When it comes to casino games, roulette has earned the reputation of an absolute classic. This enticing and fast-paced game of chance has become a staple in both land-based and online casinos. The game’s popularity can be attributed to its dynamics, easy-to-learn rules, and the great number of betting options available.
Those who opt to play the game from the comfort of their homes are presented with plenty of variations to choose from. As a matter of fact, all well-known gambling software providers have developed their unique roulette variations that boast sleek design, user-friendly interface, and a number of handy features. Some of the variants on offer are also available in a mobile format, allowing roulette fans to place their bets while on the move. The only difficulty players are faced with is deciding which online roulette variation to try out first.
Popular Online Roulette Variations
The roulette variations offered by established online casino operators can be divided into two major categories. You can find traditional variants of the game, such as American, French, and European roulette at nearly all popular online casinos. There is also the option to play more innovative versions of the game, which have different functionalities, rules, and sometimes, even payouts. Read on to find out more about some of the most popular roulette variations offered by online casino operators.
European Roulette
European roulette easily ranks as the most popular variation of the classic game and is available in the bulk of the reputable web-based casinos. It is played on a wheel with a total of 37 pockets, one of which contains the zero. Many players prefer the European variation because its house edge is lower and stands at 2.70%.
Since there are European roulette tables with different minimum and maximum limits, players who enjoy the game online will surely be able to find a variation that corresponds to their bankroll size. Such roulette versions provide the opportunity to place inside, outside, and even racetrack bets like Orphelins, Voisin’s de Zero, and Tiers du Cylindre. Most such games provide a wide range of chip denominations to ensure that players will find the option that best works for them. On most occasions, statistics regarding hot and cold numbers and numbers that have come up on previous spins are also displayed. Major software providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, and Betsoft, among others, have developed their unique variations of European roulette.
American Roulette
American roulette ranks second in popularity, right after its European cousin. The game is played on a wheel, which contains a total of 38 pockets since there is an additional pocket marked with 00. The introduction of this double-zero pocket increases the built-in house advantage to 5.26%, which is the reason why many players like European-style roulette games more.
Roughly speaking, the rules are almost the same with one exception as players can make the so-called Five-Number bet, which covers numbers 00, 0, 1, 2, and 3, has a bigger house edge of 7.90%, and pays out only 6 to 1. On some variations of the game, like NetEnt’s American Roulette, players can make Call bets that cover specific sections of the wheel.
French Roulette
French roulette bears a close resemblance to the European variation as it is played on a standard single-zero wheel. However, the French names of the bets are used on the table layout. For example, Odd/Even bets are called Impair/Pair while bets on the first, second, and third dozens are marked with P12, M12, and D12 on the layout. Racetrack or French bets like Orphelins and Tiers du Zero are also available.
Another difference is that the La Partage rule applies to some French roulette variations, mostly those that are played in real time against professional dealers. According to this rule, players have half of their initial stakes returned whenever zero is spun. This further reduces the built-in house advantage to 1.35%.
Roulette Royale
This is undoubtedly one of the most enticing online variations of roulette, and there is a good reason why. The game, which is courtesy of the leading software developer Microgaming, is played on a standard European wheel with 37 pockets. However, there is a massive progressive jackpot attached to the game, so players are required to make a small, obligatory side bet which goes towards the ever-increasing pot.
In order to collect the life-changing jackpot, players must hit the same number five times in a row. This is a mean feat, but it is well worth your time since the prize often reaches several million pounds. If the same number is spun four, three, or two times in a row, winning bets pay out 3,000 to 1, 200 to 1 and 15 to 1, respectively.
3D Roulette by Playtech
The software developer Playtech takes the classic table game to a whole new level with its bespoke 3D Roulette variation. The game follows the same rules as standard European roulette and is played on a single-zero wheel. The main difference is, in fact, purely aesthetic – the graphics impress with unparalleled visual depth, while the ambient sound effects render the game even more authentic.
Various helpful features have been introduced to this variation. An example would be the Breakdown functionality, which displays the amount players have won after every spin of the ball. Other useful features include Game History and Repeat Bet. Numbers that have come up on previous spins are displayed in the Past Numbers board that is positioned below the wheel.
The wheel is located in the centre of the screen, and the table layout is situated above it. The racetrack where more exotic bets are placed is positioned on the left of the layout. Also, players are given the opportunity to adjust the wheel and make it more visually appealing. The numbers’ shading, the turret arms and details, and the wheel lines can be removed if players prefer so.
Astro Roulette
Astro Roulette is another very exciting roulette variation that players can enjoy while betting online. With its unusual design, this game allows fans of roulette to experience a different type of casino entertainment. Powered by 1×2 Gaming, Astro Roulette entices with its superb design and fun betting features.
Unlike European roulette that has 37 sockets or the American version with 38 positions, the wheel of Astro Roulette has 36 sockets covered by 12 zodiac signs and one section marked by the infinity sign.
While players will be allowed to make only 12 inside bets, they will be able to make the standard split and corner bets. Although with a different layout, Astro Roulette also allows several outside bets that include different groups of zodiac signs, grouped by seasons or elements. It is also possible to bet on rows, covering 4 zodiac signs at once.
Despite its unusual wheel and layout, Astro Roulette can be considered a variation of European roulette as it still has 36 sections, with the additional infinity socket acting like the 0 in European roulette. The house edge of the game is 2.70%, meaning players will have the same winning chances as they would when betting on European roulette.
Astro Roulette offers a new take on a casino classic, allowing players to enjoy a different roulette experience that can be very entertaining. Players will be able to bet anywhere between £0.50 and £1,000, tailoring their bet to fit their gaming style. This roulette version is suitable for players who wish to enjoy a new way of playing the classic European roulette game.
Multi Wheel Roulette
If you are so fond of roulette that one wheel is simply not enough for you, Multi Wheel Roulette by Playtech is just the thing you need. This variation of the game is truly one-of-a-kind because it is played not on one, but on six separate wheels. Of course, it is possible to deactivate some of the wheels if you do not want to play all of them simultaneously.
But what is more important, Multi Wheel Roulette is one of the most profitable variations of the game since you can play on all wheels with a single bet. This significantly increases the chances of your number coming up. Another variation of Multi Wheel Roulette has been developed by Microgaming and features eight wheels.
Double Ball Roulette
Some online casinos that utilise software developed by Evolution Gaming offer a unique variation of the popular game of chance, called Double Ball Roulette. The variation is available in both double-zero and single-zero formats. Players who are interested in giving it a try should look for it in the Live Dealer section of the casinos since the game is played in real time.
Double Ball Roulette follows almost the same rules as the traditional variations, but the only difference is that two balls are used instead of one. Of course, there is the option to make the usual inside and outside bets. However, players are allowed to bet on both balls landing on the same individual number. Those who win will collect a rather lucrative payout of 1,300 to 1.
With outside bets on Red/Black, Odd/Even, and so on, both balls should land in the winning pockets in order for the player to collect a payout.
Double Action Roulette
Double Action Roulette was introduced by TCSJOHNHUXLEY and utilises their Mark VII roulette wheel. What makes this roulette version unique is that it is played on a wheel, which has two concentric rings, an outer and an inner ring. Each of the two rings has its own set of numbers that are arranged in opposing order on the wheel. Therefore, each spin of the wheel delivers two winning numbers.
The layout also differs from that on standard roulette tables since it consists of two betting areas that represent each of the two rings of numbers on the wheel. Of course, there is the option to make outside and inside bets. However, if you bet on Black, for example, you should bear in mind that the ball needs to land in the black pockets on both the inner and the outer ring to win. It is also possible to bet on the same individual numbers occurring on both rings of the wheel, and if you happen to make a correct guess, the payout is massive – 1,200 to 1.
Online Roulette Variations
Playtech Roulette
Microgaming Roulette
NetEnt Roulette
Betting Calculator
Age of the Gods Roulette
If you are on the lookout for an enthralling roulette variant that has the potential to award huge wins, Age of the Gods Roulette by Playtech is made to measure your requirements.
In spite of the fact that it is an European-style roulette game, the wheel and the betting layout feature an additional field that is reserved for the extra bet that gives players the opportunity to bag a hefty payout. Because of that, the edge of the house does not stand at 2.70% as with the rest of the roulette variants that follow the European rules, but at 5.26%.
Much like the rest of the roulette variants that come straight from the portfolio of Playtech, Age of the Gods Roulette stands out with its concise layout and graphics that are exceptionally eye-pleasing. While reveling in the game, players will be able to bet among the mighty gods of Olympus, which seems to appeal to many roulette lovers.
Placing your chips on the bonus position from the betting layout will help you get three bonus spins on a slot mini game during which you will get the chance to collect a payoff that is worth up to 100x the staked amount.
Still, the main reason why Age of the Gods Roulette is such a draw for players remains the opportunity to walk away with one of the four progressive jackpots. The Age of the Gods Mystery Jackpot is a multi-level game that can be triggered at random during the main game.
If the game has grabbed your attention, you might be even more excited to find out that Playtech has unveiled a live version of its Age of the Gods Roulette that has the potential to award huge cash prizes as well.
Roulette mavens who love betting on the go will not be prevented from trying their hand at the game as it works smoothly on Android and iOS-based smartphones and tablets.
Pinball Roulette
If you are enthusiastic about wagering on roulette and you are looking to add more variety to your betting session, Pinball Roulette might be your scene. This roulette variant is designed by Ash Gaming, and it is based on the same rules as all other European-style roulette games.
Yet, the roulette table is what might command players’ attention from the get-go as it is not what they are used to seeing while playing other games of the same breed. In spite of the fact that the betting layout is basically a typical one, the roulette wheel is replaced by a pinball machine.
When players select the number or numbers they wish to bet on and hit the spin button, they will see how the ball is shot within a field that is filled with pins and bumpers. Another peculiarity of this roulette game is that the numbered pockets are pinned in the bottom and keep on rotating until the ball lands in one of them. All these come to explain why Pinball Roulette has the potential to deliver a unique casino experience to roulette lovers.
As far as betting options go, gambling enthusiasts need to know that the wager types they can normally pick and choose from will be available here as well. Still, the unusual layout of the game is not the only reason why it is nothing like the rest of the roulette variants available out there as gambling enthusiasts will enjoy crisp graphics and great sound effects as well.
Roulette mavens will not be prevented from speeding up the pace of the game as it is equipped with a turbo mode as well.
Triple Bonus Spin Roulette
It is not that surprising that the popularity of Triple Bonus Spin Roulette by IGT has greatly taken off because of the extra twists that are incorporated into the gameplay. The game has already made a go, and what makes it different from the bulk of the roulette variants available out there is the additional triple-zero pocket that is showcased on the betting layout and the wheel. Another distinctive trait of this roulette variant is the increased pocket size.
Needless to say, the implementation of an additional zero pocket helps the house gain an even greater advantage over avid roulette lovers. With that in mind, players will notice that the game mechanics are the tried and tested ones as they will have a choice from the common range of betting opportunities, including inside, outside, and call bets.
Yet, the real appeal of this roulette variant comes from the opportunity to snatch a payoff of up to x12,000 times the amount players have put on the line, which is possible during the bonus feature the game comes with. Players will have this surcharge added to their bankroll, on condition that they lay an optional side stake.
The impeccable quality of the visuals and the smooth gameplay Triple Bonus Spin Roulette offers further help build on the popularity of the game.
Key Bet Roulette
Key Bet Roulette by Scientific Games is one more unusual roulette variant that might appeal to gambling aficionados who want to stray off the beaten track. While getting to know the game, players might be impressed by the smooth gameplay they will enjoy, the high-end quality of the visuals, and the extra betting opportunities they can benefit from.
Where things get particularly interesting about Key Bet Roulette is the additional wager players can opt for. The prizes that can be dished out when the additional key bet is placed can reach up to x100 the amount gambling enthusiasts have put on a stake.
When players hit the spin button, they will notice that the roulette disc will start spinning first in order to reveal the award of the multiplier or the pot roulette mavens can potentially bag.
Key Bet Roulette is exceptionally easy to play, which renders it a great option for old hands and novices alike.
Lucky Star Roulette
Lucky Star Roulette is one more variant of the classic table game that is likely to get players hooked because of the extraordinary twists that are added to the visual appearance of the game. The most striking dissimilarity between Lucky Star Roulette and most other roulette variants players can enjoy is caused by the absence of an ordinary roulette wheel as instead, what players will get to see is a star-shaped wheel.
Still, there is much more to this roulette game than its refreshing look and feel. What gambling enthusiasts should take into account about this roulette game is that the numbers that are featured on the board range between 0 and 8. Another vital thing to remember aboutthe numbers that are displayed on the star-shaped wheel is that some of them repeat multiple times
When it comes to the available betting opportunities, roulette lovers will get to lay wagers on individual numbers, odd/even, and on the colour of the winning number.
When players click on the spin button, they will see a light that will start moving across the pentagram and will ultimately point to one of the numbers.
While playing Lucky Star Roulette, gambling enthusiasts will be able to bet on specific groups of numbers by clicking on one of the Chinese symbols that are to be found on the left-hand side of the play wheel.
Unusual Live Roulette Variations
Players who are more enthusiastic about live-dealer roulette games, but at the same time are not seeking to enjoy ordinary variants such as American or European Roulette might be pleased with the titles they will have a choice from.
Major creators of live-dealer games the likes of Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Playtech, Ezugi, and Visionary iGaming, among others, have introduced lots of appealing roulette games that are likely to command the attention of lovers of the casino staple.
Ra Roulette
Introduced by Extreme Live Gaming, Ra Roulette is an enthralling live game, which sticks to the rules of European roulette and makes it possible for players to opt for the standard range of bet types, including inside, outside, and call bets.
What is truly unique about this roulette version is that it offers customisable audio and graphics, information on the hot and cold numbers, and statistics. Roulette mavens are promised to have a great time while playing this roulette variant mainly because of its unusual interface, which adds to the mix features that are more typical for slots.
What adds up to the thrill of this live roulette version is the Book of Ra side bet that gives players the chance to wager on 7 special extra icons that include the Explorer, Book, Scarab, Statue, Tutankhamon, Q, and K. Making a correct pick about the special symbol that will hit will bring players really alluring payouts.
Lightning Roulette
Delivering a second-to-none live experience, Evolution Gaming’s Lightning Roulette is also worthy of attention. The creators of gaming content from Evolution Gaming have decided to spice up the gameplay by adding lucky numbers avid roulette fans can also bet on.
It is important to note that these numbers are randomly generated, and if players manage to predict them correctly, they will benefit from win multipliers that range between x50 and x500. When it comes to the rest of the bet types, players will be paid out at the standard rates.
In fact, it is not so surprising that this roulette variant has made a splash among gambling enthusiasts because the quality of the streaming is top-notch. As is the case with the other live-dealer games introduced by Evolution Gaming, while betting on Lightning Roulette players will have an easy time handling their stakes as everything is exhibited in plain sight.
Slingshot Roulette
In spite of the fact that there are so many roulette variants available across the web, gambling enthusiasts will notice that at their core, they are nearly the same. Yet, this does not apply to Evolution Gaming’s Slingshot Roulette. What makes this roulette variant particularly interesting is that it blends the thrills of live and automated games.
There are no surprises when the rules of the game or the betting opportunities are concerned as gambling enthusiasts can go for inside, outside, call, and special bets. As far as special bets go, players need to know that they are simply a combination inside bets.
Online Roulette Variations Design and Options
It is true to say that the creators of gaming content give their best to roll out roulette games that are aesthetically pleasing and at the same time, deliver thrilling gameplay. What players should be mindful of, however, is that the game settings and design will have no bearing when the house advantage is concerned.
Yet, there are some details about the roulette games that are worth considering before you get down to betting simply because they might improve your betting session a great deal.
Some of the characteristics roulette lovers should pay attention to while looking for a roulette variant that measures up to their requirements include the interface of the game, the betting range, the availability of statistics, and information on the hot and cold numbers.
Other things players should keep their eyes wide open to include the option to place Call bets. Depending on the roulette version players have come across, they might benefit from multiple camera views and betting history.
Some software providers have seen to it that roulette mavens will be permitted to personalise the table further and allow them to change the direction of the wheel or the felt colour.
Needless to say, these factors do not carry the same importance because the very first things players are advised to focus their attention on are the betting limits and whether or not call bets are available.
Yet, some roulette mavens might assign greater importance to the availability of information about the hot and cold numbers and statistics.
Are Online Roulette Variations Fair
In spite of the fact that betting on roulette over the Internet is inherently thrilling, gambling enthusiasts should be convinced that the results they will enjoy will be random at all times. When it comes to RNG-based roulette variants, avid casino fans should ascertain that the gaming operator they have registered with has obtained a license from a dependable gaming authority, which is the case with the Gambling Commission of the UK and the Maltese Gaming Authority.
Another detail roulette lovers should check out for is the availability of seals of approval from independent testing agencies such as eCOGRA and iTech Labs.
If these are displayed, this should give roulette lovers the confidence that the web-based casino they are playing at is worth its salt.