Online Roulette: which variant to choose?

So you want to spin the ball but don't know where to start? European, American, French roulette... they all have their interesting little secrets. And... spoiler: choosing the right one can make all the difference to you. Here we explain everything.

An ancient game that is always ultra-trendy

When talking about games of chance, it's impossible not to mention roulette. A casino staple, it’s the game we see in every James Bond film, the baize surrounded by superbly-dressed gentlemen in tuxedos sipping martinis and beautiful young heiresses in evening gowns. Timeless and invincible, roulette has transcended generations. But has it aged?

Not even a wrinkle! Forget the old cliché of the green baize and the bow-tie-clad dealer: roulette is now online, on your smartphone or computer, with a compelling glow-up and hugely stylish variants. Do you want to escape the mundane without getting on a plane? A roulette session is a journey through time, when you can feel the history of the most glamorous casinos, while staying on your couch in ultimate comfort! You'll need a good amount of luck, of course. But above all, it’ll be a time to relax and have fun, where each turn of the wheel will make you shiver. Place your bets!

European roulette: the safe bet

What’s the game plan? This game is the star of online and physical casinos; the most widespread version. A wheel with 37 pockets: 1 to 36 in red and black, and a single zero in green. It's simple, fluid, and above all the house edge is lower than that of the American casino version. In short, if you want to try roulette without complicating your life, start here.

Why are you going to like it?

• Fewer pockets = better RTP (Return To Player)
• Simple rules, effectiveness
• Ideal for beginners

House edge: ~2.7%. Pretty cool.

American roulette: a little spicier, a little more risk

What’s the game plan? It’s similar to its European cousin, except there is a "00” added. Yes, a double zero. And that changes everything. One more pocket makes the difference in the stats and makes this variation a tad bolder.

Why go in with caution?

• More pockets = fewer chances for you
• Higher house edge

House edge: ~5.26%.

French roulette: the most elegant... and the most complex

What’s the game plan? Very popular in European casinos, especially in France and Monaco, this roulette is similar to the European one but with small bonus rules that change the game. Two magic words: La Partage and En Prison.

• Le Partage: if you bet on a simple chance (even/odd, red/black, etc.) and the ball lands on 0, you only lose half of your bet.
• En prison: a variant of the previous rule, the bet is en prison if the ball lands on zero and it is replayed in the next round. You will only get it back completely if the bet wins the second round.

House edge: Unlike American roulette, there is only one zero, which gives a lower house edge. Its specific rules further limit the house edge, making French roulette an interesting option.

Live roulette: a casino atmosphere from your couch

Here, we enter game version 2.0. You're at home, but you see a dealer spinning the wheel live via an HD webcam. You can even chat with other players. It is the perfect hybrid between tradition and technology. If you want to feel the atmosphere of a real casino without leaving your living room, this is definitely the version you need.

And that's not all! Some online roulette games offer even more innovative variants: mini-roulettes, multiplier roulettes, or "game show" styles. The digital world hasn't finished revamping the classics.

Chip's little tip: You’ve discovered roulette and you want to avoid betting randomly? No problem. Start with our roulette glossary and grasp the basics without it being a pain. Then, follow up with the short guide to roulette to learn how to play like a pro... without falling asleep reading the rules.

Why play online roulette?

Because it is a fast, fluid game, and above all, accessible. No need to know any probabilities by heart or to place big bets to have fun. You can play whenever you want, wherever you want, at your own pace. On a lunch break, in the evening after work, or to chill on a Sunday.

Whatever its variation, roulette provides a moment of escape. The good thing about chance is that you don't have to make too much effort to take your mind off things and embark on a digital adventure.

Online casinos like Casino1 have retained the elegant charm of old-fashioned roulette and added a decent dose of full immersion and ergonomics: the best of both worlds. So, whether you're a fan of refined gaming tables or a futuristic digital environment, roulette will charm you and envelop you, for the duration of the game, into the fascinating world of old-time casinos... version 2.0.