Roulette Variants

By Lars Wahlström - Updated 2023-05-26

Reading Time: 11 minutes

Roulette Variants

Online gambling has seen an extraordinary boost in recent years, and roulette has stood the test of time and maintained its popularity among the many casino games. As technology and players' desires continue to evolve, so do the roulette variants available to enthusiasts. With diverse alternatives, anyone can find a unique twist on the classic game that suits their style or keeps them entertained.

Online roulette variants broaden the game's scope, offering a fresh and exciting take on the well-known gambling activity. Some top variants include Lightning Roulette, Mini Roulette, and progressive roulette games, which bring new elements like bonus features, smaller wheels, or life-changing jackpots.

These innovative adaptations keep the traditional roulette essence alive and enhance the player experience by adding a touch of unpredictability and extra thrills.

Additionally, many online casinos provide the option to play roulette for fun, allowing new players or those seeking to practice their strategies to get a feel for different variants without investing any money. With various options available on various platforms, including mobile devices, online roulette attracts newcomers and seasoned players alike, eager to explore the fresh possibilities in this ever-evolving casino classic.

History of Online Roulette

The history of online roulette can be traced back to 1996, when the first online roulette game was introduced. This marked a significant event in the game's history and allowed players from all over the world to experience this classic casino game from the comfort of their homes.

The evolution of online roulette has since led to new variations and features, catering to a diverse audience of players.

The origins of the game of roulette date back to France in the 18th century. Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician and inventor working on research, invented it to devise a perpetual motion machine. The current mechanism of the roulette wheel incorporates some aspects of Pascal's device and elements from the ancient Italian game of Biribi.

Since the introduction of online roulette, various game versions have been developed and implemented in online casinos. Some of the popular online roulette variants include:

• European Roulette: This is the most commonly found version of roulette at online casinos. The European roulette wheel has 37 slots, including a single zero. The game has a lower house edge (2.70%) than other versions, making it a favourite among players.

Although the online roulette market began with European Roulette, the industry's growth has led to more variants, catering to players with different preferences. Some of these include:

• American Roulette: Unlike the European version, the American roulette wheel features 38 slots, including a single zero and a double zero. This additional slot increases the house edge to 5.26%, making it less favourable for players but still popular among many.
• French Roulette: This version is similar to European roulette but includes unique rules like “La Partage” and “En Prison,” which can lower the house edge further and provide additional betting options for players.
• Multiball Roulette: In Multiball roulette, players can opt to play with multiple balls simultaneously, increasing their chances of hitting a winning number. Online casinos offering multiball roulette typically include a minimum bet requirement for each ball played.

Overall, the history of online roulette has been one of continuous growth, innovation, and expansion into new markets. From its humble beginnings as a single variant in 1996, online roulette has evolved into an exciting and diverse gaming experience for casino enthusiasts worldwide.

Types of Online Roulette

Online Roulette has multiple variants, each offering its unique set of rules and strategies. This section will explore several popular online Roulette variations, including European Roulette, American Roulette, French Roulette, Multi-Wheel Roulette, and Mini Roulette.

European Roulette

European Roulette is a highly popular variant of the classic casino game. Played on a wheel with 37 slots (numbers 1-36 and a single 0), it offers a lower house edge (2.7%) when compared to other types. Players can place bets on various options, such as individual numbers, red or black, and columns.

American Roulette

American Roulette is another well-known variant, typically found in Las Vegas casinos. It plays similarly to European Roulette but with a double 0 pocket, which increases the house edge to 5.26%. Though this may seem disadvantageous, it's distinctive layout and colourful wheel can be highly enjoyable, making it a popular option in online casinos.

French Roulette

French Roulette is considered the best version for players due to its low house edge and player-friendly La Partage rule. The La Partage rule allows players to recover half of their bet if the ball lands on zero, a significant advantage over other variants. While it's not as common as European or American Roulette, its distinctive mix of strategies and low-house edge make it an attractive choice for online players.

Multi-Wheel Roulette

Multi-Wheel Roulette is an innovative variation of the classic online Roulette game, allowing players to wager on multiple wheels simultaneously. It provides a unique twist on the standard gameplay, generating increased excitement and faster-paced action. Each wheel follows European or American Roulette rules, offering an array of betting options.

Mini Roulette

Mini Roulette is an online variant developed with the rise of the iGaming industry. Featuring a smaller wheel with only 13 slots (numbers 0-12), it provides fewer betting options but can be an entertaining and fast-paced addition to the online Roulette experience. While most of its rules align with European Roulette, including La Partage, its unique layout and scale make it a novel option for dedicated players.

For those looking to explore online Roulette further, these five types offer an exciting range of options to cater to various preferences and skills.

Key Differences Between Variants

Online roulette comes in different variants, each with unique features and betting opportunities.

A few of the most popular roulette variations include European Roulette, American Roulette, French Roulette, and Mini Roulette.

European vs. American Roulette

European and American Roulette has the most significant differences. European Roulette features a single zero slot, whereas American Roulette has a double zero slot in addition to the single zero. This difference increases the house edge in American Roulette from 2.70% in European Roulette to 5.26%.

French Roulette

French Roulette is similar to European Roulette but offers two particular betting options, La Partage and En Prison. La Partage allows players to regain half of their bet if the ball lands on zero. En Prison allows players to make the same bet again when the ball lands on zero. Both options can reduce the house edge, making French Roulette more attractive to players seeking better odds.

Mini Roulette

Mini Roulette is an online roulette variant with a smaller wheel featuring slots from 0 to 12. It has fewer betting options compared to other roulette variations. Although the rules are similar to European Roulette, the smaller wheel and limited betting options make Mini Roulette less favourable due to a higher house edge.

In addition to these main variants, some online casinos offer unique features like “Call Bets” in French Roulette, allowing players to place special bets covering specific areas of the wheel.

When playing online roulette, it's essential to understand the differences between variants and choose the one that suits your preferences and playing style. Always ensure that the online casino you select offers the type of Roulette you want to play, and be aware of the house edge associated with each variant.

Playing Strategies and Tips

When playing online roulette, you must employ effective strategies to improve your chances of winning. In this section, we'll discuss some popular strategies and tips for playing different roulette variants.

European and French Roulette

Opt for European or French roulette when you have a choice because they both feature a single zero, which provides better odds and reduces the house edge.

• Martingale: This strategy is suitable for beginners. It involves doubling your bet after every loss to recover all previous losses and win a small profit when you eventually win. Remember that this strategy can be risky for those with limited bankrolls.
• D'Alembert: This approach is for players with a larger bankroll. It involves increasing your bet by one unit after a loss and decreasing it by one unit after a win, aiming to balance profit and risk.

Advanced Strategies

For experienced roulette players, consider exploring the following:

• Fibonacci Sequence: This strategy involves increasing your bet based on the Fibonacci number sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13…). After a loss, you move one step forward in the sequence, and after a win, you move two steps back.
• Parlay: This strategy is ideal for those who prefer not to take significant risks. The idea is to bet your winnings from previous rounds, building a winning streak from more minor victories.
• Double Street Quad: Ideal for those looking for larger wins, this strategy involves placing bets on two double streets, one corner, and a straight-up number, ensuring the winning bet's potential payout outweighs the losses from non-winning bets.

General Tips

• Set a Budget and Stick to It: Decide on a spending limit before playing and don't wager more than you can afford to lose.
• Choose Reputable Online Casinos: Select a trustworthy casino that offers secure transactions, fair games, and a wide range of roulette variants.
• Play for Fun and Practice: Take advantage of free-to-play roulette games to improve your skills and test out various strategies before wagering real money.

Following these strategies and tips can enhance your online roulette experience and increase your chances of success. Remember, no strategy can guarantee consistent winnings – online roulette is a game of chance.

Popular Online Roulette Software Providers

In online roulette, several software providers stand out for delivering high-quality gaming experiences. Here are some of the most popular and respected developers in the industry.

• Felt Gaming: Felt Gaming is a small software company that exclusively focuses on creating high-quality table games for the online gambling community. With a strong emphasis on compatibility for mobile use, their products are popular among roulette enthusiasts.
• Playtech: Playtech is a renowned provider, particularly regarding live roulette. They offer many game variants, including a visually stunning Prestige Roulette Lite version. In addition to captivating graphics, Playtech's live roulette games are hosted by croupiers speaking various languages, catering to a wide range of players.
• Evolution: Known as one of the best live dealer roulette software providers, Evolution features an impressive lineup of roulette games. Their innovative game selection and seamless streaming technology appeal to serious roulette players.

Here are some unique roulette variants developed by these providers:

Provider	Roulette Variant	Description
Playtech	Mini Roulette	Features a wheel with a single zero and numbers 1-12, offering a condensed version of the game.
Evolution	Lightning Roulette	Combines live dealer roulette gameplay with exciting RNG elements, like randomly generated lucky numbers and multipliers.

These popular online roulette software providers have built their reputation by delivering quality, innovation, and variety to players, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable gaming experience.

Choosing the Right Online Casino

When looking for an online casino to play roulette variants, there are several factors you must consider to ensure the best gaming experience. Here are some key aspects to look out for when selecting an online casino:

• Game Selection: Look for casinos that offer a variety of roulette games such as French, American, and European Roulette. This will allow you to explore different versions and find one that best suits your preferences.
• Welcome Bonuses: Choose an online casino that offers attractive welcome bonuses. For example, you could look for a casino with a 250% bonus on your first deposit bonus up to £5,000. This will give you a bigger bankroll while exploring the various roulette games.
• Payment Methods: Check for casinos that accept various payment methods like credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and even cryptocurrencies. This will make depositing and withdrawing funds more convenient and efficient.
• Security and Reputation: Your chosen casino should have a reputation for safety and fair play. Look for casinos that use secure encrypted connections, hold valid licenses from reputable gaming commissions, and undergo regular audits by independent testing agencies.
• Mobile Compatibility: Make sure the online casino has a mobile-friendly platform. This will allow you to play roulette games on the go through their website or a dedicated mobile app.

Here's a tabulated summary of what to look for:

Factors	Description
Game Selection	Casinos that offer French, American, and European Roulette games
Welcome Bonuses	Generous bonuses for new players, e.g., 250% up to £5,000
Payment Methods	Acceptance of various payment methods, e.g., credit/debit cards, e-wallets, cryptocurrencies
Security & Reputation	Secure connections, valid licenses, fair play assessments, and independent audits
Mobile Compatibility	Mobile-friendly platform or dedicated mobile app

Considering these factors will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right online casino to suit your needs and preferences when playing roulette variants.

Conclusion

Online Roulette has evolved to include various types of games that cater to different preferences and offer unique and thrilling experiences for players. The most common roulette variants that players can enjoy online are European Roulette, American Roulette, French Roulette, Mini Roulette, and Multi-Wheel Roulette.

European Roulette has a single zero and a low house edge of 2.7%, making it the preferred variant for many players. On the other hand, American Roulette has an extra double zero slot on the wheel, which increases the house edge to 5.26%.

French Roulette, like European Roulette, features only one zero but offers additional rules such as La Partage and En Prison, which can return part of the players' bets when the ball lands on zero. These rules further decrease the house edge to as low as 1.35% for some bets.

Mini Roulette is an option for players looking for a simplified version of the game, consisting of a wheel with slots from 0 to 12 and fewer betting options. Finally, Multi-Wheel Roulette allows players to bet on multiple wheels simultaneously, potentially increasing their chances of winning.

As players explore different roulette variants, it is crucial to be aware of the features and rules of each game, such as the house edge and betting options, to make informed decisions and enjoy a fun and rewarding online gaming experience.

Remember always to play responsibly, choose a reliable online casino, and familiarize yourself with the best roulette variation that suits your preferences.