by Roulette is a classic of the casino for a reason. The game is simple, yet thrilling. On top of that, groups of people are always huddled around a roulette table, so the opportunity to socialize, engage, and meet new friends is always there.
But, the online gambling industry has changed roulette quite significantly. Thanks to the existence of online roulette, there are now more options available to the average gambler than ever before. In this article, we’d like to explore those options.
Online Roulette
As you can probably imagine, online roulette is a digital version of the casino classic. In this one, players can make a wager, then press a button which triggers the animated wheel to spin on the screen. Online roulette has no dealer, so the outcome is determined by a random number generator, rather than a physical wheel.
The game certainly has its fans, and most online casinos to this day include some online roulette games. However, for the most part, it seems that roulette players prefer being face to face with a human being. Does that mean that roulette at online casinos can’t be done? Well, not quite.
Live Roulette
Online casinos have actually found a way to bring together the best of both worlds. By incorporating the latest livestreaming technology into their product, gambling sites offer a live croupier option. But, how does this work, exactly?
In a live casino, the croupier broadcasts themselves with a roulette wheel. Players make their wagers from a live chat, whether voice, text, or even video sometimes, and the dealer runs the game. For many fans, the immersion works perfectly, making them feel as if they were at a land-based casino.
French/European
The distinction between online, land-based, and live roulette is not the only one we use to tell games apart. There are also, broadly speaking, two distinct version of roulette, that you will come across in most casinos; French and American. So, let’s explain the difference.
French is the older option, which came about in the 18th century. The place of origin is obviously France. The game is often called European roulette as well, and some even make a distinction between the two. In one version, some casinos might include extra rules, which make the game even simpler.
In French roulette, the wheel is comprised of 18 red pockets, 18 black pockets, and a single green pocket. The pockets are numbered 0 – 36, with 0 being the green. Players can make their wagers from there, and the original game even has quite a favorable RTP of between 97-98%.
American Roulette
The American version is just as simple as the European one. In fact, rule-wise, there really isn’t much of a difference. A croupier spins the wheel, and the players have to make their wagers. What makes American roulette different is the addition of an extra green pocket.
Some may think that this addition is no big deal. However, in truth, the extra pocket almost doubles the house edge of American roulette. Meaning, it is much more difficult to get a correct wager in the American version of the game. Still, some people prefer the risk.
