Roulette is one of the most easily recognisable casino games, with its red and black spinning wheel and numbered pockets making up some of the key features of the game of chance. However, there are different variations of the iconic game that you can find, whether you play live casino Roulette online or at a land-based venue.
While the basic principles of gameplay remain the same across different Roulette variations, there are key differences between American, European, and French Roulette. Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the version that suits you best.
American Roulette: The Double Zero Variation
American Roulette is easily identifiable by its green double zero (00) pocket that you’ll find in addition to the standard numbers one to 36 and the green single zero (0) on the wheel. This brings the total number of pockets to 38. The double zero, making an additional pocket, increases the house edge to 5.26%, making it higher than the other versions.
American Roulette is commonly found in casinos across the United States, Canada, and some parts of Asia. When playing at a land-based casino, you place chips on the table layout, and the dealer spins the wheel. Online versions replicate this process digitally, with a random number generator (RNG) or live dealer ensuring fair and unpredictable gameplay.
European Roulette: A Lower House Edge
European Roulette is the most widely played version in Europe and many online casino platforms. Unlike the American version, it has only one green zero (0) pocket, reducing the total number of pockets to 37 and lowering the house edge to 2.70%.
But, whether you’re playing at a brick-and-mortar casino or online, the fundamental rules remain the same. Many online platforms offer live European Roulette, where real dealers spin the wheel in real time.
French Roulette And The La Partage Rule
French Roulette is very similar to European Roulette, using a single-zero wheel with 37 pockets. However, it introduces special rules that can further reduce the house edge.
When these rules come into play, the house edge has the potential to reduce to 1.35%.
This includes:
- La Partage: If you place an even-money bet (red/black, odd/even, high/low) and the ball lands on zero, you receive half of your stake back.
- En Prison: If you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, your stake remains on the table for the next spin, giving you another chance to win.
French Roulette is less common in land-based casinos outside of France and Monaco, but it is available to play at many online casinos.
Playing Roulette At Land-Based And Online Casinos
Regardless of which version you choose, as mentioned, Roulette can be played both in physical casinos and online.
At land-based venues, chips are placed on the table layout, and a dealer – also known as a croupier – spins the wheel. Many casinos offer multiple versions of Roulette, with European and American variations being the most common.
Online casinos typically utilise random number generator (RNG) software for digital versions or live dealer games to provide even more ways to try your chances on the spinning wheel. Online Roulette also allows for features like auto-betting, statistics tracking, and game history.
Which Version Is Ideal For You?
To establish which version of Roulette is best for you, you must first understand the different ways you can bet, the odds of each bet, what your budget is and the time you wish to spend playing. All of these things are crucial to inform your decision.
- If you want the best odds, French Roulette (with La Partage) offers the lowest house edge.
- If you prefer widely available games, European Roulette is often the most common and has a lower house edge than American Roulette.
- If you enjoy faster-paced games and don’t mind a higher house edge, American Roulette may be a suitable choice.
Understanding these differences allows you to make an informed choice, however you decide to play.
