Online roulette has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to the rise of internet gambling. For players looking to maximize their chances of winning, it’s important to understand which roulette variants offer the best odds. Not all online roulettes are created equal when it comes to favorable odds for players.
This article will break down the key differences between the three main roulette variants found at online casinos: American, European, and French roulette. We’ll compare the roulette wheels, table layouts, house edge percentages, and betting options to show which games give players the best odds of winning. Read on to learn which online roulette games you should play if you want to boost your chances.
Overview of Main Online Roulette Variants
There are three major types of online roulette offered on platforms like LuckyDreams Casino on the internet:
- American Roulette: The version of roulette found most often at casinos in the United States. It features a wheel with 38 numbered slots from 1-36 plus 0 and 00.
- European Roulette: The roulette format is traditionally played in Europe. European wheels have only one 0 slot in addition to the numbers 1-36.
- French Roulette: A variant popular in France and Monte Carlo. French roulette follows European rules but also has two additional rules that improve player odds.
While the roulette table layout looks similar across these three games, the extra 00 slot on the American wheel significantly impacts the house edge and overall odds.
Roulette Wheel Comparison
The main difference between American, European, and French roulette is the number of numbered slots on the wheel. Here is a breakdown:
| Roulette Variant | Numbered Slots | House Edge |
| American | 38 (1-36, 0, 00) | 5.26% |
| European | 37 (1-36, 0) | 2.70% |
| French | 37 (1-36, 0) | 1.35%* |
*French roulette’s odds can vary because the game incorporates two special rules that help players called La Partage and En Prison. These optional rules cut the house edge in half to 1.35% on even money bets if the ball lands on 0.
As you can see, the American Wheel’s extra 00 slot heavily shifts the odds in the casino’s favor. This small but crucial difference gives the house nearly double the edge percentage compared to European or French roulette.
Bet Types and Table Layouts
The types of bets available and how they are laid out on the table also have an impact when calculating roulette odds.
The inside and outside betting areas are identical across all three major roulette variants. However, the announced bets section on the table often has slight differences. French roulette tables allow for more called or announced bet combinations compared to European and American formats.
In terms of specific bet types, the odds are essentially the same whether you opt for American, European, or French roulette rules. Straight bets on a single number payout 35:1. Split bets on two adjoining numbers payout 17:1. All other inside and outside bet payouts are standardized across online roulette sites and apps.
Game Rules and Special Variations
As noted above, French roulette includes two rules that help lower the house edge for players. These are:
- La Partage: If the ball lands on 0, players receive half their even money bet back instead of losing the full amount. This cuts the house edge in half.
- En Prison: This alternate version of La Partage leaves even money bets “imprisoned” for the next spin after a 0 lands. If players win on the following spin, they get the imprisoned bet back with no loss.
These options make French roulette the most player-friendly version. However, En Prison and La Partage rules do not apply to every French roulette online table. So players seeking the absolute best odds should specifically find French games offering one or both special rules.
Choosing Your Ideal Online Roulette Variant
In summary, while American, European, and French roulette look similar at first glance, they contain crucial structural differences that impact odds and favorability for players. French roulette gives online gamblers the best statistical chance to win thanks to having the lowest house edge, especially when combined with the La Partage and En Prison rules.
However, both European and French roulette beat American roulette overall due to having half as many numbered slots on the wheel. So, for players wanting to maximize their opportunity to beat the house edge, experts overwhelmingly recommend seeking European or French online roulette over American versions. Just be sure to check the rules and table options closely first. Focusing on the finer details makes a major difference when playing online roulette variants, where every percentage point matters in the odds battle versus the casino.
