Roulette Game Variants

Roulette is one of the earliest recorded casino games. Its origin can be traced all the way back to the European country of France. The word roulette is derived from a French word meaning a small wheel. The players place bets on numbers and colors that are located on the spinning wheel. A croupier first sets the round off by spinning the wheel in one direction. They then spin a small white ball back in the opposite direction on the same wheel. When the ball eventually loses its momentum, it falls into any one of the slots found on the roulette wheel and this decides the winners in that round.

Roulette initially appeared in France and became popular in the rest of Europe. Later it was brought to America where the strategies and gaming style were slightly changed. The casino players in America added an extra zero to the slots around the roulette wheel that made the game a little more difficult and lowered the chances of winning compared to those found in the European version of roulette.

The Subtle Differences between Roulette Variants

European roulette has 37 slots in the roulette wheel, which run from 1 to 36 and includes a 0 slot. The players bet at a European roulette table using standard value chips found in all land-based casinos. American roulette has numbers ranging from 1 to 36 along with a single zero slot and the double zero slot. As an extra slot has been added to the American wheel, one can also place a bet consisting of 5 numbers which are not possible in the European version of roulette. Unlike European roulette, multi-colored chips are used in French roulette to designate ownership of chips.

French roulette is also a game that includes the single zero slot and is considered to be the original or earliest form of European roulette. Both the French and European styles of roulette are played on similar roulette wheels but the playing field or table mat in the case of French roulette is different from that used in a game of European roulette.

In European roulette, when the game comes to an end the croupier removes all the old bets with a special spade-like tool, while in American style roulette the old bets are removed by hand. There is a house edge of 2.7% towards the casino in European roulette while the house edge is as high as 5.26% towards the casino in American roulette.

In the case of European roulette, there are 2 playing fields and the wheel is placed at the center of both. The players themselves initiate the play at a European table. In a game of American roulette, the croupier or dealer serves the roulette table and also spins the wheel. Later the chips are sorted by the croupier’s assistants at the table. While 16 people in total are allowed to take part in a game of European roulette, only 6 people in total are allowed in a game of American roulette.

Roulette at an Online Casino

To play Roulette at an online casino you can use one of the many online casino bonuses that are available especially for roulette. At some online casinos for instance you can receive a special welcome or deposit bonus designed especially for table games. These types of bonuses are more competitive and lucrative than standard online casino welcome bonuses. Be sure to always follow the different bonus terms and conditions set out at each individual online casino.