Roulette has been one of the most popular casino games for decades in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. With legal online gambling growing across the country, it has become a key part of every online casino. As more online casinos come pop up across the country, finding the one that’s right for you can be overwhelming. This is why we created a list of our best sites to play online roulette.
Common types of Roulette Games
Now that we’ve covered our list of the best sites to play roulette online, we’ll explore the different types of games commonly found in online casinos.
There are four types of roulette games commonly offered by online casinos. They are American roulette, European roulette, French roulette, and live dealer roulette games.
Let’s take a look at what makes each unique—
American roulette games
Of all the different types of roulette games, the American version is the one you will find most commonly at your local casino. This is also the most popular online roulette option, dominating most online casinos.
American roulette has 38 pockets that cover numbers 0-36, plus the infamous double zero. One reason for its popularity with online roulette sites is that it has one more pocket than the European or French games, giving the house an edge.
European roulette games
As the name implies, this roulette game is much more common in Europe. This version uses 37 pockets and does not include the double zero. This takes away the house edge and gives the player better odds. When playing mobile roulette games, this is the style you want to play if you want better odds.
Most online casinos will include European roulette games, but they will be far fewer than American roulette. Many online roulette casinos avoid offering too many European roulette games, pushing players towards the more favorable American version.
French roulette games
French roulette is one of the oldest versions of the game and works similarly to European roulette. This version also has 37 pockets without a double zero, again giving the players better odds.
One major difference between French roulette games and European roulette games is the use of “la partage”. If the ball lands on zero, all players can get half their money back or use it for the next round.
Live dealer roulette games
Live roulette games are available for all three of the above versions but offer the benefit of having an actual dealer. Many people love roulette games because of the social aspect, as large groups will often gather around the table to watch this exciting casino game. While online casinos can’t offer that experience, they do have live roulette games where you can interact with the dealer and other players.
Most online casinos have a wide offering of live dealer games, including online roulette. You can usually find them in the roulette or live dealer games section of any online casino.
Betting Options for Roulette Games
American roulette, French roulette, and European roulette differ in their odds, but they offer the same bet types. It’s fairly straightforward, but there are several options that you will need to know before you play online roulette for real money.
Here is a quick overview of the different kinds of bets available:
Inside bets
An inside bet in roulette games involves betting on a specific number to hit. This is done by placing your chips on the number you want to select before the spin. If the ball lands your number, you win. This type of bet offers the best odds and is a popular option for those looking to win big.
Be sure to note that you can also place your chips on the border of two numbers, splitting your bet between the two. That means if either of those numbers wins, you win your bet. This offers a lower payout but offers a better chance of winning.
Outside bets
This option is popular in roulette games as it removes the house edge. Instead of betting on numbers, you can select a few different outcomes. The most popular of these are red/black. odds/evens, and betting a certain line of numbers. The odds are far lower than an inside bet, but it gives you a much better chance of winning.
Combination bets
Combination bets are roulette games equivalent to a sports betting parlay. You can combine several different inside and outside bets together for a larger payout. This increases your chances of winning big, but be careful when selecting. Double-check that your inside and outside bets can both win before making your combination bet official.
The Pros and Cons of Online Roulette Games
Like any game in an online casino, roulette has pros and cons depending on the player. The game’s unique gameplay and odds appeal to some but are a turnoff for others. We’ve broken down some of the most common pros and cons to give you an idea if the game is right for you.
Let’s start by looking at the pros.
Pros of playing roulette games
One of the biggest reasons people like to play online roulette is its simplicity. While there are several different bets to choose from, playing roulette can be as simple as placing a single chip on a number. This makes it popular with new players or those with a few extra chips.
Another major benefit to playing online roulette games is the excitement. Unlike other table games found in your online casino, roulette games involve more luck than actual skill. While there are roulette strategies that can help improve your odds, it’s still a game of chance.
Our last pro is the number of bets available. Roulette games are unique in offering a wide range of bets that can fit any player. You can play it safe with outside bets or go for the big win with an inside or combination bet.
The cons of online roulette games
One of the downsides of online roulette casinos is the options of games. American roulette offers the house the best advantage, leading online roulette sites to feature them heavily. While you can still usually find European and French roulette games, there are far fewer options. This forces players to the American roulette games, handing the online casino an edge.
Another common complaint about online roulette games is the lack of energy. While you can play online roulette for real money, you miss the energy of playing in a casino. Roulette tables are often filled with people cheering on players to win big. While many online roulette sites offer live dealer games, the energy just isn’t there.
Lastly, those that play online roulette often find winning can be difficult. While plenty of outside bets improve your chances of winning, the odds are too low to win consistently. For veterans of online gambling, roulette for real money can often be seen as a losing proposition.
Online Roulette FAQ
Now that we’ve reviewed our list of the best online roulette sites, you should be ready to choose an online casino to get started. If you do still have questions, fear not.
Here are some answers to the most common ones we get regarding roulette sites:
Is playing online roulette for real money legal?
Yes! Roulette sites are legal anywhere that allows online gambling. It’s a small list as of now, but it is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years. Currently, you can find roulette sites in Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Which is the best online roulette site?
We have provided a list of our favorite sites to play roulette online, but the answers vary from player to player. When choosing from the many available roulette sites, look for things like a welcome bonus, daily/weekly promotions, and game offerings to help find which one is best for you.
Are online roulette sites safe?
While gambling is always a risk, several roulette online casinos built a reputation for safety and security. We recommend sticking to well-known options like those on our best online roulette casinos list.
Are there any free roulette games?
Absolutely! Most of the best online roulette sites will offer an option to play for free. This lets new players to play roulette and learn the ins and outs without risking real money roulette.
How much should I bet on roulette games?
This answer depends on the player and their available bankroll. While trying and winning big when you play roulette is tempting, always set a firm budget before you start playing.
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