Like most casino games, there are variations of roulette. Most casinos offer at least 2 and many offer up to 5. If you are wondering which one to play, have a quick read through our guide to online roulette variants and find out the pros and cons of the different games.
American Roulette
American Roulette wheels have 2 zero pockets (a zero-0- and double zero-00) and 38 number slots on the wheel. Now you might think that having the extra zero pocket is a good thing, in that it gives you more betting options. But remember that the casino does not pay out on outside bets if the ball lands in a zero pocket. So having two of them is not such a good thing. The house edge in American Roulette is 5.2%- double that of European Roulette. The conclusion? If you are offers both types of roulette, always opt for European- it´s one of the sure fore ways of improving your odds at the table.
European Roulette
European roulette is a variant with only 1 zero pocket, and will give you superior odds to American (house edge: 2.6% versus 5.2% on American). Most online casinos that market to customers in the UK offer this roulette type. Even if there are both types on offer, we recommend playing European unless you particularly like betting on the 00 pocket (but we can´t think why you would use such a narrow system).
French Roulette
In our humble opinion- this is the best roulette variant. You can play the French version at Paddy Power Roulette. This version features the French ‘En Prison’ rule where half of your ‘even money’ bets (red/black, even/odd and high/low bets) are returned if you hit the zero. This drops the house edge to 1.35%. You can also play this version at Ladbrokes Roulette Guide.
No Zero Roulette
There is one site in the UK that offers NO ZERO roulette, which gives better odds even still. And that´s the Bet fair No Zero Roulette game. This online casino claims to have a zero house edge on some of its games- they´be removed the zero on one of the roulette’s on offer (in the ZERO Lounge). You will find, however, that some of the betting limits are lower (to limit people going crazy on progression systems). If you want to bet a progression system, like a Martingale, you´ll probably end up having to play in the standard lounge which has European Roulette.
Progressive Roulette
Many online casinos offer progressive roulette. An example would be casinos that use the Micro-gaming casino games platform (such as Spin Palace roulette). These casinos offer a variant called Roulette Royale which has a side bet that is fixed at one credit and is placed automatically when you enter the game. This extra side bet gives you the chance to go for the Progressive Jackpot which is an accumulating pot of money that can reach big numbers. The value of the Progressive Jackpot will be shown on the screen in the game. To hit the jackpot, you have to hit the same number 5 times in a row. There are other payouts for less than 5 in a row:
Same number twice in a row pays £15.
Same number 3 times in succession pays out at £200.
Same number 4 times in a row pays out at £$3000.
Same number 5 times in a row pays out the jackpot. This can be as high as half a million to a million pounds.
Bear in mind that the house edge is bigger in progressive roulette. You are effectively paying for the right to win the “big one” much as you would in slots or on the lotto.
Multiple Wheel Roulette
Some casinos online offer a version of roulette in which you can play on more than one wheel simultaneously. The most famous is perhaps the Three Wheel variant at Virgin Roulette.
Bonus Spins Roulette
Virgin Roulette also offer a variant with bonus spins. Basically, the idea here is that there is an additional extra wide pocket or “well” on the wheel. If the ball lands in it, you get a free spin and your bets are carried forward.
