The Different Variations of Roulette

Roulette has been a beloved game for Irish players for ages, and its many versions keep spinning things up. With its iconic wheel and the thrill of betting on where that little ball will land, roulette is a classic feature in any reputable casino, be it online or on the Emerald Isle.

But what are the different types of roulette available at the best online casinos for us in Ireland? The three most common variations you'll come across are American, European, and French roulette. Each has its own set of rules, table layout, house edge, and unique quirks that make playing at different casino tables an interesting experience.

American Roulette: The Double Zero Spin

To play American roulette, you'll need a wheel with 38 slots. These are numbered 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). The numbered slots are split between red and black, while the two zero slots are green. This double zero compartment is the main distinguishing feature of American roulette.

That extra "zero" slot is what sets American roulette apart. Because of it, the house edge is significantly higher compared to European or French versions. The number of available betting options can also change depending on how many numbers are featured on the roulette wheel.

European Roulette: A Favourite for Irish Players

The European roulette wheel features 37 slots, numbered 1 to 36, plus a single zero. Each number is coloured either red or black, with the zero slot being green. This version is favoured by many players in Ireland because it has a smaller house edge than its American counterpart.

The main difference from the American version is the absence of the double zero slot. This simpler layout in European roulette results in a lower house edge, making it more appealing for those looking to employ strategies or aiming for better winning prospects.

Compared to American roulette, European roulette offers a more favourable house edge, typically around 2.70%. With only one zero slot, players face a reduced chance of the ball landing in a losing pocket, which is a major plus for any keen gambler in Ireland.

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.