Seemingly every casino player, whether beginner or expert, has tried their hand at roulette. Not only does the game give you a lot of action with interesting betting options, but it also has a huge winning potential when you leverage the right strategy. This is why several roulette variants are available today – American, European, and French.
In this guide, we take a comprehensive look at the characteristics of each roulette variant, how they differ from one another, and how these subtle differences impact the game. Read on to enhance your enjoyment of the game and increase your chances of winning.
The Basics of Roulette
Roulette is essentially about predicting where the ball will land on a spinning wheel that is divided into several numbered pockets. The good thing is that you get to place bets on individual numbers, groups of numbers, colours (red or black), and an odd or even result. This makes the game quite interesting while increasing your betting options.
When trying out online roulette at Betway, you get to experience several unique titles with multiple bet options. The popular Lightning Roulette, for instance, offers multiple payouts ranging from 50x to 500x. The game also features a live dealer, which enhances the overall experience.
American Roulette
North American players are widely accustomed to American roulette. In this version, the wheel contains 38 pockets numbered 1 through 36 with a single zero and a double zero. What sets it apart from the French and European variants is the inclusion of the double zero. Players, therefore, risk more because the double zero significantly increases the house edge.
However, many players prefer American roulette because of its familiarity and pace. It features a relatively simple betting scheme, making it easier to learn and quicker for each round to complete. You can, therefore, enjoy fast action, increasing your chances of winning while making the game more enjoyable.
European Roulette
The most commonly played roulette variant worldwide is the European version. It is among the most popular games in most online casinos and has a considerable following. Unlike American roulette, this variant features 37 pockets with just a single zero. The lack of the double zero lowers the house edge by about half, from 5.26% to 2.70%, which increases the player’s chances.
Apart from this structural difference, the betting layout of European roulette remains almost similar to that of American roulette. Players have the option of inside and outside bets when engaging with the platform. Luckily, they don’t have to worry about the double zero lowering their odds of winning.
European roulette is particularly excellent for beginners in the casino world. You strike a balance between excitement and risk while sticking to a budget. It is a widely accepted variant that allows you to extend your bankroll while enjoying a classic, intriguing game.
French Roulette
French roulette can be regarded as the original version, as it is the oldest. It is commonly viewed as the most strategic and elegant roulette variant worldwide. Like its European counterpart, it includes 37 pockets with just a single zero.
However, the biggest difference between French roulette and the other variants is in the rules. For starters, it introduces the ‘La Partage’ rule, which ensures you only lose half your bet instead of the full amount if you place an even-money bet (red/white, or odd/even) and the ball lands on zero.
French roulette also has the “En Prison’ rule, which imprisons your bet for the next spin if zero comes up when you place an even-money bet. This allows you to recover your full stake should your bet win in the next spin.
These rules reduce the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35% and make the game much more intriguing. Players, therefore, have a higher chance of winning compared to European and American roulette variants. It also offers several deposit methods, including cryptocurrency, PayPal, bank transfer, and more. However, the French variant is less widely available, especially in North America.
Choosing a Suitable Roulette Variant to Play
The roulette version you choose – American, European, or French – will come down to your playing style and goals. Beginners are better suited to European roulette because it is the most rewarding and easily accessible. Strategic players, on the other hand, should consider French roulette due to its sophisticated rules and low house edge. Thrill-seekers should try American roulette, which has a faster pace and higher risk.
