Online Roulette

Online roulette has steadily been increasing in popularity among Canadians casino players over the last few years. Roulette offers multiple variations including American, European and French roulette giving players more options to chose from. The game offers good payouts and great odds. Many people assume the game is straight forward with most people knowing about betting on a single number or betting on red or black.

Roulette has many different betting options available each with their own odds and payout ratios. There are also differences between the different versions of roulette. Our comprehensive guide aims to help Canadian roulette lovers better understand the game while showing veterans a few things they may not have known about the game.

Different variations of online roulette

European Roulette

European roulette is one of the more popular variations of roulette being played today. The wheel on European roulette is divided in to 37 slots. There are slots for numbers between 1 and 36 and an additional slot for 0. This version of the game can be found in European online and land-based casinos including most Canadian online casinos. This a great version of the game for new Canadian players to get their feet wet.

One of the reasons why European roulette is so popular among Canadians roulette players is that it provides players with a higher chance of winning over other versions of roulette. In this version the house has a lower advantage of only 2.63%. The layout of the European roulette table is very clean and easy to understand. The numbers are laid out horizontally like in the other versions of roulette. Beneath the grid you can find side bets laid out in 2 rows and another column on the right-hand side for more side bet options. On the other side is the option to bet on 0.

Playing European roulette online is quite simple and easy to get the hang of. In order to get started you need to click on the chip amount you want to bet then click on the relevant spot on the table according to what type of bet you want to place. For example, if you were looking to place a bet on black you would simply need to click on the black square in the side bet options and then click on the spin button. Once the round is competed you can choose to place the same bet, select a different bet or make multiple bets.

The game plays a little different in land-based casinos. There are 4 members of the casino staff on hand at every table with different functions. Out of the 4 staff members 2 are known as the “croupiers” whose main responsibilities are to handle the player bets and to spin the roulette wheel. The other 2 members of staff are called the “table-end” or “bout de table” and the game supervisor also known as the “chef de partie” who sole job is to oversee the game and make sure everything runs smoothly. In order words no funny business.

When playing the game at a land-based casino the game will have between 1 and 8 players playing at the same time. The game begins only once the croupier calls out place your bets which means you can go ahead and place your chip on the board. Once everyone has begun placing their bets the croupier will spin the wheel and place the ball inside. When there are only 2 rotations left on the wheel the croupier will yell out no more bets. At this point any chips that are placed on the board will be disregarded and the bets will not count.

As soon as the wheel stops spinning and the ball lands in its final slot, the croupier will call out the winning number. After the winning number is called out the croupier will rake in all the losing bets and issue a payout to all winning bets that were placed in the last round. Depending on what type of bet you place, the payout will vary. Placing a winning bet on a single number to win will have the highest payout of all the different betting options available at 35 to 1. Outside bets will usually have a lower payout ratio with the lowest payout at 1 to 1. These bets will also have much higher odds of winning.

American Roulette

American roulette is the main version played in the United States in all online and land-based casinos. This game is considered to be quite popular among new and veteran American casino players alike. American roulette is also quite popular in the United Kingdom and Asia however it is mostly non-existent in European casinos.

The wheel features a total of 38 slots on the wheel which include numbers ranging from 1 to 36 plus an additional 2 slots for 0 and 00. Both slots for 0 and 00 are coloured green while the other numbers are coloured other black or red.

The objective of America roulette is to predict which single number, combination of numbers or colour will the ball land on in order to win the round and receive your payout amount based on the type of bet you selected.

Playing American roulette online is similar to how European roulette is played. First you need to select the chip amount you want to bet. The options usually given are $1, $5, $25 and $100. Next you need to place a bet on a single number, a combination of numbers or rows or place a bet on black or red. There is one additional betting option available in online American roulette which is the option to bet on 0 and 00 combined meaning if the ball lands on either number you win. You simply need to place your chip on the board between the 2 numbers. This option is not available on other version of roulette. Finally, you click on the spin button to begin the round. Based on the type of bet you placed you will either win an amount based on the payout ratio or you will lose your initial bet.

Playing American roulette at land-based casinos is a little different. For starters you will not be able to use regular chips at the roulette table. In order to play you need to exchange either chips or cash with the dealer of the table you wish to play at. The new chips you receive will be different colours which correspond to different dollar amounts. This is done to avoid any confusion when payouts are made to winning players.

Once you receive your chips you can place a bet on the board on any single number, combination of numbers or any other side betting option. Next the dealer will begin spinning the wheel and launch the ball in the opposite direction. Take note you can still place additional bets or remove bets already placed as long as the dealer has not called out “no more bets”. After this point any bet placed or removed will not count. All winning bets will be paid out on the spot based on the type of bet that was initially placed. All losing bets will be collected as well.

The different betting options for American roulette fall in to 2 categories, inside bets or outside bets.

Inside bets are when you place a bet on any single number or combination of numbers such as a 4 number combination bet which forms a square or a 6 number combination bet which covers two consecutive rows. Of all the different inside betting options available placing a bet on a single number will have the highest payout ratio at 35 to 1.

The odds of winning are the lowest of all the different versions of roulette available. The addition of the extra slot for double zero pushes the odds in favour of the house for all the different betting options available. This version of the game is available at all Canadian online casinos.

French Roulette

French roulette has been around since the 18th century. During the 19th century the game began to gain popularity outside of France and spread across Europe and to the United States. The term “roulette” translates to small wheel in English.

This version of the game is played heavily in casinos such as in Monte Carlo. The French roulette table is unique with a different layout as compared to European roulette. The layout of all the side bets are located in slightly different locations on the table. There are some additional betting options available in French roulette that won’t be found on American or European roulette. The 2 main changes you will encounter in this version of the game are known as “en prison” and “le partage”.

Le Partage: Loosely translates to the split. If this rule is in effect it means that once you place a bet on either red or black coloured numbers, even or odd numbers or high or low numbers which all have a 1 to 1 payout ratio and the ball lands on 0 you will then receive back 50% of the bet you placed while the house collects the other 50%. This rule will only take effect if the ball lands on 0 and in no other circumstance.

En Prison: Loosely translates to in prison. This rule is less popular than “le partage” on French roulette and is not available in every casino where French roulette can be played. Similar to the previous rule this will only apply to bets with a 1 to 1 payout ratio. The difference here is when the ball lands on 0 the dealer will lay down a marker on the table where your bet was placed. Your bet will be temporarily frozen while the dealer spins the wheel again. If the ball lands on your initial choice you win back 50% of your bet. If not, then you lose your entire bet to the house. For example, if you place a bet on black and the ball lands on 0 and then on the following spin the ball lands on a black number you will win back half your initial bet.

The main reason this game has become so popular over the years is due to these 2 rules which help increase the odds of winning in favour of the players. In fact, these rules will lower the house advantage to 1.35%.

You will also notice a difference between the American roulette table and the French table in regard to placing a 12 number combination bet. Instead of the usual 1st dozen, 2nd dozen or 3rd dozen sequence here they are labelled as 12P which refers to “premier douzaine” or 1st dozen, 12M which means “moyenne douzaine” or middle dozen or 12D “dernier douzaine” which translates to last dozen.

French roulette offers most of the same side betting options as American and European roulette. These options include betting on red or black coloured numbers, odd or even numbers, high and low bets and column bets which allow you to select and entire column of numbers on the main grid.

The payout ratio in French roulette for any combination of bet you can make at the table are the same as European and American roulette payout ratios. The main difference between French roulette and the other versions is that the odds of winning on certain types of bets placed will have slightly higher odds of winning in favour of the player.

Playing French roulette online is similar to playing the other versions. You select a chip amount place your bet on the table and hit the spin button. If the ball lands on a winning bet, you will be instantly paid your winnings otherwise you will lose your bet.

Live Roulette

Live roulette is another way to play the 3 versions of roulette mentioned above. Here you can play your favourite version of roulette with live dealers. This helps immerse you more into the action and make you feel like you’re playing in Vegas with all the glitz and glamour. The same rules apply to live roulette based on the version you’re playing such as European roulette.

With all the different options available to place a bet on it can get quite confusing knowing which options have, better payouts and which options are riskier to bet on. The odds will verify between the different versions of Roulette.

Outside betting terminology and explanations

Dozen Bet: Usually located right under the main board. The first option in a Dozen Bet allows you to place a bet on the first 12 numbers meaning if the ball lands on any numbers between 1 and 12 you win. The second dozen bet allows you to place a bet on the next 12 numbers which include any number between 13 and 24. The last option allows you to place a bet on last 12 numbers in the series. If the ball lands on any number between 25 and 36 you’re a winner.

Low or Manque: This option lets you place a bet on any number between 1 and 18. If the ball lands on the 0 or 00 spot on the wheel you automatically lose.

High or Passe: This option is similar to a low bet however; you are placing your bet on any number between 19 and 36. Just like with the low bet if the ball lands on the 0 or 00 spot on the wheel you automatically lose.

Even Bet: This term refers to placing a bet on any even number between 1 and 36. If the ball lands on any even number you win however, if the ball lands on 0 or 00 you lose.

Odd Bet: This refers to placing a bet on any odd number between 1 and 36. Similar to the Even bet if the ball lands on the 0 or 00 spot on the wheel it’s game over man.

Red or Black: The next option you can place a bet on is either red or black coloured numbers. The numbers on the wheel and the numbers on the board are all represented with either the colour red or black. If the ball lands on a number with the same colour you bet on, then you win. It’s important to note the spot for 0 on the wheel as well as the extra spot on American roulette for double 00 are the colour green which means you automatically lose the round if the ball lands on either number.

Column Bet: On the right-hand side of the board you’ll find the option to place a column bet. This allows you to place a bet on either the first, second or third column of numbers on the board.

Snake Bet: This betting options is not available in every casino however if it is available you can place a bet on 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, and 34. This pattern looks similar to a snake slithering across the board hence the name Snake Bet.

Inside betting terminology and explanations:

Straight or Single Bet: These terms refer to placing a bet on a single number within the main grid. In order to win the round, the ball needs to land on the exact number you selected. Anything else and you lose the round.

Split: This refers to placing a bet on two vertically or horizontally adjacent numbers. For example, if you were to place a horizontal bet on 5 and 6 or a vertical bet on 24 and 27. In order to place this type of bet you must place your chip on the edge of both numbers so the chip covers part of each number.

Street: This term refers to placing a bet on 3 consecutive numbers in a horizontal line. For example if you wanted to place a bet on the numbers 1, 2 and 3. In order to place this kind of bet on the board you need to place you chip on outer edge of either the first or third number of the sequence. This will indicate to the dealer you have selected this entire row.

Corner or Square: This term refers to a 4-number combination which allows you to place a bet on 4 numbers that are all connected. For example, placing a bet on 1, 2, 4 and 5. These numbers are all connected and form a square. If you would like to place a bet on a sequence of 4 numbers that form a square simply place your chip on the centre corners which connect the 4 numbers together.

Six Line or Double Street: These options allow you to place a bet on a 6 number combination. For example, you can place a bet on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The sequence of numbers need to form 2 horizontal lines. In order to make this bet you need to place your chip on either the leftmost or rightmost corners being shared by both horizontal rows.

Trio: This term refers to placing a bet on a 3 number combination which includes the number 0 and on the American roulette board can also include the double 0 spot as well. In order to make this type of bet you need to place your chip on corner that connects 1 and 2 with 0 or 2 and 3 with 0. The same applies to the American roulette table.

First Four: This refers to placing a bet on a 4-number combo specifically on 0, 1, 2, and 3. This option is not available on the American roulette table which contains the additional double zero. In order to make this type of bet you need place you chip on either the rightmost or leftmost corner that connects between the 2 rows.

Basket: This betting option is only available on the American roulette table. This refers to placing a bet on 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3. In order to place this type of bet you will need to place you chip on the corner which connects between 0 and 1 or on the other side on corners connect 00 and 3.

The odds and payouts on different types of betting options:

With so many options to place your bets on, how is anyone supposed to know which betting options have the best odds and which betting options have higher payouts?

Single Number Bets: A single number bet which refers to placing a bet on any 1 number between 1 and 36 including 0 and 00 has the highest payout of any other betting option. European roulette has a payout of 35 to 1 and has the lowest odds of winning at 2.7%. American roulette has a payout of 35 to 1 and a 2.6% chance of winning.

2 Number Combination Bet: The option refers to placing a bet on any 2 numbers that connect either horizontally or vertically. For example, placing a bet on 1 and 2 or 4 and 7. The 2 number combination has the second highest payout. European roulette has a payout of 17 to 1 while the odds of winning are 5.4%. American roulette has a payout of 17 to 1 while the odds of winning are 5.3%.

3 Number Combination Bet: This betting option lets you place a bet on series of 3 numbers on the same horizontal row. European roulette has a payout of 11 to 1. The odds again increase to 8.1%. American roulette has a payout of 11 to 1 and the odds of winning are 7.9%.

4 Number Combination Bet: Whenever you place a bet on a sequence of 4 numbers which connect to form a square this is called a 4 number combination bet. The payout ratio on European roulette is 8 to 1. Your chances of winning are 10.8%. American roulette has a payout of 8 to 1 while the odds are 10.5%.

6 Number Combination Bet: When you want to place a bet on 2 consecutive rows such 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 this is called a 6 number combination bet. European roulette has a payout ratio of 5 to 1 with a slightly higher chance of winning the round at 16.2%. American roulette has a payout of 5 to 1 while the odds of winning the round are 15.8%.

Column Bet: A Column bet is when you want to bet on an entire column of numbers such as 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31 and 34. The payout on column bets in European roulette are 2 to 1 and double the odds of winning compared to a 6 number bet at 32.40%. American roulette has a payout of 2 to 1 and the odds of winning are 31.6%.

Dozen Bet: Usually can be found below the main grid you can find 3 options to place a bet on 12 consecutive numbers such as 1 through 12 or 13 through 24 or 25 through 36. The payout on European roulette for this kind of bet is 2 to 1 like the column bet and the odds of winning are also 32.40%. American roulette has a payout of 31.6%.

Even or Odd Bet: Another side bet option is when you place a bet on any even or odd number between 1 and 36. The 0 or double 00 don’t count. The payout ratio on European roulette for this bet is the lowest of all at 1 to 1. The odds of winning the round increase to their highest at 48.6%. American roulette has payout ratio of 1 to 1 and the odds of winning are 47.4%.

Red or Black Bet: One of the most popular betting options in all the versions of roulette is the option to bet on red or black. The 0 and 00 are green which means if the ball lands on one of these spots you lose the round. For European roulette the payout is 1 to 1. The odds of winning are 48.6%. American roulette has a payout ratio of 1 to 1 while the odds remain the same as even or odd bet at 47.4%.

Low or High Bet: This bet refers to placing a bet on low numbers between 1 and 18 while high refers to numbers between 19 and 36. The payout on European roulette is 1 to 1 and the odds of winning are 48.6%. On American roulette the payout is 1 to 1 while the odds of winning are 47.4%.

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