Roulette has been around for over two centuries and it hasn’t dropped in popularity in the slightest. In fact, based on the number of players that enjoy it, we can say that it’s now more popular than ever.
But once you step into the world of roulette, you will quickly find out that there are plenty of options. There are so many options that sometimes it’s hard to choose a table. With so many different roulette variants, games with unique twists and new additions, and table limits ranging from less than a dollar to over $10,000 per bet – it’s important to know how to choose the right roulette table based on your budget and preferences.
Roulette Variants: American vs European vs French
The first crossroad you will come across is the roulette variant. Three classic variants are widely considered to be the ‘standard’ roulette games: American, European, and French:
- American roulette: This variant is widely available across many land-based and online casinos, and you can play free American roulette demos at almost any reputable casino site. It uses a roulette wheel with 38 pockets in total, out of which 36 are the standard red and black numbers from 1 to 36, and the two additional pockets are 0 and 00. This puts the house edge of this version of roulette at 5.26%, and the theoretical Return to Player ratio at 94.74%.
- European roulette: This is probably the most popular and the most widely available variant. You will likely find it in any land-based casino in Europe, as well as the majority of online casinos worldwide. It’s particularly popular because of its wheel, which has 37 numbers in total and only one zero – meaning that it has a lower house edge than the American one. The theoretircal Return to Player ratio of this game is 97.30%, and the rules are simple and straightforward – making it a great pick for everyone. Also, European roulette is usually the game of choice for strategic players who want to implement a betting strategy.
- French roulette: The French version of roulette is very similar to the European one, but it’s considered a more sophisticated game due to the posh setting it’s usually set in. It’s not as widely available as the two other standard variants, but it’s the most rewarding one of the bunch. It uses the European wheel but has two special rules that can increase the RTP of even-money bets to 98.70%. They are called ‘La Partage’ and ‘En Prison’, and when they’re active, this game has the lowest RTP of any roulette variant.
Besides the standard variants, there are many other new variations of roulette you can try – like Lightning Roulette, Speed Roulette, Multi Wheel Roulette, Mini Roulette, PowerUP Roulette, and more.
Choosing Between RNG and Live Dealer Games
The next big decision you will have to make is to choose between RNG and live dealer games. Of course, you can play them both, but generally, online casino roulette games are divided between playing a computerized version of the game, and playing a game that is being streamed live with real dealers.
Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s up to you to choose which one you prefer.
- RNG Roulette: The term RNG stands for Random Number Generator. These games resemble video games, and they’re a digitalized version of roulette. You play at a digital wheel, and the outcome of the spins is determined by algorithm-based software. Here, you control the pace of the game, and there’s no interaction with other players. One big advantage of RNG roulette games is that they’re usually available in demo mode, so you can try them for free.
- Live Casino Roulette: With live dealer games, you play at a real roulette wheel that’s usually placed in a specialized studio. There’s a human dealer besides the wheel that spins it, releases the ball, and calls out the winning number. This variant resembles playing at a land-based casino, so it’s very popular among players. There’s also the option to interact with the other players that are seated at the table and the dealer. But, one downside is that live dealer games are not available in demo mode.
How to Pick a Roulette Table
Now that you know the major distinctions, it’s up to you to make a decision. One of the most important factors you need to consider are the table limits. Each roulette table has different table limits, with some of them being better suited for casual players, while others being better for high rollers. Here are some quick tips on choosing a roulette table:
- Determine your budget, and choose a table with betting limits that suit your playing style.
- Stick with standard variants if you intend to use a betting strategy.
- Only play at reliable online casinos that have a proper license.
