Roulette is a widely enjoyed casino game that revolves around chance. In this game, players place bets on the potential outcome of a spinning wheel, which is divided into numbered and colored pockets. In European versions, the wheel typically ranges from 0 to 36, while the American version introduces an additional number 00. The pockets are alternately colored in red and black.
The Flow of the Roulette Game
- Betting (Players act): Players strategically place their bets on a table layout that mirrors the numbers and colors on the roulette wheel. Bets can be on individual numbers, groups, or specific characteristics such as red or black, even or odd, etc.
- Spinning the Wheel (Dealer act): Once all bets are placed, or upon the dealer announcing “no more bets,” the roulette wheel is set in motion, and a small ball is propelled in the opposite direction. The ball ultimately lands in one of the numbered and colored pockets on the wheel.
- Determining the Outcome: The winning number is where the ball rests. Players who bet on that number or group of numbers win, while those who did not lose their bets.
Roulette Variations
There are various roulette variations, with European, French, and American versions being the most common. The primary distinction lies in the number of pockets on the wheel, affecting odds and the house edge. European and French versions usually feature a single zero pocket, while the American version includes both a single zero and a double zero, slightly increasing the house edge.
European Roulette
- Wheel: 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 and a single zero)
- House Edge: Lower compared to other variants, making it popular among players.
French Roulette
- Similar to European roulette with a single zero.
Special rules like “La Partage” and “En Prison” may apply, providing players with some advantages when the ball lands on zero.
What is the meaning of “La Partage” and “En Prison”?
“La partage” and “En prison” are two special rules that are sometimes applied in French Roulette. These rules are associated with even-money bets (like red or black, even or odd, and high or low numbers). They come into play when the ball lands on the zero.
La Partage:
When a player makes an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, half of the bet is returned to the player. The term “La partage” translates to “the divide”. In fact, this rule helps reduce the house edge on even-money bets in French Roulette.
En Prison:
If a player makes an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, the bet is not immediately lost. Instead, it is placed “in prison” for the next spin. If the player’s bet wins on the next spin, they get their original wager back without any additional winnings. If the subsequent spin is also a loss, then the player loses the bet. The “En prison” rule gives players another chance to recover their losses on even-money bets affected by the zero.
Both of these rules are favorable to players and help distinguish French Roulette from other variants.
Remember that not all French Roulette tables at online casinos apply these rules, so it’s essential to check the specific rules of the game you are playing.
American Roulette
American Roulette features a wheel with 38 pockets (1-36, single zero, and double zero), resulting in a slightly higher house edge due to the additional double zero. This version is prevalent in the United States.
Other Roulette Variations
- Mini Roulette: A scaled-down version with fewer numbers, offering different betting options but generally with a higher house edge.
- Multi-Wheel Roulette: Allows simultaneous betting on multiple wheels, providing heightened excitement but also higher risk.
- Multi-Ball Roulette: Features multiple balls in play on a single wheel during each spin, offering additional betting options and strategies.
- Double Ball Roulette: Uses two balls during each spin, increasing the complexity of bets and potential payouts.
- Triple Zero Roulette: The wheel includes 39 pockets (1-36, single zero, double zero, and triple zero), introducing a higher house edge compared to the standard American version.
These variations add diversity to the game, offering unique experiences and strategic considerations. When selecting a live roulette game at an online casino, players often consider factors such as the house edge, rules, and their gameplay preferences.
Common Roulette Betting Strategies
- Martingale System (double or nothing): A progressive betting system where the bet is doubled after each loss, aiming to recover previous losses with a win.
- Labouchere System: Players determine a sequence of numbers and bet the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence, adjusting the sequence based on wins and losses.
- D’Alembert System: A more conservative system where players adjust their bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win.
- Fibonacci System: Based on the Fibonacci sequence, each number in the sequence represents the betting unit, applied to even-money bets. The sequence typically starts with 0 and 1: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, …
- Paroli System: A positive progression system where players double their bet after a win, aiming to capitalize on winning streaks.
Different Kinds of Bet Payouts in Roulette
The payout in roulette depends on the type of bet placed. Here are the typical payouts for different bets:
- Single Number (Straight Bet): Payout: 35 to 1. For example, a $5 bet on a single number that wins yields $175 plus your original $5 bet back.
- Two Numbers (Split Bet): Payout: 17 to 1. For example, a $5 bet on two adjacent numbers resulting in a win pays $85 plus your original $5 bet back.
- Four Numbers (Corner Bet): Payout: 8 to 1. For example, a $5 bet on a group of four numbers pays $40 plus your original $5 bet back.
Even Bet – What is an Even Bet?
Even bets in live roulette refer to bets where the potential payout equals the original wager. These typically involve 1:1 bets, such as red or black, odd or even, and high or low numbers.
Why Even Bets Are Popular?
Even-money bets are popular among roulette players due to their nearly 50% chance of winning, making them relatively low-risk compared to other bet types. However, it’s crucial to note that the house edge persists in even-money bets due to the presence of zero(s) on the roulette wheel.
Outside Bet – Column and Dozen Bets
- Column Bets: Cover 12 consecutive numbers on the wheel within three vertical columns. Payout: 2 to 1.
- Dozen Bets: Based on groups of 12 consecutive numbers, players can bet on the first dozen (1-12), second dozen (13-24), or third dozen (25-36). Payout: 2 to 1.
Why Outside Bets Are Popular
Column and dozen bets are favored by players seeking to cover more numbers with a single bet while still receiving a relatively favorable payout. However, the presence of zero(s) on the roulette wheel influences overall odds, giving the house an edge.
