Roulette is one of the most common and easy to play casino games available. You put your bets, the dealer turns the wheel and lowers the ball, and the bets are paid.
There are three major Roulette variants, European, American and French, that you are most likely to find. There are distinct variations between them that greatly influence the game in the long term, although they seem identical at first glance. Knowing how they vary from each other will and can have repercussions for the outcome of your games. We have gathered all the essential details about all the Roulette terminologies for your convenience that you should become acquainted with before you pursue your Roulette career at any reputed and trustworthy casino, like Winissimo.
European Roulette
One of the major variants of Roulette that you would possibly find at every online and land-based casino is European Roulette.Â
36 numbers and a single zero are used in this game. In terms of odds, European Roulette stands in the centre, with French first with the most favourable odds and American third with the least favourable.
There is a rather clean display of the European Roulette table style.
The number grid is set out around the table horizontally. The outside bets are located under it, in two rows.
You will see the three dozen bets on the top side, whilst you can see the other bets in the following order on the bottom one: Low, Even, Red, Black, Odd, High.
The column bets are located on the right side of the grid.
French Roulette
The same wheel and betting choices used in European Roulette are used in French Roulette. The two games are virtually similar, except for two very significant rules that players will benefit from in the French edition.
The French Roulette wheel is located in the centre of the table at most casinos. Thus, the table is divided into two halves. In traditional European or American Roulette play, this is not the case.
Mostly, the felt is red, while it is green in the other two versions. In online Roulette games, this may not be the case.
On both sides of the number grid, you’ll see boxes for making even-money bets. In the other two versions, you will find that this isn’t the case.
The architecture of the French Roulette table is unique and distinct from the American and European layouts. The numbers grid is placed around the table horizontally. On both sides of it, the outer bets are set, with High, Even and Black being on top and Low, Odd and Red on the bottom. On both the top and the lower right side of the grid, the Dozen Bets are presented.
American Roulette
American Roulette varies somewhat from its Europe and France versions.Â
For starters, the wheel is somewhat distinctive in the way the numbers are arranged and the fact that there is an additional pocket for the 00, taking the total number of pockets to 38. This changes the game in such a major way. For eg, the house edge is moved back into the casino’s favour to almost double 5.26%.
This is because, although the payout percentages remain the same, there is an additional pocket.
With some slight modifications, the American Roulette table configuration strongly parallels that of European Roulette.Â
The number grid is set vertically instead of horizontally, and on its left side, you can see the zero and double zero bets.
Outside bets are often set in two rows underneath the grid.
Roulette wheels
There are two zeros in the American Roulette wheel, while the European versions only have one zero. However, there are a few other minor variations between the different Roulette wheels and tables.
Let’s begin with the Roulette wheels. Here’s a picture of the two Roulette wheels you can see at online casinos. Do keep in mind that the European “single zero” wheel is used in French Roulette.
Some other factors to keep in mind are:
|
Roulette tables
Professional Roulette tables are normally made of solid wood and have a rectangular design. The boundary is usually made of leather, polished wood or Alcantara on the players’ side and also contains ashtrays and holders of drinks. To assist and stabilise the Roulette wheel, an autonomous structure is used.
American Roulette table
The American Roulette table typical dimensions are 2.9mx1.7m. On the shorthand, it has the table, one dealer stands next to the wheel on the side and the players are seated on the other two sides: opposite to the wheel and dealer.
French Roulette table
The regular measurements of the French Roulette table are 3.3mx1.8 m. On the short side of the bench, two croupiers (French for dealers) carrying a 60 cm croupier’s rake are seated around the wheel. The table-umpire is positioned behind the wheel and on an elevated chair. Players are positioned on the other three sides of the stage. Few very long French Roulette tables (double length) are also available with the wheel in the middle and two table betting configurations, one on either side of the wheel.
Layouts for table betting
As the location of the croupiers and players in the American and French tables is different, the betting formats vary. Both outside bets are clearly on the same (long) side of the table on the American variant, while on the French tables, the outside bets are divided into the two long sides.
Roulette rules
Neither the wheel nor the table has anything to do with the laws of Roulette. They are physical objects and have little to do with the rules while the laws are intangible. What makes matters more complicated is that on a sign posted above the Roulette table, the rules are always written.
There are currently only two traditional sets of Roulette rules: American and French. Yes, even though there is a European wheel, there is officially no such thing as European rules.
- American Rules
According to the rules of American Roulette, when zero appears, all outside bets are lost (Odd, Even, Red, Black, High, Low).
- French Rules
When zeros appear (French Roulette is generally played on a European wheel), according to the French Roulette, so all outside bets (Odd, Even, Red, Black, High, Low) are not lost. Instead, it follows one of the following two rules, so there are two variations:
- “En Prison”: It means “in prison”. In this case, on the next spin, the money is not wasted and your bet remains on the same outside bet. You would forfeit your bet if zero arrives for a second consecutive time. If not, the bet wins or fails, as it usually does.
- La Partage: This implies splitting. You’ll risk half the bet in this situation. The remaining half is returned to you and you can bet as usual in the next round.Â
The gain for the player is mathematically the same, no matter which rule is in place because En Prison and La Partage are similarly advantageous for the player. Overall, the best conditions a Roulette player can encounter in a casino are a European wheel with French Roulette rules.
Comparison of Odds
When testing the multiple Roulette variations, there’s a second piece of math to consider. This is called the house edge and is the mathematical advantage which the casino has in any situation.The contrast between real odds and casino odds is what is known as the edge of the house. A French or European Roulette game has a house edge that is much lower than one that uses an American wheel. This is attributed to the extra pocket in the American edition. There are 37 potential outcomes in a European game. For American Roulette, the edge of the house is 5.26%. European Roulette games have a 2.7% house advantage. With the application of the La Partage French Roulette rule, the edge of the house is just 1.35%.
Final Roundup
So this is an informative tour of the differences between the main Roulette variants. We hope that this will enlighten your knowledge about Roulette and will help you in your next endeavour.