Roulette Types: A Complete Beginners Guide

• There are three main roulette types; American, European, and French.
• Online roulette betting options include inside and outside bets.
• The American roulette wheel has 38 pockets, 36 of which are coloured black and red. The other two, ‘0’ and ‘00’ are marked in green.
• European and French roulette types have a low house edge of 2.7%, while the American roulette has 5.26%.
• Compared to outside bets, inside bets have low odds but higher payouts of up to 35: 1 for a straight bet.
• Outside bets have high winning odds of close to 50%, but have a lower payout of 1:1, and some have 2:1.

Roulette is a game of chance and is among the most popular casino table games. There are three main roulette types; American, European, and French. Other popular versions include multi-wheel and mini-roulette.

Online roulette is played in two ways, either against an RNG or a real live dealer. The latter offers a gambling experience similar to an actual casino from the comfort of your home.

Depending on which roulette type you decide to play, be aware of the different house edges. In this guide, you will discover the differences between the roulette types, including the bet options and betting rules.

Check out our New Customers Offer: 50 Free Spins – T&Cs Apply!

American roulette was introduced in the US in the 1800s and is mainly popular in the United States. Some of the common variants include Premium American Roulette and Live American Roulette. To give the house a bigger edge, a double zero is added to the roulette wheel. This means that instead of 37 numbers, the wheel has 38, and a house edge of 5.26%. Although this is higher than in other roulette types, it is still amongst the top played variants.

Rules and Layout

The American roulette wheel has 38 pockets, including a ‘0’ and a ‘00.’ The extra ‘double zero’ is the key differentiating factor between the American Roulette and other roulette types. The (00) reduces the winning probabilities. The American roulette table layout clearly shows the inside and outside bet, and the numbers are coloured correspondingly to the pockets.

One of the main American roulette rules you need to know while wagering is that all the outside bets are lost when the ball lands on zero. Other rules are based on placing wagers. For example on a Street bet, Single/Straight, or Split bets. To play, you first need to decide which bet to place. There are two types, outside and inside, that you will discover below.

The American roulette payouts are lower due to the increased house edge of 5.26%. But the overall payout rate is also dependent on the bet type you wager. Inside bets such as single bets have payout rates of up to 35:1 but with odds of 2.63%. If you settle for outside bets, the pay ranges from 1:1 to 2:1 with increased odds close to 50%.

Outside Bets

There are 5 types of outside bets you can play in American roulette: Red/Black, Even/Odd, and High/Low. These three are called even-money bets and are known to have the safest American roulette odds of 1:1.

Other outside bets include Column and Dozen bets, both of which include 12 numbers in a wager. These two betting options are also called 2 to 1 bets.

Red/Black

• Number Amount: 18
• Winning Odds: 47.4%
• Pay-Out: 1:1

Even/Odd

• Number Amount: 18
• Winning Odds: 47.4%
• Pay-Out: 1:1

Low/High

• Number Amount: 18
• Winning Odds: 47.4%
• Pay-Out: 1:1

Dozen

• Number Amount: 12
• Winning Odds: 31.6%
• Pay-Out: 2:1

Column

• Number Amount: 12
• Winning Odds: 31.6%
• Pay-Out: 2:1

Inside Bets

Playing inside bets is the best American roulette strategy if you’re a risk-averse player. Inside bets feature betting on all the possible numbers in the inner section of the roulette table.

Nevertheless, when you place inside bets, you stand a chance to maximise your winnings. For example, with a single/straight-up bet, your winning wagers pay 35:1, and split bets pay 17:1.

Single/Straight

• Number Amount: 1
• Winning Odds: 2.63%
• Pay-Out: 35:1

Split

• Number Amount: 2
• Winning Odds: 5.26%
• Pay-Out: 17:1

Street

• Number Amount: 3
• Winning Odds: 7.89%
• Pay-Out: 11:1

Corner

• Number Amount: 4
• Winning Odds: 10.53%
• Pay-Out: 8:1

Double Street

• Number Amount: 6
• Winning Odds: 15.79%
• Pay-Out: 5:1

Basket

• Number Amount: 5
• Winning Odds: 13.16%
• Pay-Out: 6:1

In French, the term roulette means ‘little wheel,’ but the game is commonly known as ‘the devil’s game.’ French roulette is similar to its more famous counterpart, the European roulette. But there are crucial differences in table layout and rules that affect the French roulette odds and payouts.

Some online variations that you can play include Live French Roulette and Premium French Roulette.

Rules and Layout

One of the main distinctions between the French and American roulette is the exclusion of ‘double zero.’ Notably, the French roulette layout is very similar to the European version. The French table game is played on the standard European roulette wheel, featuring numbers 1 to 36 and one 0.

The French roulette rules also differ from the other two roulette types. For instance, you don’t automatically lose all your even money bets when you land a zero. Instead, two French roulette rules are applied -En Prison and/or La Partage.

En Prison- If your bet is lost, your stake is kept ‘in jail’ on the same outside bet for the next spin. Essentially, you get another chance to try your luck. However, if you still land a zero, you lose the bet.

La Partage: In this case, if you land a zero, your stake is split in half. 50% of the French roulette table bet is recovered, while the other 50% is surrendered to the house.

The bets are similar to American and European options. However, the French roulette payouts and odds vary significantly from the American variant. This is because the French roulette has only one ‘zero.’ Thus, the house edge is reduced by half to 2.70%.

Moreover, the unique French roulette rules also affect the expected payouts of winning wagers. Specifically, if you land a zero on even money bets, the La Partage or En Prison rules will halve the house edge from 2.70% to 1.35%. Aside from the usual inside and outside variations, other French bet types that you can place include Voisins du Zero and Orphelins.

Outside Bets

One striking feature that you will notice about the outside bets is that the table features French roulette terms. Otherwise, the payouts are similar to the European version. Under this category, rouge/noir, pair/impair, and manqué/passé bets are subject to the En Prison and/or La Partage rules. Hence you will get back half of your even-money bets if the ball lands on zero.

Column bet

• French Name: Column
• Numbers Amount: 12
• Winning Odds: 32.4%
• Pay-out: 2:1

Dozen bet

• French Name: Douzaine
• Numbers Amount: 12
• Winning Odds: 32.4%
• Pay-out: 2:1

Red/Black

• French Name: Rouge/Noir
• Numbers Amount: 18
• Winning Odds: 48.64%
• Pay-out: 1:1

Odd/Even

• French Name: Pair/Impair
• Numbers Amount: 18
• Winning Odds: 48.64%
• Pay-out: 1:1

Low/High bet

• French Name: Manque/Passe
• Numbers Amount: 18
• Winning Odds: 48.64%
• Pay-out: 1:1

Inside Bets

Inside bets in the French roulette have almost the same payouts as the American variant. But the difference is that the RTP in French roulette is higher, increasing your winning possibilities. In addition, placing a bet on one specific number will give you a 2.70% winning chance.

Straight Bet

• Number Amounts: 1
• Winning Odds: 2.70%
• Pay-Out: 35:1

Split Bet

• Number Amounts: 2
• Winning Odds: 5.41%
• Pay-Out: 17:1

Street Bet

• Number Amounts: 3
• Winning Odds: 8.11%
• Pay-Out: 11:1

Corner Bet

• Number Amounts: 4
• Winning Odds: 10.81%
• Pay-Out: 8:1

Line Bet

• Number Amounts: 6
• Winning Odds: 16.2%
• Pay-Out: 5:1

The European variation was introduced in Germany in the 19th century. It has, over the years, become a favourite among online roulette players. With the reduced house edge, playing European roulette online offers you a better chance of higher payouts on your winning bets. Top online variations that you can try include; Live European Roulette and Premium European Roulette.

Rules and Layout

The European roulette wheel features 37 pockets, including one ’zero.’ The omission of the extra ‘double zero’ reduces the house's edge to 2.7%. Additionally, the European roulette layout is similar to the French.

There are no special ‘European roulette rules’, instead the gameplay is based on the rules applicable to all roulette types. This is with the exception of the En Prison and La Partage rules.

The European roulette table game gives you similar betting options as other roulette types, including outside and inside bets. This version has one of the safest betting odds due to the reduced house edge of 2.7%. Hence for each European roulette payout, you will have higher returns.

Outside Bets

If you are an inexperienced roulette player, then placing outside bets is the most recommended European roulette strategy. The odds are easier to understand, and the possibility of winning is higher. However, the even-money bet loses when the zero is spun.

Odd/Even

• Number Amount: 18
• Winning Odds: 48.65%
• Pay-Out: 1:1

Red/Black

• Number Amount: 18
• Winning Odds: 48.65%
• Pay-Out: 1:1

High/Low

• Number Amount: 18
• Winning Odds: 48.65%
• Pay-Out: 1:1

Column

• Number Amount: 12
• Winning Odds: 32.43%
• Pay-Out: 2:1

Dozen

• Number Amount: 12
• Winning Odds: 32.14%
• Pay-Out: 2:1

Inside Bets

Inside bets are riskier since the European roulette odds of winning are less. Nonetheless, the payouts for winning are higher than those of outside bets. For example, if you bet on two adjacent numbers (1+2), the probability of the ball landing on these numbers is 5.41%. This percentage is low but if you win, you will receive 17 times your initial stake.

Straight-Up

• Number Amounts: 1
• Winning Odds: 2.70%
• Pay-Out: 35:1

Split

• Number Amounts: 2
• Winning Odds: 5.41%
• Pay-Out: 17:1

Street

• Number Amounts: 3
• Winning Odds: 8.11%
• Pay-Out: 11:1

Corner

• Number Amounts: 4
• Winning Odds: 10.81%
• Pay-Out: 8:1

Six Line

• Number Amounts: 6
• Winning Odds: 16.22%
• Pay-Out: 5:1

Multi-wheel roulette is an online RNG variation originally developed by Microgaming. This version is known for its riveting betting action that allows you to play multiple wheels simultaneously. Some multi-wheel variants have eight wheels and others six. Nevertheless, the house edge remains at 2.7% regardless of the bet you make.

Rules and Layout

The multi-wheel roulette layout is modern-looking and features a sleek interface. The same rules apply as the European roulette table game, with the glaring difference being the extra wheels.

Despite the many multi-wheel roulette wheels, there is only one betting table. This means that you cannot place bets on each separate wheel. The multi-wheel roulette rules apply to active wheels and the chosen wager applies to all the wheels.

The extra wheels in the multi-wheel roulette online game increase the betting action. While betting on multiple wheels increases your chances of landing high payouts, the odds of losing are equally high. If you decide to bet on three wheels, you will receive triple payouts if all the wheels win.

Straight-up bets will still pay 35:1 and even bets 1:1. With a 2.7% house edge, the multi-wheel roulette payouts are higher than the American version.

Outside Bets

As a risk-averse player, placing outside bets on multiple wheels is safer than inside bets since the odds range from 32.14% to 48.65%. When you place an even bet for one wheel, the payout will be 1:1. A similar bet on eight wheels will pay 8:8, which is the same payout rate only that your stake amount will be higher.

Odd/Even

• Numbers Amount (one wheel): 18
• Winning Odds: 48.65%
• Pay-Out: 1:1

Red/Black

• Numbers Amount (one wheel): 18
• Winning Odds: 48.65%
• Pay-Out: 1:1

High/Low

• Numbers Amount (one wheel): 18
• Winning Odds: 48.65%
• Pay-Out: 1:1

Column

• Numbers Amount (one wheel): 12
• Winning Odds: 32.43%
• Pay-Out: 2:1

Dozen

• Numbers Amount (one wheel): 12
• Winning Odds: 32.14%
• Pay-Out: 2:1

Inside Bets

Inside bets in the multi-wheel roulette table games are, as any other roulette type, high-risk. The winning odds vary from 2.70% to 16.22%. However, the payout rates are higher than outside bets, and with a strategy such as The Martingale or D’Alembert, playing Multi-Wheel inside bets can work in your favour.

Straight Up

• Number Amounts (one wheel): 1
• Winning Odds: 2.70%
• Pay-Out: 35:1

Split

• Number Amounts (one wheel): 2
• Winning Odds: 5.41%
• Pay-Out: 17:1

Street

• Number Amounts (one wheel): 3
• Winning Odds: 8.11%
• Pay-Out: 11:1

Corner

• Number Amounts (one wheel): 4
• Winning Odds: 10.81%
• Pay-Out: 8:1

Six Line

• Number Amounts (one wheel): 6
• Winning Odds: 16.22%
• Pay-Out: 5:1

The mini roulette table game is a simplified version of roulette originally pioneered by Playtech. This version features fewer numbers on the wheel, translating to lower mini roulette payouts. Also, this condensed layout makes the user interface less crowded; hence it is ideal for mobile play. Why not try out Mini roulette right here at Betfair Casino.

Rules and Layout

This roulette type version has a few variables. Basically, the mini roulette wheel has 13 numbers ranging from 0 to 12. This mini-wheel layout makes it a perfect choice for beginners. While you will find the same bets as in the European version, betting options such as dozen bets are split in half.

You will still find other common bets, such as straight-up and split bets. Compared to American roulette, the mini roulette has a lower house edge of 3.85%. However, this is still considerably high compared to 2.7% of the French and European roulette types.

The mini roulette game offers fewer betting options than other roulette types. For example, the high/low bet option is not available. Thus, even money bets only include Odd/Even and Red/Black. Nevertheless, the simple mini roulette layout makes it easier to play if you don’t have previous experience.

Outside Bets

Outside bets offer the best mini roulette odds, with even money bets featuring over 46% winning possibility. However, the payout of most wagers is reduced to 1:1, and the column bet is the only 2 in 1 bet available.

Odd/Even

• Numbers Amount: 6
• Winning Odds: 46.15%
• Pay-Out: 1:1

Red/Black

• Numbers Amount: 6
• Winning Odds: 46.15%
• Pay-Out: 1:1

Half-Dozen

• Numbers Amount: 6
• Winning Odds: 46.15%
• Pay-Out: 1:1

Column

• Numbers Amount: 4
• Winning Odds: 30.77%
• Pay-Out: 2:1

Inside Bets

The straight-up bet, just like in other roulette types, features the highest payouts of 11:1 but with lower odds of 7.69%. Since the numbers on the wheel are few, the payout rate is significantly lower across all inside bets. For example the split bet pays 5:1 unlike the European version that pays 17:1.

Straight Up

• Number Amounts: 1
• Winning Odds: 7.69%
• Pay-Out: 11:1

Split

• Number Amounts: 2
• Winning Odds: 15.38%
• Pay-Out: 5:1

Street

• Number Amounts: 3
• Winning Odds: 23.08%
• Pay-Out: 3:1

Corner

• Number Amounts: 4
• Winning Odds: 30.77%
• Pay-Out: 2:1

Conventional roulette types such as American, European, and French variations are prevalent among table games players. The introduction of mini and multi-wheel roulette has enhanced the diversity of these table games. But how do you choose which table game to play?

Utilize Effective Roulette Strategies

There are various roulette betting strategies that you can apply to help improve your odds of winning. The Martingale strategy is one of the best betting systems. Other popular strategies include Fibonacci, Reverse Martingale, and D’Alembert.

Consider the Roulette Types with Higher Winning Possibility

American roulette gives the casino an added advantage over the player. The extra double zero increases the house edge to 5.26%. On the other hand, if you play the European and French variants, the house only has a favourable advantage of 2.7%.

Bet Types also Matter

While the bet types across the various roulette variants are similar, they offer different payout rates and winning odds. Even-money betting options on any roulette type give you safer odds to double your bet. Furthermore, these bets pay higher on a single zero wheel.

Have a Clear Bankroll Management

Once you’ve decided on your preferred betting strategy, set a limit of how much you are willing to spend. Also, have an outline of the bets you wish to place and your target winnings. Only wager amounts you are comfortable losing, and when you hit this limit, cut your losses and log out.

• American, European, and French variations are the most common roulette types. Other versions include multi-wheel and mini roulette.
• An American roulette wheel has 38 pockets, including a ‘zero’ and ‘double zero.’ The extra slot increases the house edge to 5.26%.
• European and French table games have a reasonable house advantage of 2.7%. The wheels feature 37 pockets with only one zero.
• French roulette rules such as the En Prison and La Partage, when applied, lower the house edge to 1.35%.
• The multi-wheel roulette table game allows you to bet on multiple wheels. Also, this version uses similar rules to European roulette.
• As a beginner, the mini roulette is an excellent option since it is easy to get used to. The mobile compatible interface allows you to play from your phone.
• Before settling on any roulette type, be sure to understand the potential winning odds, rules, and available bet types. Also, find a reliable betting strategy.

Read more on related articles:

• Guide on card counting in blackjack
• How to play online baccarat
• Best blackjack strategies
• Comprehensive blackjack betting guide for beginners
• Craps betting tips and strategies

Check out our New Customers Offer: 50 Free Spins – T&Cs Apply!