Roulette Variations – Different Types of Tables & Wheels

Roulette Variations Feature ImageThe history of the game Roulette is one that began centuries ago. To date, Roulette is one of the most well-loved casino games of all time. The mad rush of the game coupled with the lucrative wins has appealed to the masses for as long as we can remember.

While the original game of Roulette began in France somewhere in the 17th century, French Roulette is not the only way to go. In this guide, we shall take a look at all the variations of Roulette the world of casino gaming has to offer. Who knows? You may just find your next favourite!

Introduction to Roulette

Before we embark on a journey to discuss the types of Roulette there are, a description of the basics is in order. The wheel in Roulette itself has several main features that are distinct across the variations. The pockets in the wheel each carry a value and a different colour.

The pockets that are numbered 00 or 0 are coloured green while odd numbers are red and even numbers are black. The wheel also comes in three dozens and three columns for betting. The numbers on the wheel run from 00 or just 0, and then each pocket holds the values 1 to 36.

The 00 is a value that is found on the wheel of American Roulette while the other variations usually stick to a single zero or 0. Hence, in American Roulette the wheel has 38 pockets while in European Roulette there are only 37.

Outside the wheel on its rim lies a ball which is spun by the dealer once bets are made. What makes the game so exciting is the fact that it depends on the chances of the ball landing on a pocket you have wagered on.

The winners have their chips marked for payout while the losing chips are cleared away from the table to signify that the round is over.  When it comes to betting, there are three main types of bets in Roulette. These are bets placed inside the wheel on the numbers or inside bets, bets placed outside the wheel or outside bets and a special combination of bets also known as announced bets.

Each Roulette game variation holds differences in the bets, some basic rules, numbering and more. Read on along the next sections to learn more.

American Roulette

Just as its name implies, this twist on Roulette is predominantly available in the United States. As we mentioned earlier in the article, what sets American Roulette apart from the rest is the number of pockets it has on the wheel.

American Roulette has 38 pockets which is a pocket more than the standard 37. The additional pocket is to demarcate the double zero or 00 value. The 00 pocket is also usually green in colour. American Roulette also tends to have a higher house edge than the rest but that does not diminish how exciting it is to play, in the least.

European Roulette

This version of Roulette is considered by many to be the classic version. European Roulette is available almost anywhere in the world due to its huge popularity. Unlike American Roulette, this classic has a wheel that only consists of 37 pockets.

The pockets are valued with a single zero or 0 and the numbers 1 to 36. European Roulette is particularly appealing because of its lower stakes, increased chances of winning and its overall lower house edge.

Another interesting aspect of this game is the fact that it allows the ‘le partage’ rule. According to this rule, a player is allowed to put his bet ‘in prison’ after a spin of 0 to recover his or her losses.

French Roulette

If you thought European Roulette was the ultimate original, you may just be a little mistaken. French Roulette is said to be the real deal. What sets it apart from its European counterpart is the fact that it has more bet options.

To accommodate the additional special bets, French Roulette usually has a special betting area that is added to the table layout. Some of these special bets have names like Voisins du Zero, Orphelins and Tier du Cylindre.

To increase the appeal of this version of Roulette, much like European Roulette, French Roulette also tends to have a lower house edge. All the more winnings and all the more fun!

Mini Roulette

This adorable little version of Roulette is fast becoming popular in the virtual casino world as more and more people flock to give it a try. What makes it so appealing is the fact that it is a simpler variety of Roulette. In the mini version, the entire decorum of the game is scaled down with fewer betting options and fewer numbers.

This makes it more approachable for those who are new to the game and to those who are playing on the go and seek something less complex.

Multi-Wheel Roulette

If you are a multi-tasker and proud of it, the Multi-Wheel Roulette variation may just turn out to be the perfect match for you. This version is also rising in popularity amidst online casino gaming avenues. While it retains all the basic principles of Roulette, this version of the game allows you to bet on multiple wheels at a time.

You usually get to choose how many wheels you want to bet on each round. Most often, the numbers range from 2 to 8. This is an innovative modern Roulette game that multiplies the fun and multiplies the winnings effortlessly.

Multi-Ball Roulette

Now that we have talked about a Multi-Wheel version of Roulette, we would like to introduce another cool concept to you! Multi-Ball Roulette resembles the Multi-Wheel Roulette in the sense of having an aspect of the game multiplied.

However, this time, it is the number of balls that are spun along the wheel that are added on. This increases your chances of winning and people have scrambled to try this version out because of the awesome winning opportunities.

No Zero Roulette

If you like what you have read so far, this is going to blow your mind. Does playing a game of Roulette with no house edge at all sound like a fairy tale to you? Well, it is not! No Zero Roulette is one of our favourite Roulette variations because there is no house advantage in this game.

There are no zero pockets either. You get to bet on 36 numbers with a significantly lower risk which is wonderfully easy on the pocket.

Rapid Roulette

This latest variation of Roulette is multidisciplinary at best. It combines touch screen betting prompts with real live dealers. Mostly offered in land-based casinos, Rapid Roulette has become a crowd favourite because it allows players to make up to 65 wagers per hour.

The direct appeal in this context is, of course, the ability to place so many bets at one time. This is perceived to lead to higher chances of winning. However, that may not always be the case when it comes to Rapid Roulette and just like any other variation of the game, a good strategy is in order.

California Roulette

This is one version of Roulette you may not have heard too much about. Well, as some of you may already know Roulette is not allowed in California casinos. This because Roulette is not classified as a game consisting of cards and skill which is the only kinds of games allowed in casinos there. To effectively toe the line, California Roulette was innovated.

The wheel has cards instead of pockets and has the numbers 00, 0 and 1 to 36. The rest is pretty much the same with the dealer spinning the wheel and presenting the winning card wager with a pay-out.

Diamond Roulette

Here is yet another interesting twist on regular old Roulette. Diamond Roulette has more colours across the board. Instead of the usual red, black and green, this version of the game also has yellow, purple and black.

Each colour encompasses 6 numbers and the bets are pretty lucrative with a payout of 5 to 1. The only drawback is the rather high house edge but other than that, this is a great option for the more adventurous.

Prime Time Roulette

This version of Roulette is named as such because it has another optional side bet. This side bet consists of the prime numbers on the wheel which are 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, and 31. If the ball does not land on a prime number, your bet is lost.

This version is highly interesting, but can sometimes offer a payout of 299 to 1 if a prime number is hit 7 times consecutively. Highly dynamic and interesting but not for the faint-hearted!

Alphabetic Roulette

This version of Roulette is one of the most creative versions to date! Instead of numbers on the wheel, you will be able to bet on 25 possible outcomes from A to X. You also have the possibility of hitting Y or Z which occupy the same pocket. There are also 6 different colours with 4 corresponding letters to each colour.

The super fun part of it is the special bets like Party Pit that allows you to bet on the letters P, A, R, T, Y or I and Roulette that allows you to bet on letters R, O, U, L, E, or T. The best part? This game has an awesomely low house edge of about 4% wherever you play!

Other Variations of Roulette

Roulette Table - Unique VariationOther less popular but just as fulfilling variations of Roulette exist. These vary from the original in terms of theme, side bet, presentation and more.

One example of a theme variation of Roulette is none other than Ra Roulette. This variation is a hybrid between European Roulette and slot machine mechanics. The goal is to give you a slot-like experience of the classic game.

And then there is Monopoly Roulette that combines American Roulette with the classic Monopoly board game for an endlessly entertaining experience. Pinball Roulette is another interesting Roulette variation that uses a pinball aspect throughout the game.  The result is a visually appealing and irresistible game that is addictive to play.

In terms of Roulette variations that differ according to other features, there is the Key Bet Roulette and Back to Back Roulette.  Key Bet Roulette has an extra bet for you to place that targets the Pot. Similar to a jackpot concept, if you win you could get up to 100 times your bet amount.

Back to Back Roulette also offers a side bet where you can wager on your lucky numbers. Should the ball land on the same number twice consecutively, you win 1200 to 1 on your bet!

With more and more variations of Roulette surfacing and more developers trying to come up with new ideas, these variations will not be the only variations for long. Enjoy the best you can and keep your eye peeled for the next new variation of Roulette!