Online Roulette: A Complete Guide to the Game and the Best Versions
Welcome to the world of online roulette! This classic game, often called the “Queen of Casino Games,” remains one of the most popular and exciting. On this page, you will find everything you need to know about playing roulette, its rules, variations, and where to find the best tables.
What is Roulette?
Roulette is a game of chance where players bet on which compartment the ball will land in after being spun on a numbered wheel. The wheel is divided into numbered sections, each colored red or black, as well as one or two green zero sections. The game begins when a dealer (or a Random Number Generator in the online version) spins the ball, and players watch to see where it lands.
Main Types of Roulette
There are three main varieties of roulette, each with its own features and rules.
1. American Roulette
This is the most popular version in US casinos. Its main difference is the presence of two green sections (0 and 00). This increases the casino’s house edge, making the payout percentage lower than in other versions.
2. European Roulette
This is the most widespread and player-friendly version. It has only one green section (0), which significantly reduces the house edge and increases your chances of winning.
3. French Roulette
This version is similar to European roulette but has two special rules:
- La Partage (The Sharing): If the ball lands on “0” and you placed an even-money bet (e.g., on red/black), you get half of your stake back.
- En Prison (In Prison): Similar to La Partage, but your bet is “imprisoned” for the next round. If your bet wins in the next round, you get your original stake back.
Comparison of Main Roulette Types
To make it easier for you to choose, here is a table that clearly shows the key differences.
| Characteristic | American | European | French |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Zeros | 2 (0 and 00) | 1 (0) | 1 (0) |
| Total Pockets | 38 | 37 | 37 |
| House Edge | ~5.26% | ~2.7% | ~1.35%* |
| Special Rules | None | None | La Partage, En Prison |
*The house edge is reduced due to the La Partage and En Prison rules.
Popular Roulette Strategies
Although the outcome of each spin in roulette is random, many players use specific betting strategies. Remember, no strategy guarantees a win in the long run, as the house edge always remains.
- The Martingale Strategy: This is the most famous strategy. It involves doubling your bet after every loss. For example, if you bet $10 and lose, your next bet will be $20. After a win, you return to your original bet.
- The Fibonacci Strategy: Based on the Fibonacci number sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…). The bet is equal to the sum of the two previous bets. After a win, you move back two positions in the sequence.
- The d’Alembert Strategy: A more conservative approach. After a loss, you increase your bet by one unit, and after a win, you decrease it by one unit.
Where to Play Roulette Online
Choosing the right casino is key to a successful game. We recommend choosing sites that offer a wide selection of games, are licensed, and work with leading software providers.
- Live Dealer Roulette: For those seeking the atmosphere of a real casino, live dealer games are the best option. You can interact with the dealer and other players, and the broadcast is in real-time.
- RNG (Random Number Generator) Roulette: This is classic online roulette, where the results are determined by a special algorithm. It is suitable for quick and convenient sessions.
Roulette Games Faq
Can you cheat at roulette?
No. All licensed online casinos use certified Random Number Generators that ensure the fairness and randomness of every outcome.
Which version of roulette is the most profitable?
French roulette with the La Partage and En Prison rules, as it reduces the house edge to ~1.35%. If these rules are not available, European roulette is the most profitable.
Can I play roulette for free?
Yes, many online casinos offer demo versions of games where you can play for free to practice and learn the rules.