Casino House Edge Explained

Roulette Table Layout and Variance – Things You Need to Know

Not many roulette players may know this but there are a lot of roulette table layout variances out there and each design is largely based on the different game variances.

For the most part, there is the European, American, and French roulette game versions which have their own roulette and table surface layout. Unless you intend to play on just one type of roulette, then knowing the game’s other forms will help you get a more diverse roulette gaming experience.

In this post, we’re going to make you feel familiar with the different table layout and wheel variances.

The European Roulette Layout

The European or the Old Continent roulette is the more popular, more sought after roulette type among casino players. In its essence, the game is the embodiment of roulette with 36 numbers plus a single zero.

Its betting table layout, like the other variances we’re going to mention below, is rectangular with square spaces, each numbered to represent the numbers found on the wheel. Specific number bets and their corresponding combinations are called “inside bets” and it can be found in the center layout.

Other than the center layout is another rectangular area where the “outside bets” are being made. Here, players can make bets on larger number combinations simultaneously.

The wheel, on the other hand, is comprised of the following numbers, in exact sequence going to the right: 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25, 17, 34, 6, 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33, 1, 20, 14, 31, 9, 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26.

The American Roulette Layout

The American version of the game bears close resemblance as with the former. Everything is starkly the same except for the double zero which can be found both in the betting table layout and in the wheel.

Meanwhile, the numbers found on the American roulette wheel has the numbers 0 through 36 and a double zero on the other end.

On the wheel, this is how the numbers are arranged starting from the right: 0, 28, 9, 26, 30, 11, 7, 20, 32, 17, 5, 22, 34, 15, 3, 24, 36, 13, 1, 00, 27, 10, 25, 29, 12, 8, 19, 31, 18, 6, 21, 33, 16, 4, 23, 35, 14, 2.

The French Table Layout

The French roulette is basically a European roulette game version but with more additional twists. Like the European, it only has a single zero on the wheel and on the betting layout. However, instead of two columns for the outside bets to the left of the “inside bet” layout, the French roulette table have it split into single columns on each side.

Also, there are exotic roulette bets that can only be found in the French version. These are based on the wheel number combinations and are called “call bets.” Examples of which are Voisins du Zero, Tier du Cylindre, Orphans. Learn more about these kinds of bets from this previous post.

If you’d be so inclined to learn the other types of roulette game versions, then you may follow this link right here.

Why Does the Casino Always Win? Is It Possible to Overcome the Roulette Wheel?

The greatest mind this world has ever known, Albert Einstein, supposedly once said that there’s no way a person “can win at roulette unless he steals money from the table while the croupier isn’t looking.”

Although we would normally hail each of Einstein’s statement as the absolute truth, there are still shades of doubts that came to mind when he said it. Of course, a player can win roulette using the physicist’s own specialty, which is physics. Otherwise, he can take the time to find a biased wheel where particular numbers are likely to come up.

Einstein’s statement, like all others that come before and after it, can sometimes be taken out of context. What he probably meant was that there’s no mathematical trick that a player can use to help him beat the roulette.

As we said it again and again, each spin of the roulette wheel is an independent trial. This means, the past results don’t matter to the present and upcoming ones. This is unlike the card games like Baccarat, which is a dependent trial type of game.

A picture of a casino roulette wheel and table.

What makes roulette harder to overcome is the presence of house edge. In this post, we thoroughly discussed what casino advantage is and why this can’t stop you from winning. Despite its presence, this doesn’t mean that a player is automatically lost.

It’s no secret, however, that house edge is already hard-coded into the rules and design of the game. You may call it a gambling tax, or a prerequisite business commission on every transaction, the casino advantage is basically what the establishment charges a player for playing roulette with them.

Note though, that they can’t take this certain % of charge directly off your bankroll or your bet. Rather, they rely on this “magical” gap which occurs between the probability of an event and the amount they actually pay for the bet.

For example in a European Roulette, which has 37 pockets in all: suppose you bet £1 on a number and you win. If there is no house advantage, you should be getting £37 back. However, the payout for a Straight Up is only 35:1. Can you see the difference?

That is the gap between the numbers on the wheel and the casino payout which is 1/37 or 2.7%.

Such amount goes to the cost of the roulette wheels, the salary of the croupier, the complimentary drinks, the lightings, and so on. This is also where the house draws its revenue.

Regarding the question if there’s a way to get rid of the house edge, there’s actually none. Without it, there’d be no casino left standing to serve its avid patrons.

However, there’s a way to somehow get around with this player’s disadvantage: minimizing the house edge. One can reduce house edge simply by choosing the right roulette game to play. We always said it that it’s better to play European roulette, which only has 2.7% advantage, versus the US roulette which has a whopping 5.26%. If you wish to decrease it further, check out the French roulette. It has special rules, La Partage and En Prison, which brings the figure down to 1.35%.

Beating the roulette wheel is another plausible way to beat the house. Some players even took it to the negative simply by spotting wheel biases as well as going for the hot zones.

Of course, let’s not forget better bankroll management. We certainly believe that managing your payroll well is the key to a fruitful and enjoyable roulette game. Having full knowledge as to where your money goes allows you to take better control of your funds. The more funds you have, the longer you get to stay on the table. The longer you play, the higher the chance for you to win.

Common Mistakes Novice Roulette Players Commit Part 2

We thought that the first part of our post about the common mistakes new roulette players commit wasn’t able to cover much of the subject. So, we opted to bring to you a sequel to the topic in hopes that you can have a fruitful and enjoyable online roulette gaming experience.

To recap, we talked about the errors novice players commit such as choosing the wrong type of roulette game, playing without a budget in mind, using the wrong betting system, and wallowing in boredom. Click this link if you missed the article and want to know more about it.

To proceed, here are more mistakes that newbie roulette gamers do when playing in online casinos:

Betting on both Even and Odds at the same time

We know that making outside bets like Even/Odds is a relatively safer way to play and win in online roulette. Novice players, however, would go beyond as to betting on both Odd and Even at the same time. As expected, these kinds of bets just cancel out each other and while there’s none to lose, there’s also none to gain. It’s definitely a horrible idea to do so.

Betting on both Black and Red at the same time

Again, some online roulette players think that it’s a good idea to place multiple bets at the same time. Like the Even/Odds betting mistake, newbies also commit the error of placing wagers in Black and Red at the same time.

If, in both cases, you are not sure what color or which number group to go to, then you can try to opt in with inside bets. The chances of winning might be a tad lower, but the payout is way bigger than those that can be made with outside bets.

Playing roulette with real money right away

Like every endeavours in life, practice does make it perfect. And this also applies when playing online roulette. If you’re new to the game or just starting to build the confidence to take on with the real spin, we highly recommend that you take it for a dry run before putting on your real money at stake. And the best way to do it is to play free roulette games. They are free from any risk, and while there’s no real cash involved, it’s still you who gets the profit because you become more acquainted and more honed with the game. Now, you’re quite ready to take on the real game.

Sticking on a single number

Sure, there are lucky numbers to bet when playing roulette but are they worth sticking to even when luck is still hard to find? Many experts believe that going for a straight up every time is a sure way to lose your bankroll. The fact is, the chance of winning a straight up is pretty slim. The house is also confident that it’s hard to pull off a win with this bet that’s why they pay a lot of cash (35:1) if you’d manage to do so.

The pocket number 17 in a roulette wheel

Avoiding a straight up bet

Now, you might say we’re contradicting our statements. What we mean here is that you could not just ignore betting on single number. Yes, it’s risky but the good payoff is too hard to ignore. The truth is, it’s a different kind of thrill to be had when you pull off these kinds of high-risk stunts. So our advice, throw down a minimum of one straight up bet for every online roulette session you play. If the outcome doesn’t favor you, at least you can say that you tried it. Of course, if your number does come up, then a 35:1 payout is going straight to your pocket.

Do you know of other errors committed by novice roulette players that we missed in this list? Sound off in the comments below. We’d surely love what you have to say.

Enjoy!

Common Mistakes Novice Roulette Players Commit

Roulette has a straightforward premise and that is to correctly predict where the ball lands in the roulette wheel. Simple, yet this casino game is attracting players by the millions because of the unparalleled thrill and huge profits that could potentially be experienced and earned. But not everyone is lucky enough to get all these.

While some leave their tables with a smile, others leave with their hands in their pocket, looking sombre and beaten. Most of the people that belong to the latter group are typically those who have just started playing the game. If you feel like you are one of them, then this article is for you.

The truth of the matter is, it’s understandable for a novice roulette player to make some big mistakes in the game. Most beginners often find themselves being carried away by the moment that is why they tend to bet carelessly. Overconfidence with their luck can also be a culprit for a newbie player to lose his bankroll quickly.

Being aware of such mistakes can not only help the player avoid the pitfalls but also make it possible for him to have a positive experience of this beautiful game of chance. So, here are more of the common roulette mistakes made by beginners.

Bad choice of game

Just because they already know how to place their bets on the roulette table, a lot of new players commit the beginner’s mistake by choosing just about any roulette game and going on it without doing any research. Especially if you are playing in a UK casino website, there can be a lot of roulette game variants to choose from aside from the popular ones like the American, European and French roulette versions.

The mistake here is that by blindly choosing a game, they might end up playing a roulette that has the worst house edge. Yes, we’re referring exactly to the American roulette which has 5.26% casino advantage. More on the house edge in this article.

Our advice is to always find a way to play at a European table which has an edge half of the American roulette.

Playing without a budget in mind

We admit that online roulette can be very exciting and that it is best experienced when played in a fast pace. That is why, a lot of novice players are often too eager to get into the action and as a result, they may forget to set a budget for playing beforehand. Whether it is done in online or offline casino, jumping right away into a real money game without first checking the bankroll is like suicide: most often than not, you’ll end up burning it all away like it’s nothing.

Expert roulette players take their time to size up their playing budget and set limits on what they intend to lose. That is why they are mostly successful in their games. It goes without saying then that it’s best for you to follow their lead. If you wish to know more about bankroll management and setting up limits check this post and this one.

Using the wrong betting system

Another mistake a newbie player could commit is to use the wrong betting system. Just because the Martingale, for example, promises huge gains at every game, doesn’t mean it’s the route to take. Martingale, like the other similar betting strategies, works in negative progressions which means you double your bet for every bet lost. This scheme can eat up your payroll fast. On the contrary, positive progressions like this method works in a way that the player is only called to bet more when winning but bet less when losing.

Not all betting systems are perfect. Beginners should better use systems that are easy to understand and use. Moreover, they should be positively progressive and not the opposite.

To get stuck in a rut

As with any other activities we do in life, getting stuck in a rut is the worst thing that could happen when playing roulette. Because of boredom, newbies might resort in doing stunts like betting inappropriately which could put the health of their bankroll in peril. This can also happen when you play emotionally.

Our advice is to take a step back, relax, stretch, and do something that could veer away your attention from the game, even for a moment. This can refresh your outlook and get you ready for the next round.

These mistakes and more others that are yet to be mentioned could lead to major losses for novice players. Being aware of these situations can help any roulette enthusiast to have a better chance of staying in the game for much longer and thus increasing his odds of winning.

Essential French Roulette Playing Tips and Strategies

It’s impossible to find a land-based or online casino that doesn’t offer the game of roulette. The level of fun and the possible profits to be had attracts not only the professional gamblers but the new ones as well. The game has three popular versions available to play, depending on the casino establishment, and these are European, American, and French.

We’d be tackling more on the latter roulette game variant because for us, this is probably the best roulette type that you could bet your money on.

In this previous article, we discussed how the French roulette bears significant similarity with the European roulette. In fact, the two shares the same type of wheel (36 numbers + a single zero) but only differs in the layout of the betting table.

Roulette with the Lowest House Edge

Among the top roulette variants, the French roulette is the least offered casino table game, and that is because for a very important reason: it has a tiny house edge of 1.35%, the smallest of the three. You can learn more about casino advantage in this page.

What brought such a very favourable playing condition to the player are the two special rules: La Partage and En Prison.

Once a spin resulted to a zero and if the player placed even money bets (outside bets), the two rules take effect. La Partage, in particular, gives half of the losing even bet back to the player. En Prison, on the other hand, held the losing bet “in prison” for the next round. If the player’s number comes up, he gets his money back full. If not, the casino forfeits the bet.

Tips and Strategies when Playing French Roulette

Now that you have discovered how amazing French Roulette game can be, let’s take a look at some of the time-tested playing tips and strategies that could help you win more or play the game a little longer.

Opt for low stakes. Maintain a level head.
As mentioned above, place on even money bets to take advantage of the low casino edge.
When playing for real, join casino comp club to avail extra special offers.
Always be on the lookout for bonuses and promotions being offered by online roulette casinos.
Keep in mind a sound bankroll management system. In this article, we thoroughly discussed how you can have an enjoyable roulette gaming experience while lessening the risk of burning out the entirety of your casino bankroll.
When looking for an online roulette casino to play French roulette, take time to research if the establishment is fully licensed and is regulated. We have a guide on how to choose the best online casino.
Only play French roulette at sites that offer the game via major software providers.
We highly recommend playing roulette in any variant with LIVE dealers. Here, we explain why it is best to play LIVE Dealer Roulette online.
If live table games are unavailable, make sure that the casino’s RNG is regularly audited.

The core strategy when playing French roulette is to opt for longevity. Any player should aim to play as many spins per session as he can. One way for him to do this is to wager on outside bets like Red/Black or Odd/Even, which pays out 1:1.

Aside from the even money wagers, players will find the low house edge of French roulette very advantageous for them as this further extends their gameplay time thus, more chances for them to win!

Want to try your luck and play French roulette online? Check out these online roulette casino websites:

A Quick Guide To Playing Online French Roulette

There are three popular versions available when we talk about roulette: European, American, and French. These different versions of the casino game are essentially identical in nature, save perhaps for some rules that are distinctly played in each respective variant.

They share a single objective though, which is for the player to predict correctly the next numbered pocket the roulette ball will settle into. The odds and payouts scheme is quite similar as well. So, even if French roulette may sound a bit odd and different from what you used to play, we’re confident that you’d learn the basic of the game in no time. For those totally new to the roulette game, don’t worry, we got the basics covered in this article.

The French Roulette

Whether it is a land-based or an online casino, a French roulette is basically a European roulette. Their similarity, however, ends in the table layout and the names of the rules.

Actually, if you take a look at a European roulette table and rearranged the placement and change the names of the betting zones, you would have a French roulette table.

Here’s a quick look on the French betting zones which can also be found in a European roulette table.

Manque – the numbers 1 to 18
Passe – the numbers 19 to 36
Rouge – the Reds
Noir – the Blacks
Premiere Douzaine – the first dozen numbers from 1 to 12
Moyenne Douzaine – the second dozen numbers from 13 to 24
Derniere Douzaine – the third dozen numbers 25 – 36

The Racetrack

Another key feature of a French roulette table is the racetrack betting area.

It is a great platform where you can place side bets which cover the three sections of the roulette wheel. They are as follows:

Voisins du Zero (neighbours of zero) – covers 17 numbers in the wheel including the zero (the numbers are 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, & 25)
Tiers du Cylindre (thirds of the wheel) – covers 12 numbers opposite to the Voisins du Zero (27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16 & 33)
Orphelins (orphans) – the remaining 8 numbers located in between the two sections mentioned above (9, 32, 14, 20, 1, 17, 34, & 6)

The House Edge

Like the European roulette, the French version of the game has the same house edge of 2.70%. But did you know that there’s a rule that could further lower down that measly casino advantage by half?

Introducing the la partage and the en prison! There are offline and online roulette casinos that offer these two special playing rules particularly in French roulette tables. Both of the rules cut down the house edge from 2.70% to 1.35%!

The rules come in effect only when a player placed an evens bet (red/black, even/odd) and the ball lands on the 0 pocket.

La Partage – half of the losing even bets returns to the player

En Prison – the players bet is held “in prison.” Player could get his bet back if the next spin favors him or lose if it isn’t. Basically, it’s like getting another shot on the next round for free.

Having variations in your usual routine is nice. French roulette is simply a perfect alternative worth a try, even at least once. But if you want to have an out-of-this-world roulette gaming experience, you might also want to check out some other versions of the game like the Multi-Wheel roulette. This will surely make your online casino roulette nights even more wild and exciting.

The Different Roulette Game Variations You Should Have Known By Now

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.

Realistic casino roulette isolated on green background vector illustration

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.

Is It Really Possible to Win at Roulette, or Is It Just A Waste of Time and Money?

Beginners and expert roulette players would often ask the question, if it’s really possible to win at roulette. Of course, if you are the type of player who just want to hang around in a live roulette room, chatting with the croupier or with other players online, then you would not be minding whether you win or lose. However, a player who looks for fun and profit in every spin may seriously consider his probability of increasing his bankroll.

The Common Consensus

For a mathematician or statistician, roulette is not only difficult to win, but also close to impossible to beat in the long run. Sure, anyone has the chance to win at online roulette with a couple of games or more. But even these lucky ones may admit that they cannot hold on to their profit for too long.

If there’s anyone who can speak with great magnitude of truth in this universe, it would be Albert Einstein. And he supposedly once said: “No one can win at roulette unless he steals money from the table while the croupier isn’t looking.”

What he meant by this is that, there’s absolutely no mathematical trick that a person can use to win at roulette. Remember, we always said that each spin is part of an “independent trial process;” there’s no way that the previous outcome will influence the next result.

But then again, there are some people whom you might expect less to offer a much realistic answer to the question: can you beat roulette?

The Dealers

These hardworking casino employees believe that roulette can definitely be beaten. However, strict and rare playing conditions must be factored in. For example, in a brick and mortar casino, croupiers may refer to what is called the “wheel bias.” Basically, it is the physical defect of the roulette wheel which makes some numbers come up more often than the others.

Being in the frontline, dealers are also trained to spot professional roulette players who may go beyond what the prescribed gaming rules dictate and exploit these “glitches.” They work with casino consultants who provided them with the necessary training that could help them pick out these kinds of people in crowd.

Generally, croupiers have first-hand observation on how a game of roulette goes. For them, unless luck is really hard to come by, then it’s always possible to win the game.

The Pit Bosses

These nonchalant, frigid-looking individuals roam around the casino floor to oversee how the roulette tables are going. In land-based casinos, they monitor disputes, spot violations, and even check on how the dealers do their jobs. They make sure things are running smoothly.

When it comes to the probability of winning roulette, they might swear on what the dealers have to say. As long as the players follow the house rules, there’s always a chance for them to win the game.

The Casino Proprietors

A lot of casino owners lack knowledge about the games their establishments are offering. For them, their casino is nothing but a source of income. Their main concern is how they could bring in more people into their house and make money from them. But for the big boss who likes to get his hands dirty, every game, every player, every personnel, matters.

Hands-on owners, like the rest of his crew, may also believe that anyone has the chance to take home big roulette wins. However, it would be illogical for them to invest into a business where he shares an equal chance of loss or gain with his patrons. His house needs to lock in profits on top of the gross income. Otherwise, it won’t take long for him to file a bankruptcy. He needs to earn money and this is where things get complicated.

The House Edge

So, from where the casino mine its income? The House Advantage. The game, whether it is a European roulette wheel or an American roulette variant, doesn’t pay what your bets are worth. For example, in American roulette, there are 38 numbers in total (1 to 36, a single zero, and a double zero). The odds of hitting a straight up bet would be 37 to 1. However, if the player wins, the house only pays 35 to 1. A similar case happens on other combination bets. This little, yet highly significant discrepancy is the casino’s edge against the player; this is also what keeps these businesses up and running. You may always win but it’s still impossible to absolutely “break the bank.”

Should this fact stop you from playing online roulette? Absolutely not! Because even if this is the case, “the house can’t stop you from winning.”

If you want to learn more about house edge/advantage, you can go here.

Statistics vs. Intuition: Which to Trust When Playing Online Casino?

It’s an old question that even the brightest of minds couldn’t seem to provide a definite answer: should people trust their intuition? That is, even if there’s physical data available? Translating it to online casino gambling, should a player rely on his gut feeling when making that make or break decision? In this article, we will take a hard look on whether we should trust cold, hard facts or keep an ear on that stomach-churning intuitive feeling when it comes to winning big in online casinos.

Some questions to ponder:

Intuition: what exactly is it?

It’s basically that vague, back-of-the-mind, unconscious feeling or voice that seems to whisper words like, “go for #17,” “you can never go wrong with an even bet,” or “make that bet double,” etc. A person may recognize the message but could not point out exactly what triggered it.

Are we talking about the “sixth sense?”

Definitely not. Winning big in roulette or going home with that huge blackjack pot have nothing to do with this ESP (extra-sensory perception) thing.

Does intuition always leads to good decision-making and can we learn to use it on our own will?

It would be a yes and no at the same time. Roulette, like any game of chance, relies heavily on luck and the events here are all but pure random. Given this fact, a person might be better off calling any number or placing his bets mindlessly on the table. However, a decision that is both meaningful and well thought of brings more confidence on the player in his game, regardless of the outcome.

Needless to say, to use intuition needs a lot of practice. The more time a player spends at the game, the more likely he will develop that kind of sensitivity. Take note though, that intuition is not a gambler’s tool that he can trust 100%.

Enter Facts and Data

People would say outright that research and statistics are superior in almost every aspect of life than this intangible thing called intuition. Studies have shown that companies that base their decisions on data yields 6% more profit than their competitors.

In the same vein, a player could make good use of the available statistics to his advantage when playing online casino. For example, knowing the house edge difference between a European roulette wheel and an American roulette version would certainly give the player better odds against the casino.

Can You Combine the Two?

Methodical decisions are often made after a long deliberation and so much scrutiny while intuitive decisions come up lightning fast. Scientists, however, believe that calculated decisions and intuition may happen simultaneously.

One theory explains that a human brain can quickly pick up stimuli and impulses of a present situation and then compare it to similar events in the past, creating a logical pattern in the process. It will then fire up a relatively sound judgment call. This mental process occurs at insane speed which may explain the rapid heartbeat and an upset stomach. It turns out then that our “gut” decisions are not that random at all. It has basis and it couldn’t be farther from what is at known.

Like any endeavours in life, playing casino online can be a fulfilling experience for you if you know how to combine the details at hand with what you feel at that moment.

We’ll leave you with these wonderful words from Steve Jobs: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect with your future.”

Betting on Double Zero Roulette

The roulette is probably one of the most popular and favourite casino games played both online and offline. This game of chance has its roots that can be traced back to Europe. As early as 17^th century, French people from all walks of life had been enjoying what they called the “little wheel.” During the chaotic times of the French Revolution, waves upon waves of French immigrants were arriving in the ports of the US, seeking refuge from the dangers back home. They brought along with them their hopes and dreams of a better and safer future. In return, the Americans were gifted with the roulette.

According to history, the first Americanized French roulette wheel only has the numbers 1 to 28, a single zero, a double zero, and an image of an American bald eagle. Should the ball landed on either of the two zero pockets and in the eagle as well, the house would take all the bets save for those bets made on that specific winning pocket.

This gives the house a whooping 12.9% edge. Obviously, the game became a staple among casino establishments. The problem was that players were avoiding the roulette which forced the casinos to make some revisions, this removed the iconic eagle symbol in the process. Eventually, it became what is now known as the double zero roulette or the American roulette.

The American Roulette Wheel

Unlike the European roulette wheel which has 37 slots (numbers 1-36 plus a single zero), the American variant has 38 slots in total (numbers 1-36, a single zero, and a double zero). Just like its predecessors, the numbers are colored red or black, while the zeros are colored green.

Making Double Zero Roulette Bets

Betting on an American roulette game is basically similar in form with the single zero roulette where the player has a big selection of bets to make. Each bet has its own respective payouts and odds. There are two main categories of roulette bets:

Inside bets – these are bets made either on a specific number, a number pair, an adjacent group of numbers, or a column. Despite the low odds of winning, the payouts for inside bets are quite higher than those of the outside bets.

Outside bets – these bets are made to cover a large group of numbers (odd/even, 1^st 12, 2^nd 12, 3^rd 12, 1-18, and 19-36). Players can also bet on the color outcome or if it is odd or even. Payouts are low but the chance of winning is high.

American Roulette House Edge

Despite the improvements made on the game, the American roulette still has the higher advantage for the house with 5.26%. To make it even worse for the players, this roulette game variant doesn’t apply the European rules of “La Partage” and “en prison.”

However, there are select casinos in Atlantic City and tables in Las Vegas that offer “La Partage.” For the uninitiated, the rule dictates that when the ball lands in either of the zeros, all players get half of their bets back. This particularly makes the house edge from 5.26% to 2.63%.

In this instance, playing the American roulette is favourable. However, it’s hard to find casinos such as the ones mentioned above that offer “La Partage.”

When playing online casino games for real money, one should be wary of the type of roulette he/she would play. We highly recommend going for the European or the single zero roulette.