Roulette has many rules and variations that have shaped the game as we know it today. Some have become wildly popular, others didn’t stand the test of time.
Online roulette offers an exciting variety of game types and betting options, ranging from traditional European games with a friendly house edge to innovative novelty variations.
European Roulette
European Roulette is among the most popular casino games and can be played at a majority of reputable web-based casinos. It is a variation of the classic game and features a wheel with 37 pockets that alternately display red and black numbers as well as a single zero. The betting table allows players to place inside and outside bets that pay out at different odds and payout amounts.
Online casino lovers can find plenty of exciting European Roulette variations from major software providers such as Microgaming and Evolution Gaming. The games usually feature a range of chip denominations to suit every bankroll size and offer various betting options including inside and outside bets.
French Roulette
The French Roulette variant of online roulette offers gambling aficionados an opportunity to stray from the beaten track and enjoy smooth gameplay and impeccable quality visuals. Moreover, this wager type can help players increase their potential returns by cutting the built-in house edge by half or even three-quarters.
In addition to its basic rules, French Roulette includes the ‘en prison’ rule, which allows players to save some of their bets when the ball lands on zero, mitigating losses and potentially increasing their winnings. The game also offers advanced rules that pique the interest of seasoned roulette enthusiasts by influencing odds and house edge.
Diamond Roulette
Diamond Roulette is a bespoke variation that offers more opportunities to win thanks to an additional side bet. The game has one zero pocket but a larger range of winning payouts. The ‘Diamond’ pocket triggers various win multipliers on the outer wheel when it hits during winning spins.
Back 2 Back Roulette is another bespoke variation that offers more betting options. This variant has 24 pockets, ranging from A through to X plus an extra ‘Diamond’ pocket that increases the number of wins. Conventional inside/outside bets are rewarded at their typical odds.
Players can also try their luck at ‘Alphabetic Roulette’. This unique mash-up uses letters instead of numbers and rewards winning bets with random prize payouts.
Native Dealer Roulette
One of the biggest providers in the world of live dealer games, Evolution Gaming offers several exciting roulette variations. These include Double Ball Roulette, which offers a double chance to win by having two balls spin. The game also uses La Partage rules, as well as the standard 37-pocket European wheel with a house edge of 2.7%.
The operator also offers mobile native versions of its tables that are easily accessible on iOS and Android devices. These offer collapsible menus that don’t obstruct the view of the video and betting table.
Another notable variation is the automated Speed Roulette, which combines a single-zero wheel with European rules. It is a popular choice for players who want to enjoy a faster experience without the distraction of human dealers.
Progressive Roulette
As its name suggests, this variation features a progressive jackpot. Players make standard inside and outside bets and contribute a small, sometimes obligatory side bet which goes towards the jackpot pool. This jackpot grows with every spin until one lucky player scoops the prize and the pot starts accumulating again.
The fact that roulette payouts can be so huge has inspired some players to seek out a way to beat the house edge. Some systems rely on negative progressions like the Martingale where gamblers double their bet after every loss with the aim of recovering their losses and turning a profit.
However, this strategy carries significant risk and players should play responsibly and within their means.
Mini Roulette
As the wheel whirls and the ball spins around, players wait with bated breath to find out where it will land. The anticipation is mesmerizing and the sigh of relief when fate favors your bet are intoxicating.
While the classic game offers tried and tested betting options, there are several variations that have been tinkered with to cater for the online casino player. One such variation is called Mini Roulette, which offers a reduced number of pockets and simplified betting options.
This means that there are only 36 pockets on the roulette wheel, while some bet types have been eliminated entirely. However, the basic rules of the game remain the same.