The Different Variations of Roulette
Roulette has always been a big draw for casino players, with its international versions and exciting gameplay. The iconic spinning wheel and the thrill of betting on where that little ball will land make roulette a timeless classic in any decent casino, whether you're playing in a land-based venue or a top online casino in South Africa.
But what are the different types of roulette available, and are they on offer at the best online casinos in South Africa? You'll typically find three main variations: American, European, and French roulette. Each version comes with its own set of rules, unique roulette board layout, house edge, and specific quirks that make each table a distinct experience.
American Roulette: The Double Zero Thrill
To play American roulette, you'll need a wheel featuring 38 slots. These are numbered 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). Typically, the numbers 1-36 are split between red and black pockets, while the zero slots are green. The defining feature here, compared to European and French roulette, is that extra double zero compartment.
That second 'zero' slot is what sets American roulette apart. Because of this extra pocket, the house edge in American roulette is significantly higher than in its European or French cousins. The number of available betting options can also change depending on how many numbers are on the roulette wheel.
European Roulette: The Player's Favourite
The European roulette wheel has 37 slots, numbered 1 to 36, along with a single zero. Each number is either on a red or black segment, with the zero space being green. European roulette is generally favoured by players because its house edge is smaller than that of American roulette.
The main difference between European and American roulette is the absence of the double zero slot in the European version. This distinction results in a smaller house edge, making European roulette a better fit for players who want to employ strategies and potentially increase their winning chances.
Compared to American roulette, European roulette boasts a smaller house edge of approximately 2.70%. With only one zero slot, players face a reduced house edge because there's less chance of the ball landing in a losing pocket.
French Roulette: "La Version Francaise"
The French roulette wheel has also 37 roulette numbers (1 through 36 plus a single zero) just like the European version. French roulette differs most significantly from European roulette in its rules and betting possibilities.
France's take on the roulette game has its own set of rules and betting possibilities that set it apart from other variants. French roulette has its own distinct betting possibilities like "voisins du zero," "orphelins," and "tiers du cylindre," in addition to the standard "en prison" and "en prisoner" bets.
If a person bets even money (red/black, odd/even, high/low, etc.) and the ball falls in the zero slot, he or she will only lose half of their original wager (the La Partage regulation). French roulette offers the best chances to players because of this rule, which lowers the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35%.
Other Online Roulette Game Versions
After so many years, it's quite understandable that roulette offers different versions already. Plus, the creation of live dealer roulette has launched even more variations, thus giving the game a modern twist.
Multi-Wheel Roulette, Mini Roulette, and 3D Roulette are just a few of the many roulette variants out there - all three of them are also live versions. It's common practice for online casinos to allow players to practice these variants for free before allowing them to bet real money.
Mini Roulette
Thanks to software providers like Playtech and Evolution Gaming, roulette fans are now able to play Mini Roulette, which is a smaller version of the original online game. Mini Roulette can adapt to smaller screens - despite being played on a PC or laptop. This allows players to play roulette while doing another activity, like betting during a game.
Multi-Wheel Roulette
If one roulette wheel simply doesn't make it, there's also the chance to bet on roulette with up to eight games simultaneously. Multi-Wheel Roulette follows the European Roulette rules, with all of the games happening at the same time.
Live Dealer Roulette
Live dealer games are the perfect blend between the real-life experience and online versions. In the case of roulette, the live dealer roulette games allow players to interact with the dealer, watch an actual wheel spin, while making bets that the dealer places on a real table. Plus, live dealer roulette has multiple versions in most live casinos.
Pinball Roulette
It's time to forget about the classic roulette wheel and replace it with something fresh, like a pinball machine. This is the principle of Pinball Roulette, most famously from Playtech. The game bases on European Roulette rules, with a big difference in the layout. Obviously, this makes the game more exciting and dynamic.
Conclusion
Each roulette online game offers thrilling action. However, online roulette games are all different and it's crucial to get a hang of them before starting. For example, due to the La Partage rules, players have a better chance of winning in French roulette than in American roulette. In order to make the most of your online roulette experience, it is important to not only understand the differences between the various versions of the game but also to have a solid grasp of the roulette rules and common pitfalls to avoid.
Players can use the same strategies in all versions of roulette, but it's vital to be familiar with how many numbers on a roulette wheel there are, each version's rules and house edges to optimize winnings. It's recommended that players try out various types of roulette gamble online to discover the one they enjoy playing the most.
FAQ
What are the main variations of roulette available to South African players?
American, European, and French roulette are the most commonly found versions at online casinos in South Africa. While each has unique rules and visual differences, the core gameplay remains the same: predicting where the ball will land on the spinning wheel.
What are the key differences between American and European Roulette?
The main difference lies in the wheel layout. American Roulette features both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00), resulting in 38 pockets. European Roulette only has a single zero (0), giving it 37 pockets. This seemingly small difference significantly impacts the house edge, making European Roulette more favourable for players in South Africa.
What makes French Roulette unique compared to other roulette games?
French Roulette uses the same wheel layout as European Roulette. However, it includes two special rules: "La Partage" and "En Prison." La Partage refunds half of your even-money bet if the ball lands on zero. En Prison gives you the option to keep your bet "imprisoned" for the next spin if the ball lands on zero, offering a second chance to win. These rules further reduce the house edge, making it an attractive option for South African players.
Can I apply the same roulette strategies across all variations?
While some roulette strategies are universal, their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific game. For example, the Martingale strategy might be more effective in European or French Roulette due to the lower house edge. South African players should familiarise themselves with the rules of each variation and adjust their strategies accordingly for optimal results. Remember to gamble responsibly.
What is the "racetrack" betting layout in roulette, and which versions offer it?
The racetrack is a special betting layout found in European and French Roulette. It visually represents the order of numbers on the wheel, allowing players to easily place bets on groups of adjacent numbers. Common racetrack bets include Voisins du Zero, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins. This feature is particularly useful for South African players who prefer betting on specific sections of the wheel.
