Roulette Variants

Roulette is one of the most popular casino games ever, both in physical and online casinos. Most roulette games fall into one of three categories: European roulette, American roulette or French roulette.

The basic gameplay of the three variants is similar, but there are a few distinctions that make each type of roulette game unique.

In this article we’ll provide a brief introduction to the three main types of roulette.

1. European Roulette

European roulette is a firm favourite with players thanks to its lower house edge and straightforward yet thrilling gameplay.

The game features 37 pockets numbered 1-36, plus one zero pocket, and the odds for players are better than in American roulette, which has two zero pockets.

European roulette is a great option for both new and more experienced players with a range of budgets.

Rules

European roulette is distinguished by its single zero pocket. It also sometimes borrows rules from French roulette, such as the ‘La Partage’ rule and the ‘En Prison’ rule. 

La Partage (‘the divide’) reduces the house edge, increasing long-term odds for players, while En Prison (‘in prison’) freezes even-money bets until the next round if the ball lands on zero.

Why should I play European roulette?

European roulette is a great choice for players looking for a lower-risk version of the game than American roulette. If the La Partage and En Prison rules are in play, this gives players a chance to minimise losses on even-money bets.

This roulette variant also has clear rules and a straightforward layout, making it ideal for beginners as well as more experienced players.

2. American Roulette

American roulette is (as the name suggests) the most popular form of roulette in the States. It’s known for its double-zero layout, which sets it apart from European and French versions.

This version of the game offers some unique betting options, and the house edge is slightly higher  than other types of roulette thanks to the double zero pockets.

Rules

American roulette does not offer rules like La Partage or En Prison, and this means that the house edge (or the casino’s advantage) is higher. This variant also features a unique five-number bet, which does not appear in other roulette games. It covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, with a payout of 6:1. However, this bet has the worst player odds of any roulette bet, and is generally to be avoided unless you have a very high risk appetite.

Why should I play American roulette?

This variant offers an interesting twist on the game that may appeal to players who have already tried the European or French version. Although the double zero pocket increases the risk for players, it can also lead to an exciting, more high-risk gaming experience.

We recommend trying American roulette as well as its European counterparts, so that you can decide which version of the game you prefer.

3. French Roulette

French roulette is the oldest version of roulette. It is known for its unique rules such as La Partage and En Prison, which reduce the house edge and make the odds more favourable for players. 

French roulette closely resembles European roulette. However, French roulette has added benefits for players on even-money bets, making it particularly appealing to those looking to maximise their odds of winning.

Rules

French roulette games feature the La Partage and En Prison rules, which offer advantages for players. La Partage (‘the divide’) reduces the house edge, increasing long-term odds for players, while En Prison (‘in prison’) freezes even-money bets until the next round if the ball lands on zero.

The game also uses some French terminology for various bets, such as ‘rouge’ and ‘noir’ for red and black, ‘pair’ and ‘impair’ for even and odd, and ‘passe’ and ‘manque’ for high and low numbers.

Why should I play French roulette?

French roulette has a lower house edge than American roulette, for example, giving players a chance to minimise losses on even-money bets. Its French terminology also adds a unique flavour to the game, and it can be a fun variant for those who are already familiar with European roulette.

It’s also the oldest form of roulette, but one that is still very much enjoyed to this day in casinos all over the world.

Which Roulette Variant Should You Play?

Trying to decide which roulette variant to play? Check out our tips below:

• If you’re looking for the best odds, French roulette offers the best advantages for players.
• European roulette is a great middle-ground option with a favourable house edge, making it perfect for those with a medium appetite for risk.
• American roulette is more challenging due to the higher house edge, but can still be exciting for players who enjoy a bigger risk.
• All roulette games are suitable for beginners, but European or American roulette may be easier to follow since they don’t use French terminology.
• Remember to always check the rules for the specific game you’re playing, since there are thousands of different roulette games.
• We recommend trying American, European and French roulette to see which you prefer.

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