There aren’t many games as popular as roulette that has been around for as long as the legendary wheel has. Indeed, it’s hard to think of an offering that has the same global appeal of the quintessential casino game. Roulette was hugely popular before the online casino industry blew up, but its notoriety has increased tenfold since then. One way the game has appealed to different markets has been through developers creating diverse variants around the world. There are some key differences, but the fundamental essence of the wheel remains the same.
Caption: A video about how to play roulette.
Multiple Versions of Roulette Available
Because the casino industry is so vast, there have been countless adaptations and evolutions in how the games are played. Certain aspects that appeal to European clientele, for instance, are not as popular in the USA. Likewise, Asian gamblers have preferences for games that aren’t as popular in the west. One game that has managed to allure players in almost every market is roulette. Online casinos know that roulette is one of the biggest draws no matter who’s logging on to a site, which is why they aim to provide a vast range of strains to choose from. These include options like Lightning Roulette, Immersive Roulette, and Auto Roulette.
When roulette was first adapted for internet audiences, developers focused on building virtual offerings that used RNG to determine where the ball landed. These options are still prevalent, and the technology they use is more advanced than ever. However, there has also been a massive drive to improve live streaming titles in recent times. This is one of the most popular ways to play online casino games, so developers know they need to provide variety in this category. Since the games moved to a live setting, there have been many significant advancements to the way they are played.
The rules of roulette are usually the same no matter what strain is being played, but there are some key differences in the newer offerings. For example, some of the more modern roulette games have integrated themes, similar to what’s seen in the slots market. Age of the Gods is one of the most popular reel-spinning series, and there’s now a roulette spinoff for players to enjoy. It’s designed to give people an additional reason to play roulette, and a chance to experience ancient Greek themes.
There are also new strains of roulette that offer multipliers, and this can occur when lightning or fire randomly strikes numbers on the wheel. It’s clear that roulette is always evolving, and developers are constantly seeking new ways to appeal to modern players.
European Roulette
Roulette originated in Europe, so the European version could be considered the classic offering. Historians believe that the polymath Blaise Pascal can be credited with the invention of the roulette wheel when he was attempting to develop a machine capable of perpetual motion. This was in the 17th century, but the mathematician most likely had no interest in developing a gambling game. It’s thought that the concept was taken and then blended with the Italian game of Biribi. This hybrid then took off in the late 18th century in gambling houses around Europe.
Caption: A video about Blaise Pascal.
The European version of roulette is easily the most iconic, and it’s this format that has been most prevalent in popular culture over the years. Fictional work centering on the iconic wheel dates back more than a century, with Fyodor Dostoevsky using it as the main topic of his 1887 work, The Gambler. It’s also appeared in various films over the years, as its instant recognizability reads well on the screen.
When you look through roulette options at online casinos, you’ll sometimes see games that are listed as European roulette. This can be the case in markets where audiences may not be as aware of the game’s origins. However, sometimes the game titles will omit the use of “European.” Unless the game says American roulette, you can be fairly sure that it will use the traditional European version of the wheel.
It’s always wise to check the rules before you play, though. Different strains of the game may have slightly altered odds to others, and it’s important to be aware of these before you place your bets.
American Roulette
The greatest difference you’ll encounter when playing roulette is that there are some wheels that have a double zero. This is the American version of the game, and it’s one that skews the odds on various outcomes drastically. Roulette in the USA has gone through a multitude of iterations over the years, with some early ideas failing to catch on. For instance, there was once a version in the USA that used numbers one to 28, along with an American Eagle slot. The main idea that became a widespread hit was the double zero. Instead of having one green pocket for zero, American roulette has two.
Depending on your betting preferences for roulette, there are advantages and disadvantages to playing American roulette. If you like to bet on single numbers, it doesn’t make much difference whether you choose American or European roulette. However, if you prefer to stake on zero, American is clearly the better option as you have two chances of hitting it.
Another reason why people like to stake on American roulette is that it offers USA color schemes and themes. These can allure players within the country, along with people from outside the US who want to get a taste of the culture. American roulette and European roulette versions offer all the same betting options, with the odds of each game being a major difference. Be sure to read up on the probability of hitting certain bets before you stake.
Roulette is a game with enduring appeal to people from all over the world thanks to its simplicity and thrilling nature. There are now countless variants available to suit different markets, with European and American being the two most notable strains.
