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The Different Variations of Roulette

Last updated: 14.11.2025
Emily Thompson
Published by:Emily Thompson
The Different Variations of Roulette image

Gamblers have been captivated by roulette and its international versions and varieties for ages. Roulette, with its recognizable spinning wheel and the excitement of betting on where the ball will fall, is an old-school staple of any respectable casino in Zambia.

However, what are the different variations of roulette? And are they available at the best online casinos in Zambia? The three most common variations of roulette are American, European, and French. Each version has its own rules, the roulette board in each game, the house edge, and what makes playing the different casino roulette tables so unique.

American Roulette: The 00 Version

Players need a special wheel with 38 slots (1 through 36, plus a single zero (0) and a double zero (00)) to play American roulette. The slots on the American roulette wheel are red and black, and the zeroes are green. In contrast to European and French roulette, American roulette features a double zero compartment.

A second "zero" slot distinguishes American roulette from other forms of the game. Because of this extra compartment, the house edge in American roulette is much higher than in European or French versions. Depending on how a roulette wheel is set up, the number of betting options a player has also changes.

The European roulette wheel has 37 slots, numbered from 1 to 36 plus a single zero. Each number is either red or black, with zero being represented by a green space. Since the house edge in European roulette is smaller than in American roulette, it's more common among players in Zambia.

The double zero slot is nowhere to be found in European roulette, which is the main distinction between the European and the American version. Because of this distinction, the house edge in European roulette is smaller, making the game much more appropriate for using strategies and for having higher winning possibilities.

When compared to American roulette, European roulette has a smaller house edge of 2.70%. With only one zero slot, players have a reduced house edge because they have a lesser chance of the ball landing in a losing pocket.

French Roulette: "La Version Francaise"

The French roulette wheel has also 37 roulette numbers (1 through 36 plus a single zero) just like the European version. French roulette differs most significantly from European roulette in its rules and betting possibilities.

France's take on the roulette game has its own set of rules and betting possibilities that set it apart from other variants. French roulette has its own distinct betting possibilities like "voisins du zero," "orphelins," and "tiers du cylindre," in addition to the standard "en prison" and "en prisoner" bets.

If a person bets even money (red/black, odd/even, high/low, etc.) and the ball falls in the zero slot, he or she will only lose half of their original wager (the La Partage regulation). French roulette offers the best chances to players because of this rule, which lowers the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35%.

Other Online Roulette Game Versions

After so many years, it's quite understandable that roulette offers different versions already. Plus, the creation of live dealer roulette has launched even more variations, thus giving the game a modern twist.

Multi-Wheel Roulette, Mini Roulette, and 3D Roulette are just a few of the many roulette variants out there - all three of them are also live versions. It's common practice for online casinos to allow players to practice these variants for free before allowing them to bet real money.

Mini Roulette

Thanks to software providers like Playtech and Evolution Gaming, roulette fans are now able to play Mini Roulette, which is a smaller version of the original online game. Mini Roulette can adapt to smaller screens - despite being played on a PC or laptop. This allows players to play roulette while doing another activity, like betting during a game.

Multi-Wheel Roulette

If one roulette wheel simply doesn't make it, there's also the chance to bet on roulette with up to eight games simultaneously. Multi-Wheel Roulette follows the European Roulette rules, with all of the games happening at the same time.

Live Dealer Roulette

Live dealer games are the perfect blend between the real-life experience and online versions. In the case of roulette, the live dealer roulette games allow players to interact with the dealer, watch an actual wheel spin, while making bets that the dealer places on a real table. Plus, live dealer roulette has multiple versions in most live casinos.

Pinball Roulette

It's time to forget about the classic roulette wheel and replace it with something fresh, like a pinball machine. This is the principle of Pinball Roulette, most famously from Playtech. The game bases on European Roulette rules, with a big difference in the layout. Obviously, this makes the game more exciting and dynamic.

Conclusion

Each roulette online game offers thrilling action. However, online roulette games are all different and it's crucial to get a hang of them before starting. For example, due to the La Partage rules, players have a better chance of winning in French roulette than in American roulette. In order to make the most of your online roulette experience, it is important to not only understand the differences between the various versions of the game but also to have a solid grasp of the roulette rules and common pitfalls to avoid.

Players can use the same strategies in all versions of roulette, but it's vital to be familiar with how many numbers on a roulette wheel there are, each version's rules and house edges to optimize winnings. It's recommended that players try out various types of roulette gamble online to discover the one they enjoy playing the most.

FAQ

What are the main variations of roulette?

American roulette, European roulette, and French roulette are the three most popular types of roulette. While each variation has its own specific rules and aesthetic nuances, they all share the fundamental concept of spinning a wheel and placing a wager on where the ball will land in a numbered slot.

How do American and European Roulette differ?

The primary distinction between American and European Roulette lies in the wheel's layout. American Roulette includes both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00) slot, resulting in 38 possible betting spaces. European Roulette, on the other hand, features only a single zero (0) slot, making for a total of 37 betting options. This difference directly impacts the house edge, with European Roulette offering a slightly more favourable advantage to players.

What sets French Roulette apart from the other variations?

French Roulette shares the same wheel numbers as European Roulette but introduces two unique rules: La Partage and En Prison. Both rules are designed to further reduce the house edge. With La Partage, if a player places an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, half of their bet is returned. The En Prison rule allows players, when the ball lands on zero, to "imprison" or hold their bet for the next spin, giving them another chance to win back their stake.

Can I use the same strategies for all roulette variations?

While many roulette strategies can be applied universally, the most effective approach often depends on the specific variant being played. For instance, strategies like the Martingale can be more advantageous in European and French Roulette due to their lower house edge. Players should always familiarise themselves with the rules of each variation and adjust their tactics accordingly for the best possible outcome.

What is a "racetrack" in roulette, and which variations use it?

In European and French Roulette, a "racetrack" is an additional betting layout that mirrors the order of numbers on the physical wheel. It allows players to place bets on specific groups of numbers that are adjacent on the wheel, rather than just on the main betting table. Common examples of these bets include Voisins du Zero, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins. This feature is particularly useful for players who prefer to wager on certain segments of the roulette wheel.

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