Summary:
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Since the early days, roulette has been a classic game, with online casinos offering more variety than land-based ones.
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Online casinos offer convenience and better RTPs, while land-based ones have higher operating costs and a fixed house edge.
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Different variants like European, American, and French roulette offer varying house edges and playing experiences for players.
Since the early days of casinos, roulette has been a classic game enjoyed by players all over the world. Although today there are many different variants available to play, land-based casinos usually only offer one or two variants that are most common in their respective country. In online casinos, on the other hand, you will find far more options than just the familiar red and black wheel, allowing players to enjoy their favorite game in many different forms.
Why More Players Choose Online Casinos over Land-Based Ones
Whether one prefers to play online or in person is primarily an individual choice and depends on personal preferences. Nevertheless, there are several reasons why some players prefer to play roulette online. One of the main reasons is the wider selection of games that online casinos offer, which can be played at any time. While for some, dressing up for a night out at the casino is part of the ritual, others prefer the convenience of playing from the comfort of their own homes: no dress code, no long journey, and most importantly, no opening hours. Visiting a casino is not always compatible with working life, but online casinos are open 24/7 and can also be visited just for a quick wind-down game.
In fact, online casinos also have some advantages when it comes to winnings. Online establishments save a lot on operating costs, since there are no expenses for rent, electricity, service, or staff. This means that online casinos can often afford to offer better RTPs, sometimes reaching over 96%. Land-based casinos, on the other hand, usually have a fixed house edge to cover operating and personnel costs (after all, employees also need to be paid). Transparency is another important factor: online casinos often advertise their RTPs to attract players with their deals, and these can be compared and chosen accordingly.
Types of Roulette and their Advantages
Roulette is one of the most popular casino games. It is not as time-consuming as other games like poker, where players may spend hours at the table; instead, a round can be played quickly in between other activities. Beginners in particular prefer roulette because the rules are simple and clear. You study the rules for a short moment and start playing right away. Nevertheless, there are subtle differences between the variants:
European Roulette – The Classic
European roulette is an all-time favorite. It has 37 pockets, numbered 1 to 36 with an additional single zero. With only one zero, it offers one of the lowest house edges of approximately 2.70% for casinos compared to other variants with a double zero. This means that the RTP is about 97.30%.
Every casino has a built-in house edge to ensure that its business model pays off and represents the average gross profit that the casino expects to make from each game. That’s why choosing a casino and roulette variant with the smallest house edge and highest RTP is crucial to maximize your chances of winning.
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American Roulette – Double Zero, Double the Risk
The American version is a little riskier than the European one. Although the two variants appear almost identical at first glance, they differ because the American wheel has a double zero in addition to the single zero. This means there are 38 pockets instead of 37.
This additional pocket significantly increases the house edge to roughly 5.26% and reduces the RTP to 94.74% which reduces the player’s chances of winning. The “advantage” of this variant lies in the experience. In other words, it all comes down to which playing style one prefers: higher chances of winning or the thrill of the game?
French Roulette – Extra Rules, Extra Advantages
French roulette is an old classic that is very similar to the European version, also only using a single zero. While some casinos choose to use the additional rules, such as La Partage and En Prison, they are not a choice but a standard feature in French roulette. For certain bets, e.g., even money bets such as red/black, high/low, even/odd, these rules apply when the ball lands on zero. These rules can reduce the house edge to around 1.35% and help minimize losses for the player or prolong the game – in any case, an advantage for the player. Players who are not keen on taking big risks tend to prefer this variant over the others.
Live Roulette Streams – a Spectator’s Game
With the introduction of live streams, an exciting trend has developed: people no longer play by themselves, but watch others. Live roulette streams attract a new target group interested in entertainment and social interaction. It is no longer about placing bets yourself, but about watching someone else spin the wheel and sharing in the excitement. This variant brings the real casino feeling home with a real live dealer. It appeals especially to players who enjoy the social aspect of casinos: chatting, watching, experiencing the atmosphere, without necessarily being focused and participating in the games themselves.
A Roulette Version for Every Taste
In addition to the variants mentioned above, there are countless others. With only 13 pockets, Mini-Roulette offers quicker rounds while Multi-Wheel-Roulette challenges players to engage in more than one game at once. Ever more online versions with creative themes, better graphics, and new rules are continually being introduced. Ultimately, there is a version to suit every taste and playing style; you just have to make your choice.
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