Understanding Roulette: A Comprehensive Guide by MayaPlay

Roulette is one of the most popular table games found in both physical and online casinos, deriving its name from the French word meaning “little wheel.” Players have the option to bet on various outcomes, including whether the ball will land on a single number, different groupings of numbers, red or black, odd or even, and more as the wheel spins.

Dating back to 18th-century France, roulette games are managed by a croupier who collects all bets before launching a small white ball onto the spinning wheel. Those who correctly predict the ball’s landing spot emerge as winners. In this comprehensive guide by MayaPlay, we will explore the different types of roulette you can play, along with detailed information on the various betting options.

Main Types of Roulette

Let’s delve into the primary variations of roulette available for players.

European Roulette

European Roulette is arguably the most popular variant, originating in Monte Carlo casinos during the mid-19th century and quickly gaining global popularity. It features a classic table layout with 37 options, comprising numbers from 1 to 36 (alternating between red and black) plus a single green 0.

Often referred to as “single zero roulette,” this version is celebrated for its simplicity and is ideal for new players. Its Return to Player (RTP) percentage is 97.30%, with a house edge of 2.70%. This makes it an appealing choice for both novices and seasoned pros alike.

American Roulette

American Roulette rose to prominence in the United States in the 19th century and is the most commonly played version in U.S. casinos today. This variant features two green pockets: 0 and 00, increasing the total number of betting options to 38 (1-36 plus 0 and 00). Consequently, the house edge is higher than European Roulette at 5.26%, with an RTP of 94.74%.

A unique betting option in American Roulette is the “basket” bet, which covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, offering a payout of 6:1. However, players are advised to avoid basket bets due to their low probability of winning and higher house edge of 7.9%.

Apart from the additional 00 pocket and the basket bet, American Roulette operates similarly to its European counterpart.

French Roulette

French Roulette features a distinctive table design, with bet names in French and even-money bets placed on a specific corner of the table. Online versions resemble European Roulette, with just one 0.

While the betting options are largely similar, French Roulette introduces two unique rules: la partage and en prison. Under la partage, if a player loses an even-money bet due to the ball landing on 0, they receive half their wager back. Meanwhile, en prison allows players to keep their lost even-money bet in “prison” for the next spin, providing another chance without placing a new wager. These rules lower the house edge to 1.35% and boost the RTP to 98.65%, making it a favorite among players.

Live Roulette

Live Roulette is an exciting format that offers variants like American, European, or French Roulette with a real-time, interactive experience. Players can engage with a live croupier as the game unfolds, watching the wheel spin and the ball drop, adding an authentic touch to the gaming experience. Live Roulette games are typically streamed from high-tech studios, using multiple cameras to provide high-definition coverage.

Other Variations of Roulette

In addition to the main types, several lesser-known roulette games offer unique twists.

Double Ball Roulette

In Double Ball Roulette, two balls are dropped onto the spinning wheel simultaneously, employing a special mechanism to prevent them from colliding. The main betting options remain similar to traditional roulette, but players must follow specific rules. For inside bets, only one ball needs to win, whereas outside bets require both balls to win. Additionally, there is a unique bet for both balls landing in the same pocket, offering substantial payouts of up to 1,300:1. The house edge stands at 2.78% for the single-zero version and 5.33% for the double-zero version.

Mini Roulette

Mini Roulette simplifies the game for mobile players, featuring a smaller layout with only 13 pockets. This version is particularly suited for smartphone play but comes with a higher house edge of 7.89% and an RTP of about 97%. While it offers a fun and quick gaming experience, players should be mindful of the increased risk.

Lightning Roulette

An innovative variant from Evolution Gaming, Lightning Roulette introduces multipliers ranging from x50 to x500. In each round, one to five numbers are designated as “lightning numbers,” providing more lucrative betting opportunities. The fast-paced nature and high production values make it an exhilarating choice for players.

Multi-Wheel Roulette

Multi-Wheel Roulette allows players to bet across multiple wheels simultaneously, with betting limits often reaching up to $5,000. Some versions enable wagering on up to six wheels at once, maintaining an RTP of 97.30%.

Triple Bonus Spin Roulette

In Triple Bonus Spin Roulette, all bets remain active, and a free spins bonus is triggered when the ball lands in the yellow bonus pocket. Players can win up to x1,200 their bet with a straight bonus win.

Roulette Royale

Roulette Royale plays similarly to European Roulette but includes five additional bets. With an RTP of 98.65%, this version offers slightly higher returns, as certain betting options refund a portion of lost wagers.

Roulette Bet Types

Regardless of the roulette variant you choose at MayaPlay, understanding the various bet types is essential.

Inside Bets

Inside bets refer to wagers placed on the numbers inside the roulette table. These bets carry a lower chance of winning but offer higher payouts.

• Straight Up: Bet on any single number, including 0 or 00 in American Roulette, with a high payout of 35:1.
• Split: Cover two adjacent numbers, with a payout of 17:1.
• Street: Bet on three consecutive numbers in a row, with payouts of 11:1.
• Corner: Place a bet on four numbers forming a corner, with an 8:1 payout.
• Six Line: Bet on two horizontal lines (six numbers) with a payout of 5:1.
• Basket: Exclusive to American Roulette, this bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, paying out at 6:1.

Outside Bets

Outside bets refer to predetermined groupings of numbers outside the main table. They are often favored by beginners for their higher chance of winning, albeit with lower payouts.

• Red or Black: Bet on all red or black numbers (excluding 0 and 00) with a payout of 1:1.
• Odd or Even: Covers all odd or even numbers, paying out 1:1.
• High or Low: Bet on low numbers (1-18) or high numbers (19-36), with a payout of 1:1.
• Column: Bet on an entire column of 12 numbers, offering a payout of 2:1.
• Dozens: Similar to column bets, these cover 12 numbers in sequential order (1-12, 13-24, 25-36), also paying 2:1.

Called Bets

These bets are specific to European and French roulette games, based on numbers’ placement on the wheel.

Fixed Called Bets:

• Neighbors of Zero: Covers 17 numbers surrounding 0 on the wheel.
• Thirds of the Wheel: Covers one-third of the wheel (12 numbers).
• Zero Game: Covers the seven numbers closest to 0.
• Orphans: Covers eight specific numbers.

Variable Called Bets:

• Neighbors: Includes a single number and the two adjacent numbers (five total).
• Final Straight: Covers individual numbers that share the same final digit.
• Final Split: Covers numbers based on two digits (e.g., 0 and 1 would include numbers ending in 0 and 1).

With this comprehensive guide from MayaPlay, you’re now equipped to explore the exciting world of roulette and make informed decisions while enjoying the game. Good luck!