Life is made more enjoyable with variations. Like most of the games played in a land-based or online casino, roulette also has several interesting variants. Perhaps you might already have heard about the European roulette and American roulette, two of the most popular roulette game variations offered in casinos. While the main objective of the game, which is to simply predict where the ball lands, is pretty much the same across all roulette variants, the roulette table layout, the odds, as well as the betting strategies to be used may differ.
Let’s start off the list with the European Roulette
Again, European Roulette, which is sometimes called the “Old Continent” game, is one of the most popular roulette games played in online casinos. The roulette features 37 numbers reflected both on the wheel and on the board. These numbers are from 1 through 36 plus a single zero.
Note that the zero, in all kinds of roulette, is not considered as an even number, opposite to what we learned at school. When the spin comes up with a zero, all bets on the table goes straight to the house, except for bets placed on zero, which would then earn a payout. Thus, the zero on the roulette wheel gives the house its edge.
American Roulette
The American roulette is yet another major variant of the game common in most online casinos today. Playing the American wheel somehow feels like playing with the European version, except for the fact that the former has more pockets than the latter.
The American roulette has 38 numbers both in the wheel and on the board. The numbers comprising are 1 to 36 plus an additional single zero (0) and the double zero (00). As you might have already know, the extra zeroes further increase the house edge and in the case of the American roulette wheel, we’re talking about a whopping 5.26% casino edge. In comparison, the European roulette puts the casino at a mere 2.63% advantage.
In some online roulette casinos which offer American roulette, there is an added betting spot called the “five numbers” bet.
French Roulette
The game’s history can be traced back to its roots in France. Being a Parisian game by blood, it is rightful for the French to have their own version of this exciting casino game. Thus, the French roulette comes into view.
The wheel of the French roulette is basically the same with the European’s. The only difference is on the layout of the table and the bets. For example, the French game has the so-called “La Partage” bet wherein players get half of their bets back in case the ball lands in the zero slot.
Remember that the zero is where the house makes its earning? The “La Partage” is the reason why French roulette tables are not that common in brick and mortar casinos. Online roulette casinos, however, offer this kind of game.
No-Zero Roulette
When you’re looking for that roulette game which has the smallest house edge, this special variant of online roulette game is for you. The No-Zero Roulette is rare to find as only a handful of casino websites has this to offer.
As the name suggests, the No-Zero roulette has no zeroes both in the wheel and on the table. This means that there’s literally no casino advantage poised against the player.
California Roulette
Las Vegas, despite what everyone knows, is not that lenient when it comes to gambling. California, to which the gambling capital of the world lies in its jurisdiction, has a law that only permits games of skill, like card games, to be played. This situation slashes off roulette, which is a game based on pure chance and luck, out from the gambling scene.
Californians, however, just love the excitement and fun brought by the wheel and so devised a way to skirt the laws. They made their own version, the California Roulette.
Basically, instead of wheels with slots, the Californian variant features cards that are numbered from 1 through 36 plus the single zero and the double zero.
Players bet just like in an ordinary roulette game. The croupier spins the wheel and when the wheel stops, he will then remove the card and show it to the players. Winning bets are then paid out accordingly.
Are the odds of winning the same across all variants?
No. This is because the number of slots is different for each roulette versions. Quick example: a straight up bet in European roulette has the odds of 36 to 1. The same bet done in an American wheel is higher at 37 to 1 chance.
Can I get to play these roulette variations from a single account?
Absolutely! As long as your online roulette casino offers the above-mentioned variations, you can just switch between roulette styles without the need of making a new account.