Have you spun the roulette wheel before?
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games, both online and offline. From the French roulette (“little wheel”), its name dates back to the mid-18th century, though some trace its origins to ancient China and Blaise Pascal's experiments with perpetual motion. Yes, it's really that old!
However, the modern version emerged in Paris around 1796 and quickly gained popularity, even featuring in French literature by 1801. Over time, it evolved into three main variants: European, American, and French roulette.
Keep reading to learn more about roulette, including how to play and tips for a successful game.
Table of contents
The basics of roulette
Roulette is a game of chance played on a spinning wheel with numbered red and black pockets (1 to 36) and one or two green “zero” pockets.
Players bet on where they think the ball will land, choosing a specific number, colour, or range. This might initially sound simple, but the variety of bets adds depth.
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The main types of roulette: European, American, and French
Today, roulette has evolved into three primary versions. Each caters to different playing styles and offers unique features. Get the lowdown on each below:
1. European roulette
European roulette is the most classic and standard version of the game.
It features 37 pockets, including a single green zero. Numbers alternate in red and black, and players can bet on options like red/black, odd/even, ranges, or specific numbers.
👉 Plus, with a low house edge of 2.7% and simple rules, it’s ideal for beginners.
Unlike the French version, European roulette has no extra rules, offering straightforward gameplay that’s both balanced and exciting for players of all experience levels.
2. American roulette
Next up is American roulette. This variant adds a green “double zero” (00) pocket, creating 38 pockets and raising the house edge to 5.26%. The number layout differs from European roulette, and different strategies are required.
👉 Despite its higher risk, it’s popular in the U.S. and offers unique bets like the Five Number Bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, though this has a high house edge.
With its added challenge, American roulette appeals to experienced players seeking a more exciting and risky gameplay experience.
3. French roulette
French roulette, often called the “queen” of roulette, combines tradition with player-friendly features. It uses a 37-pocket wheel like European roulette but stands out with special rules that lower the house edge.
👉 For example, the En Prison rule lets players recover or “lock” their even-money bets if the ball lands on zero, with a chance to win them back on the next spin.
Another notable rule is the La Partage rule, which refunds half the stake on even-money bets if the ball hits zero.
These rules reduce the house edge to 1.35% on even bets, making French roulette a top choice for seasoned players seeking better odds.
5 most popular online roulette variations
With the rise of online casinos, roulette has expanded beyond its traditional formats, giving birth to unique variations:
- Multi-Wheel Roulette: Players can place bets on up to eight wheels simultaneously, increasing the excitement and potential payouts.
- Jackpot Roulette: This version includes a bonus round where players can compete for a large jackpot, adding a layer of thrill to the game.
- Mini Roulette: A simplified version with only 12 numbers and a zero, catering to those seeking a quicker, more casual experience.
- Zero Lounge Roulette: A rare variant that eliminates the zero pocket, removing the house edge entirely.
- Roulette with Two Balls: Adds a second ball to the mix, increasing the chances of landing a winning bet.
So, make a note of these unique options for your next online casino session!
Winning roulette strategies
While roulette is a game of chance, many players attempt to use strategies to increase their odds. Strategies can also help you manage your bankroll and keep track of your spending.
Here are some of the most common:
- Martingale Strategy: This involves doubling the bet after every loss, aiming to recover all previous losses and gain a profit with a single win. However, it requires a significant bankroll and is risky due to potential long losing streaks.
- Andruchi Strategy: This system focuses on tracking which numbers have appeared most frequently and betting on them. It assumes that certain numbers are “hot” and may continue to appear.
- D'Alembert Strategy: This is a more conservative approach than Martingale. After a loss, the player increases the bet by one unit; after a win, they decrease it by one unit.
- Fibonacci Sequence: The size of each bet is the sum of the previous two bets. This strategy is based on the famous Fibonacci sequence, and it provides a structured way to increase bets gradually.
Curious? See more of the best roulette strategies here.
Although these strategies offer structured betting methods, they do not guarantee success. Roulette remains a game of luck, and playing responsibly is essential.
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Final thoughts
Roulette offers a thrilling gambling experience, from classic versions like European and French roulette to modern online variants like Multi-Wheel and Jackpot Roulette. There truly is something for every player.
Starting from a blank slate? European roulette is beginner-friendly, with simple rules and a low house edge, while American roulette’s double zero adds extra risk and excitement. French roulette stands out for its strategic appeal and favourable rules, offering players the best odds.
If you want to experience something completely different, online casinos have expanded the game’s reach, introducing numerous variants to suit every preference.
Whether you love tradition or seek new twists, roulette remains a timeless casino favourite, both online and offline.
Learn more about timeless casino games from the experts now. Read more on the Roger blog.
