Roulette is one of the most popular games in the UK. Due to the game’s popularity, online casinos have found creative ways to offer this game to their punters.
This page covers the different variations of Roulette and the options offered to punters in the UK.
Classic Types of Roulette
As mentioned, Roulette is one of the most famous table games in existence. It sometimes makes an appearance in movies and even books, but most people don’t know that there are quite a few variations on the original game derived from French Roulette.
Let’s look at how this popular card game came to be.
European Roulette
European Roulette is easily the most popular variant of roulette seen in the UK today. It consists of a standard Roulette wheel with 37 pockets, of which one is the number 0.
For many UK punters, the European variation of Roulette is preferred because of the reasonable House Edge of 2.70%.
As with most table games, the minimum and maximum limits vary according to where you play, so you are almost guaranteed to find a table that matches your limits.
American Roulette
What makes the American Roulette variant different from its European counterpart is the presence of an extra pocket with a double zero (00).
This significantly increases the House Edge to 5.26%, which might put some players off this variation. However, the more experienced you are as a player, the less intimidating this particular variant will appear.
French Roulette
There aren’t many differences between European and French Roulette, but the differences we have noted are significant enough to earn a spot on our list.
The most notable differences lie in the betting tables used in each variant. For example, Odd/Even bets are referred to as Pair/Impair in the French Roulette variant.
Another difference to note is that bets on the first, second, and third dozens, are referred to as P12, M12 and D12, whereas the French Roulette version includes additional bet options like Orphelians and Tiers du Zero.
One more significant difference is the “La Partage”-rule that comes into play in certain French Roulette games.
The La Partage rule allows players to get half of their bet back whenever 0 is spun. This rule helps to decrease the initial House Edge to a terrific 1.35%. This is undoubtedly a big drawing card for players looking for better odds.
Roulette Variants for Online Players
The increase in online casino traffic has caused online game developers like Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and Ezugi, to step up their game. We’re going to give you an overview of the variants of this enticing game that are available to online players.
1. Live Roulette
Live Roulette is a great way for newcomers to get acquainted with this classic game, despite its sometimes daunting nature.
Live online Roulette works very much as it does at Brick and Mortar casinos: there are usually two variations, either European or American, and there’s a live dealer. Players can see the wheel and the betting sections on the screen – one for inside bets and another for outside bets.
Getting into the game is fairly simple; players place their bets by picking a desired amount and clicking on it. Once bets are placed, the wheel will be spun by the croupier.
Should the player win, a payout will be made, and if the player loses, the amount lost will be subtracted from their bankroll.
2. Mini Roulette
Mini Roulette is often seen as a gimmicky version of the real game, but don’t be too quick to brush it off. In this particular Roulette variant, there’s a smaller wheel that only consists of 13 pockets as opposed to the standard 37 or 38.
What makes players wary of this game is the significant House Edge which comes in at an astounding 7.89%. However, what makes it worth your while is if it is played following the “La Partage”-rule. This means that the player gets half of their bet back should the ball land on 0. This brings the House Edge down to a far more tolerable 3.85%, which is even better than in standard American Roulette.
Most people play this variant as a way to present a slight change to their gameplay, or to familiarise themselves with the game.
3. Multi-Wheel Roulette
Multi-wheel Roulette is pretty self-explanatory; a standard European Roulette game following European rules and formats. Nevertheless, where you would usually play on a single wheel, you are presented with a choice of up to eight wheels spinning simultaneously.
Things get tricky when you consider that your bet applies to all the roulette wheels in play, and this means that players can burn through their bankroll quite quickly. Do check out our tips on playing responsibly here.
A game of Multi-Wheel Roulette can also lead to some pretty spectacular wins, so make sure to stay on top of your bankroll at all times during gameplay.
4. Double Ball Roulette
Double Ball Roulette is a fantastic variant of the European wheel from Evolution Gaming that is available to high-rollers and punters looking for a thrill.
It has two balls in play at the same time, and players have a choice of doubling payouts on outside bets if both balls are successful, or split their payouts in half if only one ball on an inside bet is successful, or a full payout if both balls are successful.
5. Triple Bonus Spin Roulette
This delicious new Roulette variant from developer IGT has an incredible RTP of 98.11%, which is sure to have quite a few punters eager to give it a go.
This game is not based on the European or American version of Roulette but has an entirely new design with terrific features, like a yellow bonus pocket that offers fantastic Bonus Spins.
- Lightning Roulette
Brought to you by the geniuses at Evolution Gaming, Lightning Roulette combines the glamour of classic French Roulette with Game Show flair. Rounds are lightning-quick, as the name suggests, but offers players multipliers that can increase your winnings up to an amazing 500x.
7. Roulette Royale
This game is based on the standard European Roulette game, but what the clever game developer Playtech decided to do was include a jaw-dropping progressive jackpot feature.
Not only do punters have the thrill of watching the wheel spin, but there’s an added level of thrill watching that jackpot grow to an impressive number!
8. Astro Roulette
This high stakes variation by 1X2 combines the classic game of Roulette with the intrigue and mystery of Astrology, so if you are a fan of Astrology, this is not a game you would want to pass up.
9. Double Action Roulette
Double Action Roulette offers double the fun to players willing to risk it. The game works off the standard Roulette-wheel with one exception; two rows of numbers (one on the inner and one on the outer rim), which means players can double their action by wagering on both sets of numbers.
The one downside to this variant is the staggering 12.27% House Edge that comes with it, which may leave punters clinging to their bankrolls a little more tightly.
10. Age of the Gods Roulette
If an exciting gaming experience is what you’re after, then this particular variant from Playtech is for you!
With a 3D-wheel, a fun, progressive prize pool, and a few bonus rounds available, this Roulette variant is for those punters looking an out-of-the-ordinary experience.
11. Pinball Roulette
Combining two famous games, Pinball and Roulette, Playtech offers Pinball Roulette. The standard European Roulette wheel is replaced by a zippy pinball machine which adds to the fun and entertainment of the game, as well as the anticipation of big wins.
12. Key Bet Roulette
The developer Barcrest has gone above and beyond with its Roulette variant. The well-known developer added an extra section to the wheel and a side bet-option (where you get to place an additional bet), and created a game that offers multiple thrills rolled into one.
13. Slingshot Roulette
Slingshot Roulette is where things get interesting! This fully automated game, combines the beauty of traditional Roulette with the brilliance of technology, offering a wonderfully immersive experience for gamers.
14. 3D Roulette
This Roulette variation is yet another one of Playtech’s brilliant variants, and is based on the standard European wheel, with its greatest features being stupendous graphics and audio effects.
This version of Roulette is by far the most immersive, and even includes a feature where players can adjust the wheel to their liking.
15. Lucky Star Roulette
Lucky Star Roulette is a very intriguing variant deeply rooted in Chinese culture. The most obvious difference between this variant and the more traditional forms of Roulette is the star-shaped wheel.
This variant also only has numbers 0 through 8 that repeat at random and features unique betting opportunities, such as bets on various groups of numbers when clicking on the Chinese symbols next to the star in the game.
16. Ra Roulette
If you’re a big Roulette fan, then this variant is exactly what you need.
With customisable sound and graphics, information on the table and statistics, this game is sure to hit the sweet spot.
Alongside your usual betting options, Ra Roulette gives you seven added betting features, and selecting one of the correct icons could lead to some promising payouts!
Which Roulette Variation Should You Choose?
Figuring out which Roulette variation is good for you might take a while. There are many factors to consider including the betting combinations, payouts, rules and odds. However, here is a basic guide for a few Roulette variants.
Roulette variants with the lowest House Edge
When looking for Roulette variants with a low House Edge, one tip is to avoid the American Roulette variants. They tend to have a higher House Edge in general.
Another thing to consider is the La Partage-rule, which we mentioned earlier on this page. When this rule is being used, it significantly lowers the House Edge. Some variants with low house edge include:
- 3D Roulette – based on European Roulette but just with a 3D aspect and which iSoftbet offers a version of.
- Astro Roulette – with a House Edge of 2.70%, is another fun option.
Roulette variants that pay out the most
- Triple Spin Bonus Roulette – offers winnings of up to 12,000x your stake.
- Age of Gods Roulette – can pay up to 100x the staked amount.
- Key Bet Roulette – offers the possibility to win up to 100x the wager.
- Double Ball Roulette – has two balls in play, thereby increasing your chances of winning by 100%.
The best variants to try when you’re new to a casino
- Mini Roulette is excellent to start with because the wheel is smaller and not quite as intimidating.
- Astro Roulette follows a similar format to Mini Roulette with only 12 numbers on the wheel but slightly higher payouts.
- Classic European Roulette is a great game to start with to get acquainted with the game at a reasonably low house edge.
Roulette types to play if you’re a pro
- Triple Spin Bonus Roulette, with its higher than usual House Edge, might not be for the beginner, but the exciting variation is likely what you’re after if you’re a seasoned pro.
- Key Bet Roulette is an excellent alternative for seasoned punters looking for an adventure. It offers unique betting options and a possible win of up to 100x your bet.
- Multi Wheel Roulette is a fun and exhilarating variant for those who consider themselves to be pros. The option of up to eight wheels in play means higher limits and higher payout options.
Roulette variants you should avoid
If the idea of a high House Edge is slightly intimidating, you should avoid American Roulette. It is widely known that the American Roulette variant is tricky and has an outrageous House Edge.
Despite all the variations found online, the classic game of Roulette remains as exciting and as simple to try as always. Now you have only to find the variant that most resonates with you and give it a go!