The game of roulette has a long history, spreading all around the world before evolving into the roulette game we know today. Roulette’s immense popularity led to several distinct variants, now commonplace to land-based and online casinos worldwide. Nowadays, it is a rarity to find an online casino that does not boast a broad selection of roulette games.
There are three main variations of roulette — French roulette, American roulette and European roulette. When playing these games, you would notice that all these variants are rather similar but also strikingly different at the same time.
Roulette gameplay is pretty straightforward to understand but to be a true roulette connoisseur, you must understand every aspect of the game: from the roulette wheel to the types of bets a player can place. Ultimately, this would help you devise a good roulette strategy that might boost your chances of winning.
Let’s get started by digging deep into the most popular variant — European roulette!
WHAT IS EUROPEAN ROULETTE?
European roulette is easily the preferred variant of all by both recreational and experienced players. Despite being named ‘European’ roulette, it is actually played all over the world, not just in European casinos and is even found in some high-limit casinos in Las Vegas.
The European variation is played on a wheel that has 37 divisions or pockets. One division is coloured in green, whereas the others alternate red and black and contain numbers one through 36. The wheel is usually positioned at the centre of European roulette tables, with two layouts on each side that mirror each other.
The main objective is to predict which numbered pocket the roulette ball is going to settle into. Players make bets on a particular number, and the dealer then turns the wheel in one direction and spins the ball in the other direction. If the ball makes its way into the pocket with that specific number, the respective players get rewarded.
HOW TO PLAY EUROPEAN ROULETTE
The gameplay of European roulette is pretty much the same as other variants of the game, so players should have no trouble learning how to play it. When playing online roulette, players are given an allotted time frame at the beginning of the round when they can choose their bet value and place their bets. The aim is to try and successfully predict where the ball lands.
- Place your bet — This is done at the beginning of the round by moving your chips onto the bet you would like to make. The live dealer then signals that no more bets can be placed.
- Spin the wheel — At online tables, you can hit the ‘Spin’ button whenever you are ready to go. This will cause the ball to be released onto the virtual wheel.
- The outcome — Once the wheel comes to a stop, the ball sets into a pocket. A random number generator is used to trigger a outcome in online roulette games.
- The result — If the ball lands in the pocket of the winning number that you initially predicted, you’re in luck! You will receive a payout and win the round.
Since roulette is a luck-based game, the chances of winning are quite slim, so having a good strategy in place may help boost your odds and help keep your bankroll in check.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF EUROPEAN ROULETTE
As we’ve mentioned, there are three types of roulette variants, but the big question is what makes the European version different to the other variants.
Take a look down below to see what features make the European version unique:
Single Zero Game
Whilst American Roulette has two zeros, the Eureopean version only has one. The latter version hence has an increase in chances of winning as it gives you a 36/1 chance instead of the American version’s 37/1. In fact, single zero roulette is sometimes used to refer to European roulette.
Outside Bets Placed on Two Sides
Bets are placed alongside the table in American roulette whereas outsides bets are set on the two sides in the European version. Both wheels not only share the alternate odd and even numbers, but also the colours red and black for numbers one to 36.
WINNING BETS IN ROULETTE
Players will find that the overall betting layout of roulette is split into two categories, correlating to the two major divisions of European roulette bets a player can place — ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ bets. The difference between these bets is simple: inside bets are placed in the inner section of the table, and outside bets are placed in the outer area of the table.
Players have a choice of five inside bets to place, including:
Straight Up Bets
Placing a bet on one single number. This includes the zero. The payout is 35:1 since the odds of winning this bet are relatively low.
Split Bet
Placing a bet on two numbers that lie either horizontally or vertically adjacent to each other. The odds of winning are pretty low as well, and the payout is 17:1.
Street Bet
Placing a bet on three consecutive numbers at the end of the row. The payout is 11:1.
Corner Bet
Placing a bet on the intersection of four numbers in a corner where all four numbers are covered. The payout is 8:1.
Line Bet (Sixline)
Placing a bet on six consecutive numbers that form two adjacent lines. The line bets payout is 5:1.
Outside bets offer five types of roulette bets and are generally labelled on the betting area. Some of these are also referred to as even-money bets since the odds of winning are nearly 50% and the payouts for these bets are 1:1. As a result, the best way to win more games or to minimise risk is to focus on these bets rather than inside bets.
Column Bet
This outside bet covers 12 numbers in a column by placing a chip on the boxes marked ‘2 to 1’. The zero is not included, and the payout is 2:1.
Dozen Bet
This bet covers the first, second or third dozen of numbers by placing chips on one of the boxes marked ‘1st 12’, ‘2nd 12’ or ‘3rd 12’. If a winning number lands, the payout is 2:1.
Red/Black
Wagering on either all red numbered pockets or all black numbered pockets. The zero is a green pocket and is not included in this bet. This is an even-money bet with smaller payouts of 1:1 when the wheel lands.
Odd/Even
Wagering on all even or odd numbers. The zero is not covered in this bet. This is an even-money bet with a payout of 1:1.
1-18/19-36 (Low/High)
Wagering on either the first 18 numbers (low bet) or the second 18 numbers (high bet). The zero is not covered in this bet. The payout is 1:1 if a winning number lands, as this is also considered to be one of the even-money bets.
Roulette is a game with many variants, so when playing online, chances are you’ll come across a number of different bets and roulette rules. Always be mindful of the type of table you are playing at, as not all rules apply to every table.
With that said, remember that different betting strategies do not guarantee a win. If you’re on a losing streak, it may be time to call it quits so be sure to always set a budget before you play.
EUROPEAN ROULETTE WHEEL
The European roulette wheel layout is quite common among casinos and is one of the more preferred layouts of the wheel due to its house edge. Compared to American roulette’s edge of 5.26%, European roulette has a house advantage of only 2.70%. This is because there are 37 numbers on the wheel in European roulette (one to 36 and a single zero), where its American counterpart features 38 numbered pockets (one to 36, a single zero and a double zero).
EUROPEAN ROULETTE TABLE
The actual table layout is rather uniform across all roulette variations, with the American version being the exception, so new customers should find no trouble finding their way around the roulette table. The table features all the numbers on the roulette wheel as well as all betting options. Once players understand what these bets are and how they work, devising a roulette strategy is pretty simple!
TRY PLAYING EUROPEAN ROULETTE ONLINE AT LV BET
Many roulette sites are floating around in the online gambling industry, but none compare to the gaming experience offered by LV BET. You will be baffled by the number of American and European roulette online games available.
If you want to take a break from the spinning wheels, you’ll have hundreds of other casino games at your disposal, so you’re bound to find something you like. If you’re a player that’s always on the go, you could also play a real-money roulette game on mobile and enjoy everything you love about this game in the palm of your hand!
New customers can also take advantage of their first deposit using real money with a welcome bonus or deposit bonus on games by the best software providers around at LV BET.
FAQ
How do you win on European roulette?
Although there is no set strategy to winning when playing European roulette, there are small ways you can potentially increase your odds or decrease the house edge. You can dabble with betting systems, strive for outside bets and become familiarised with the odds of winning real money on European roulette sites.
We also recommend depositing players to make use of a Welcome Bonus when practicing online gambling. You will find your total bonus amount funds when placing a minimum deposit.
What are European roulette rules?
European roulette is played on a 37-number wheel with a single zero. The main goal is to predict the ball landing in the numbered pocket you place your bet on.
Is European roulette easier?
Roulette gameplay does not change between variations, however, it is easier to enjoy success when playing the European version.
European Roulette is quite similar to the French version, however, there are slight alterations to the rules. In France, your bet is placed on an ‘even chances line’ at a number of casinos.
Although both tables have comparable payout odds for comparable bets, you can get half your bet using the La Partage or splitting rule with French roulette.
There are also rules like the ‘imprisonement rule’ that lower the house edge, meaning the casino’s advantage, when played correctly. This rule expresses that if the ball stops at zero, even money outside bets do not automatically lose, but instead stay on the field ‘en prison’ until the next spin. If the ball lands on zero again in the following round, the stakes are lost and the bet will be ‘double imprisoned’. In this case, the player would need to make two consecutive winning bets to release the original bet. With that said, if your ‘en prison’ stake wins, you will receive your initial money back.
Is European or American roulette better?
It all boils down to what you want from your game. It’s harder to win the American version but you may prefer it if you’re more of a risk-taker. If you prefer higher winning odds, the European variation is the one for you.
Why do people say European roulette has better odds?
The odds are a tad better as the European version is a single zero roulette game, whereas the American version has both a zero and double zero. If the ball lands on the zero or double zero, the house automatically wins, meaning it’s more favourable for the player to play the European version.
Keep in mind that European roulette games, such as mini roulette tables, have different odds.