. This additional double zero affects the odds and payouts in the game, ultimately increasing the house edge. Players should be aware of the presence of the double zero when playing American roulette, as it reduces the overall chances of winning compared to the other variations.

European and French roulette generally provide better payout opportunities compared to American roulette due to the absence of the double zero pocket. However, it's important to note that payout ratios can vary slightly depending on the specific casino and its rules.

French roulette is essentially the same as European roulette with a few minor differences. Both versions of the game feature a wheel with 37 pockets, including numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero. The betting layout and types of bets available are also similar. However, French roulette introduces two special rules called La Partage and En Prison, which provide advantages to players when the ball lands on zero. La Partage returns half of even money bets to players, while En Prison allows them to keep their bets "imprisoned" for the next spin. These rules reduce the house edge and add an extra layer of strategy to the game. Apart from these rules and slight variations in terminology, French roulette can be considered a variant of European roulette.

While the availability of roulette variations may vary between different casinos, many establishments do offer multiple versions of the game to cater to different player preferences. Larger and more reputable casinos are more likely to have a diverse selection of roulette games, including European, French, and American roulette. These variations may be available in both traditional land-based casinos and online casino platforms. However, it's important to note that not all casinos will have all the versions, and some may focus more on specific variations. It's always a good idea to check with the casino beforehand or explore their gaming offerings to see which roulette versions they provide.