The Three Most Common Variations of Roulette

Roulette is one of the most popular casino games on the planet. Based entirely on luck, it has become a fixture at online and land casinos around the globe. Despite its simple premise, there are several subtle differences between the three most common variations of the game that players should be aware of.

The most common variation of the game is European roulette. This version features a single zero which significantly reduces the house edge, and as a result, magnifies your chances of winning. For this reason, we recommend new players start with this game before moving on to the other options.

To play the game, simply place your chips on the betting mat, ensuring that they are precisely where you want them. Each bet type has different payouts, and it is up to you how much you wish to wager on each spin. You can bet on individual numbers, various groups of numbers, the color red or black, whether they are odd or even, or if they are high (19-36) or low (1-18).

During the early 1700s, the wheel used in casino roulette was first modified from its original design. The color of the zero pocket was switched from red to green, and this is now standard on all roulette wheels. The ball was also redesigned to make it more resistant to erratic bounces, and the game quickly gained popularity in Paris’ illegal gambling dens.

In 1843, French siblings Louis and Francois Blanc introduced the single zero pocket which increased the game’s popularity across Europe. This game spread rapidly to the American colonies, where it became known as American roulette. Throughout the years, modifications were made to the wheel and table to prevent cheating and limit the number of bets per player.

Today, roulette is enjoyed in over 90 countries worldwide. It is especially popular in Europe, where it has a lower house edge than the American variant. This difference is partially due to the fact that there is only a single zero on European tables, while American roulette has a double-zero pocket. During the early days of roulette, many people invented their own devices to beat the house, including the use of sand and pebbles in the wheel and the addition of extra pockets on the table. In the end, these devices were removed from the game to protect the integrity of the game.