There are several variations of roulette and they all differ in nuances. They differ not only in the rules, but also in the wheel itself. Therefore, before you start playing, it is better to understand these subtleties and differences
Online roulette offers a wide range of games, with European and American roulette being the most popular. These games share common fundamentals, but there are key differences that affect the player’s experience and winnings. (c) Roc Smith
European Roulette
European roulette uses a classic wheel with a single zero field. This means a lower stake of around 2.70%, making it a better choice for players looking for higher odds. In addition, the game has many betting options, allowing players to plan their bets well.
European roulette has 37 squares on the wheel, numbered from zero to 36. This means that players have a better chance of success on other roulette tables, such as American roulette, where there are more squares.
The two parts of the table where the bets are located are in the inner and outer parts of the table. Each offers different betting methods.
The inner section offers bets on individual numbers next to each other, in groups of up to six numbers.
The outer part contains pairs of bets for red or black, low or high, odd or even (each type of bet covers 18 numbers). You can also make six different bets, 12 numbers each, three of which get the name “column” and the other three “tens”.
There are also groups of bets ranging from 7 to 17 numbers, located on different sections of the roulette table.
American Roulette
The American roulette wheel consists of 38 numbered sectors. These sectors are arranged in a certain order, which allows you to achieve a balance in parity and magnitude of numbers. All sectors alternate between black and red, except for the “zero” sectors, which are colored green.
At the beginning of the game, the croupier spins the roulette wheel and starts the ball, after which players can place bets. Bets must be completed at least three rounds before the ball comes to a complete stop, otherwise they are invalid.
The croupier always starts the ball from the number on which it stopped in the previous round. If the ball starts from a different sector, that spin is invalid and the croupier shall make a new start.
There are 11 basic bet types in American roulette, including a unique 5 number bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) which is added to a number of inside bets. The odds of winning are about the same as in European roulette and depend on the type of bet. The bets are divided into inside bets, placed directly on the field, and outside bets, which are placed on designated areas around the edges. The amount of winnings is determined by the type of bet: the lower the probability of winning, the higher the payout amount. There are no oral bets in American roulette.
American roulette differs from European roulette by the smaller size of the gaming table and the presence of two “zero sectors”, called “zero” and “double zero”. All numbers on the playing field, except for the zero sectors, are colored red or black. In some American casinos there is a rule of “surrender”: if a bet with odds of 50/50 (for example, black/red or small/large) falls zero sector, the player is returned half of his bet.
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
| Wheel Layout | Single Zero (0) | Double Zero (00) |
| House Edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Betting Options | Diverse, with a focus on strategic play | Unique, catering to high-stakes enthusiasts |
Factors to consider when choosing an online roulette game
When choosing an online roulette game, think about several important things: gameplay, betting limits, payouts, house advantage and player experience. These factors can determine how much you will enjoy playing.
Online roulette gameplay: Check how the game works, what its design is like and how it responds. Make sure it is smooth and fun. Choose games with simple controls and beautiful visuals. Don’t forget to check the site itself! It is important to remember that a lot of sites are scams.
Roulette betting limits: Look at the lowest and highest bets you can place. This will help you figure out if the game fits your budget and how you like to play. Whether you like small bets or big bets.
Roulette Payouts: Familiarize yourself with the game’s payouts ahead of time. Learn about the odds and what you can win with different bets and how you will withdraw these funds, test on small amounts of money. This will affect how you plan your bets and what you expect to win.
House edge in roulette: recognize the house edge – the casino’s advantage to players. Choose games with a smaller edge to increase your chances of winning over time.
Roulette Player Experience: Consider how good the game is for players. Pay attention to support, fairness and security measures, read online reviews about a particular site. Choose a game that cares about its players and keeps them safe.
| Factor | Importance | Considerations |
| Online Roulette Gameplay | High | Smooth gameplay, intuitive controls, clear visuals |
| Roulette Betting Limits | Moderate | Suitable for your bankroll and playing style |
| Roulette Payouts | High | Understand the odds and potential returns |
| Roulette House Edge | High | Opt for a lower house edge |
| Roulette Player Experience | High | Customer support, fairness, responsible gaming |