• As a game loved around the world, it is understandable that there are different variations and rules.
• The game of roulette is one of the most beloved casino games.
Roulette is a classic game of chance, played at casinos around the world. It has many variations and differing side rules. We discuss the main ones and how to play at tables using them.
The game of roulette is one of the most beloved casino games. It is a devilishly simple concept that can suddenly become extremely complex. Thus, it attracts players of all types. As a game loved around the world, it is understandable that there are different variations and rules. Below, we discuss the main variations of roulette and how to understand them.
European roulette
European roulette is the original version of the game. It was devised in 18th century France. Most people believe it may have taken influences from the Italian game of Biribi. The French physicist Blaise Pascal is credited with creating the wheel we know today, in an attempt to build a perpetual motion machine. This was further developed in 1843 by Francois and Louis Blanc, who added the zero pocket to it. The wheel and board have not changed much since then and contain 37 numbers with a single zero pocket. In the rules, there are no side bets and additional payouts. It is the version that most roulette games are based upon, then adapted. Even live versions and variants of roulette online for real money will be based on the European version at their core.
American roulette
When the game came to America, brought by European immigrants, it was believed the house edge was too great. At first, several wheels were created to increase the possibility of the house winning. One such wheel had the numbers 1 to 28, a single zero, a double zero, and then an American Eagle. The American Eagle was a special slot that represented the house. However, it was soon removed as it provided too great an edge.
The modern American game has a wheel that contains 38 numbers, a single zero, and a double zero pocket. Aside from the wheel, the only difference is the ability to make a bet known as a market. With this, you can wager on five numbers. Aside from this, the concept of the game and its rules remain the same.
French roulette
French roulette uses the same wheel and rules as European roulette. However, it includes a rule known as “La Partage” or “En Prison” which can add additional bets to the game. There are also a host of advanced bets which can be made.
La Partage and En Prison
If you are playing European or American roulette, and have made an even money bet, you will lose your money if it lands in a zero slot. However, in French roulette, you don't. Instead, you can use either of these rules for a second chance. But only if the table rules include it.
With En Prison, your bet remains on the table. If you win on the next spin, then you take it. If not, it becomes the property of the house. Thus, it is kept in a prison and gives rise to the name En Prison.
Le Partage is simpler, and the bet is split equally between the house and the player. Thus, you only lose half of your bet.
Advanced bets
French roulette has several advanced bets. These are known as announced or called bets. While they sound complicated, they are quite simple.
Voisins du zero
This is a bet on all numbers of the wheel between 22 and 25. It encompasses nine chips, which go between the corners, splits, and threesomes.
Le Tiers du cylinder
From 27 to 33, it is bet on all the numbers adjacent to zero. Six chips are split between them.
Jue zero
This is a bet on zero and the six numbers on either side of it. The chips are divided into three splits and a straight on the 26.
Orphelins
This translates as orphans as it is a bet on the numbers not included in the other bets mentioned. This can be further broken down. En Cheval is five chips, with a straight bet on one and the rest as five chips on four splits. En Plein is eight chips on straight bets.
Finales
This is a bet placed on everything that ends on a certain number. For example, it may be 5,15,25 and so forth. It can also be done as a single number, En Plein, or two numbers, known as Finales de Cheval.
What is the best form of roulette to play?
The type of game you should play is subjective. It also depends on what game is available at your chosen casino. American or European rules could be the only ones available.
Of all the variations, the American game has the lowest player odds, with a return to player of 94.74%. This is due to the double zero. European roulette has a higher RTP at 97.30%. Beating them all, due to its additional rules, is French roulette at 98.65%.
Whatever version you choose to play, remember that roulette is entertainment. Make sure you gamble responsibly and only wager what you can afford to lose. Choose one of the versions you feel comfortable playing, and enjoy the additional rules if there are any. Roulette is a great game and whichever you play, you are sure to have fun.