Neo Beth | May 9, 2023 | Updated on: January 15th, 2024
Online Roulette Variants
Two primary variations of roulette exist: European and American, which differ significantly in their odds. This article will provide a comparison of these two games and examine another popular variant, French roulette, along with online versions like mini roulette.
Despite variations in gameplay, the fundamental rules and betting options of these games are mostly identical. If you lack familiarity with the basics of roulette, please review our page detailing the rules and betting options.
Aussie Online Casinos with Roulette Variants
Online Roulette Variants
Online casinos typically offer two main categories of roulette variations: traditional variants and innovative versions. The traditional variants include American, French, and European roulette and can be found at most popular online casinos. On the other hand, innovative versions of the game feature unique functionalities, rules, and payouts. In the following section, we will explore some of the most popular roulette variations offered by online casinos.
European Roulette
The most widely offered version of roulette in casinos across Europe and many other parts of the world is the European roulette. It has only one zero on the wheel, unlike the American version which has a single zero and a double zero. European roulette games are available at most online casinos. Below are screenshots of European roulette tables available at Bet365 online casino.
American Roulette
The version of roulette that you’ll find at most US casinos is the American roulette, which is basically the same as the European roulette, except that the wheel has a single zero and a double zero. You’ll find it at most online casinos as well. Below is a screenshot of American Roulette at the Bovada online casino.
American vs European: Comparing the Odds
Despite the similarities between American and European roulette, the additional double zero in the American version makes a significant difference. While some players may prefer it for certain reasons, European roulette is considered more player-friendly.
Although the payouts for each bet are the same in both versions, the probability of each bet winning is slightly higher in the European version since there are only 37 numbers. The table below demonstrates the differences in probabilities of winning for each type of bet:
| Bet | Payout | Probability – American | Probability – European |
| Straight Up | 35 to 1 | 2.63% | 2.7% |
| Split | 17 to 1 | 5.26% | 5.41% |
| Street | 11 to 1 | 7.89% | 8.1% |
| Corner | 8 to 1 | 10.53% | 10.81% |
| Line | 5 to 1 | 15.79% | 16.22% |
| Dozens or Columns | 2 to 1 | 31.58% | 32.43% |
| Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low | Even Money | 47.37% | 48.65% |
As seen, the differences in winning probabilities are quite small, but they can have a significant effect on your return in the long run. Therefore, if given the choice, always choose European roulette.
French Roulette
French roulette is very similar to the European version, with the only difference being the layout of the betting board. It features the same betting options with the same payouts and only one zero. What sets it apart from the others is the “La Partage” rule. This rule states that players who have placed even-money bets will get half of their wager back if the ball lands on zero. This is an advantage for the player, making French roulette an even better game than European roulette. Some games also feature the “en prison” rule, which lets players keep their even-money bets “in prison” if the ball lands on zero. If the bet wins on the next spin, the player gets their wager back. If it loses, the bet is forfeited.
Mini Roulette
Mini roulette is a less common version of roulette that has gained popularity online. It is a scaled-down version of the game with fewer numbers and betting options. However, the basic principle remains the same. Below is a screenshot of mini roulette at the Bet365 online casino.
Multi-Wheel Roulette
This is a new version of roulette that some online casinos offer. The rules and betting options are similar to the classic game, but players can bet on the outcome of multiple wheels at once. Most online casinos allow players to choose the number of wheels they want to bet on, usually between 2 and 8. The screenshot below shows a version with six wheels.
Other Online Roulette Games
Many online casinos have created their own versions of roulette with additional features or rules to make the game more exciting and engaging for players. For example, some online roulette games have a progressive jackpot feature, which allows players to win big payouts if the same number appears a certain number of times in a row. Others offer multi-player options, allowing players to compete against each other in real-time.
One popular variation of the game is live dealer roulette, which allows players to experience the excitement of a real-life casino from the comfort of their own home. Live dealer roulette games are streamed in real-time from a casino studio or an actual casino, and players can interact with the dealer and other players via a chat function.
Another interesting variation of the game is multi-wheel roulette, which allows players to bet on the results of multiple wheels at once. This version of the game is offered by many online casinos and allows players to choose how many wheels to bet on, typically between 2 and 8.
In addition to these variations, there are also some unique versions of roulette available online, such as 3D roulette, where the game is presented in stunning 3D graphics, and Pinball roulette, which incorporates elements of a pinball machine into the game.
Overall, there are countless variations of roulette available to players online, and it can be a lot of fun to explore the different options and find your favourite. Whether you prefer the classic simplicity of European roulette or the exciting twists of multi-wheel or live dealer roulette, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.