Types of Roulette: From European to Lightning Roulette
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With so many live roulette variations available at top UK online casino sites, it can be very challenging to choose between them. That’s why our experts are here to help you pick the best version. Let’s discover the available roulette variations, their features and their main differences!
On this page
- What Roulette Variations Can You Play?
- The Classic Appeal of European Roulette
- American Roulette and the Double Zero
- French Roulette Brings a Touch of Sophistication
- Modern Takes on Roulette – Lightning and Double Ball
- Our Tips for Finding the Best Live Roulette Version
- King’s Key Takeaways on Live Roulette Variations
What Roulette Variations Can You Play?
With so multiple real-money live roulette variants streamed in real-time with interactive features, players can curate their gaming experience. Let’s go over the roulette versions we will detail in this article:
- European Roulette – This classic version has a single zero wheel.
- French Roulette – Similar to European but with French betting terms.
- American Roulette – Has an extra double zero on the wheel.
- Lightning Roulette – Provides randomized “Lightning Strikes” multipliers.
- Double Ball Roulette – Uses two balls spun on the same wheel.
All of these variants can be played as penny roulette options if you don’t want to play with big wagers..
The Classic Appeal of European Roulette
When it comes to roulette variations, the traditional original is often thought of as European roulette. Blaise Pascal created it in the 1600s with a totally different goal in mind; he hoped it would help find a perpetual motion machine. But it was changed and became the modern single-zero roulette wheel two centuries later. Great history lesson, isn’t it?
Single Zero Roulette Wheel
Wheels in European games contain just a single zero pocket marked “0” instead of the American wheel, which has double zeros. This seemingly small difference gives a house edge of merely 2.70%, far lower than American roulette’s 5.26% edge.
The single zero wheel has 37 numbered pockets total, showing up as 36 alternating red and black slots with one green zero. With less player risk, the European wheel boosts the odds and wins.
La Partage and En Prison Rules
In European roulette, two special rules increase the player’s chances of winning. The La Partage rule refunds even money bets by 50% when the ball falls on zero. Similarly, the En Prison rule permits even bets to be “imprisoned” when zero occurs. This enables players to recover their imprisoned stake on the next spin.
Both roulette rules further reduce the house edge. However, finding a live dealer game using La Partage rules is difficult due to this reason. While the house advantage of the En Prison version is more difficult to quantify, European La Partage roulette has a house edge of 1.35%, which is comparable to blackjack.
American Roulette and the Double Zero
The number of pockets in American roulette is more than in the European version, which is an improvement. The most striking variation is the extra “00” double zero slot that brings the total number of numbered slots on the wheel to 38. The odds and playability are both drastically changed by this one change.
High Risk and High Reward
The American roulette double zero pocket gives the house a higher 5.26% edge than European roulette. But for gamblers, the double zero also introduces new betting possibilities. Wagers like the double zero and zero, also known as the double zero combo, become options.
American roulette’s higher risk and reward potential entices some players. However, if you want to stick to a safer option, American roulette will not be your best choice.
French Roulette Brings a Touch of Sophistication
French roulette is very similar to its European counterpart regarding the wheel and the game’s rules. Still, the atmosphere of French roulette is more refined. Using classic French betting phrases is one way to tell them apart. The croupier will now declare wagers such as “En Plein” and “A cheval” instead of the standard “inside” or “outside” bets.
The La Partage rule is used in both European and French roulette. Players will receive a 50% return on even money wagers if the ball falls on zero. The house edge in French roulette is reduced to just 1.35% because of this single zero and favourable regulation, which is to the benefit of players.
Modern Takes on Roulette – Lightning and Double Ball
Lightning Roulette and Double Ball Roulette put creative twists on the classic game to spice up the action. Both variants have unique features and rules while retaining the fundamental European roulette format.
| Features | Lightning Roulette | Double Ball Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Balls | 1 ball | 2 balls |
| Number of Wheel Pockets | 36 numbers, single zero | 36 numbers, single zero, and empty capture pockets between numbers |
| Gameplay Features | Random lightning strikes on specific numbers | Two balls spun simultaneously |
| Special Bet Options | None | Betting on two balls landing in the same pocket |
| Multiplier | Up to x500 | Up to x1300 |
Lightning Roulette vs. Double Ball Roulette
Lightning Roulette adds “Lightning Strikes” that randomly hit lucky numbers during a spin for a chance at multiplied payouts up to x500. The visual thunder and lightning effects also dramatically affect the gameplay.
Meanwhile, Double Ball Roulette uses two balls on the same spinning wheel. Bets and payouts adapted to the extra ball in play, enabling new bet combinations and doubled wins when both balls land on your numbers.
The dual balls create interesting probabilities to take advantage of. If you happen to bet on a number, and both balls land in the same number pocket, your bet will be multiplied by 1300. While very different, Lightning and Double Ball Roulette exemplify how some live games can blend traditional live casino rules with modern mechanics.
Our Tips for Finding the Best Live Roulette Version
With so many variants, it’s essential to select a live dealer roulette game that aligns with your individual preferences and play style. The correct version can enhance your overall experience and winning potential.
- Examine betting options – Look at the minimum and maximum betting amounts. If you are a high-roller and comfortable staking a bigger amount, go for VIP rooms. On the flip side, stick to the lower-betting rooms if you are a new and cautious player.
- Use live roulette bonuses – Be sure to claim live dealer casino bonuses, which often let you play roulette games with bonus funds, and use the funds to try out different games and see which one you like better, with a lower risk. You can look at LeoVegas’ live casino bonuses or 888 Casino’s promotions for live casino play.
- Assess special features – Some modern roulette games incorporate randomized lighting strikes, dual balls spinning simultaneously, or cinematic slow-motion effects, like the Immersive Roulette room, for added entertainment value. However, these can distract from a pure gameplay experience.
King’s Key Takeaways on Live Roulette Variations
Our specialists at KingCasinoBonus.uk has compiled a list of the most played live dealer roulette variations, including everything from the traditional European and French games to more contemporary variations like Lightning and Double Ball.
Players may find the perfect version that suits their interests and style by comparing essential elements like wheels, bets, and unique regulations. You need to be well-informed to choose which live roulette games are best for your needs, as there are now so many.