Roulette has been around for centuries, capturing the imagination of casino-goers drawn to the simple yet suspenseful mechanics of this game of chance. While the standard version remains widely popular, online casinos now offer several roulette varieties to suit different tastes and preferences.
As you scout online betting sites for the most enjoyable roulette gameplay, knowing the key features of the top variants can help you zero in on options aligned with your goals and playing style. This guide runs through the most popular roulette games available at real money online casinos so you can find your best fit.
European Roulette
As the original version of the game, European roulette is considered by many players as the best type to play. Its wheel contains the standard 37 pockets ranging from 0 to 36. The table layout is also simpler and more intuitive compared to other variants at Casino 666.
Key traits:
- Single 0 pocket – This gives a lower house edge of 2.70%
- Call bets or announced bets – Allowed in some online versions
- La Partage and En Prison rules – Applied on even-money bets if the ball lands on 0
With better odds and rules that can help you minimize losses in the event of a zero result, European roulette offers the most favorable gameplay for players. It has better RTP than American roulette too at 97.3%.
American Roulette
American roulette developed from the original European game when it crossed the Atlantic. But casinos in America introduced a few twists. Notably, this variant has 38 pockets on its wheel, including an extra 00 slot.
Key traits:
- Double zero slots – Increases house edge to 5.26%
- Same table layout as European roulette
- No La Partage or En Prison rules
- Higher payouts on certain bets
The double zero pocket heavily impacts American roulette odds and increases the house advantage. But the variant also allows higher payouts on bets like the five numbers, offering bigger wins if you do hit them.
French Roulette
Widely played in Monte Carlo casinos, French roulette also starts with the European wheel but combines some features present in American roulette. Its table has French terms on it too like Voisins du Zéro instead of Neighbors of Zero.
Key traits:
- Single zero wheel – Retains favorable 2.70% house edge
- French table layout – More bets like Neighbors of Zero
- La Partage and En Prison rules
- Announced bets – Special rules for call bets
French roulette combines the best of both worlds with its European-style single zero wheel and some betting rules adopted from American games. The announced bets make for a more interactive experience as well.
Double Ball Roulette
A modern online roulette innovation, double ball roulette uses two balls instead of one spinning on the wheel across two inner rings. The ball that drops determines the winning number.
Key traits:
- Uses two balls and two inner wheel rings
- Standard single-zero European wheel
- No La Partage or En Prison rules
- Normal payouts as single-ball game
Double ball roulette amplifies the excitement by having two balls potentially hitting winning pockets. But the payouts and math stay the same as the traditional European game, with a single zero pocket and competitive 2.70% house edge.
Multi-wheel Roulette
Multi-wheel or multi-ball roulette allows you to play multiple wheels at once and ramp up the action across more tables. Instead of betting on one layout, your chips cover all active wheels.
Key traits:
- Up to 8 wheels spinning simultaneously
- Multiple results per round
- Option to duplicate bets across all wheels
- Consistent odds on each wheel
Multi-wheel roulette cranks up the excitement by letting you watch and bet on up to 8 wheels at the same time. This lets you cover more chances of winning in a single spin while retaining the standard rules and odds.
Mini Roulette
Mini roulette features smaller wheels with just 13 numbers pockets from 0 to 12. This compressed version speeds up gameplay and results with quicker spin cycles across fewer slots.
Key traits:
- Smaller wheel with 13 numbers
- Faster pace than standard roulette
- Higher volatility with fewer betting spots
- Potentially bigger payouts on straight bets
Offering a more volatile and fast-paced alternative, mini roulette allows you to complete betting rounds quicker while chasing bigger straight bet payouts. Just keep in mind that the odds are less favorable on this mini wheel.
Roulette Variant Key Pros Key Cons European Favorable odds & rules n/a American Bigger payouts Higher house edge French Announced bets n/a Double Ball 2x Excitement Same payouts Multi-wheel More action Can get chaotic Mini Faster rounds Less favorable odds
While American roulette objectively has worse odds for players, some spinning enthusiasts simply prefer the extra 00 pocket and adrenaline hit of bigger but less likely rewards. Or you may want the fastest rounds possible and gravitate towards mini roulette.
Ultimately, only your personal preferences can dictate the most enjoyable roulette version for your playing style and goals. But knowing what sets the main variants apart lets you make an informed choice from the diverse selection at online betting sites.
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