Online Roulette

What do all Roulette players want? Well comfort! Consistently and in heaping quantities. That’s at least what our Casino Gorilla thinks. Well what could be more comfortable that being able to play Online Roulette in the comfort of your own home? For the true online Roulette fans, the only answer to this question would be a quick and emphatic, ‘Nothing!’

And they’ll all be right. Are you a Roulette player who has reservations about transitioning to the online format because you suspect the gameplay will be changed? Well you need not to worry given you’ll recognize all the things you are accustomed to. You still get to place bets whose success hinges on where the ball eventually lands.

In the event you place bets on the winning number, you’ll receive your well-earned money and a hearty congratulations to boot. It’s all very simplistic and uncomplicated. But the fact that you’re here means that the information that the Casino Gorilla is about to disband will be of value to you! Let’s get down to it. Shall we?

What is Online Roulette?

It’s easy to forget that there are plenty of individuals out there who despite not knowing much about Online Roulette are both eager and curious to learn it. It is, therefore, only proper that a description of the game is provided. And what better way to do so than by beginning with a description of the original game?

Traditional Roulette

Roulette is a game whereby players get to place bets based on where on the wheel the ball will eventually settle. Placing these bets will require the players to select what they believe to be a winning combination. This can take the form of a single or a group of numbers, an even or odd number, low number (1-18) or high numbers (19-36) and the colors black or red.

The winning number and colour is determined by spinning the Roulette wheel in one direction and spinning the ball in the opposite one. The ball runs along a circular track around the wheel’s outer edge until it encounters a series of deflectors once it has lost its momentum. The ball finally ends up on the wheel and settles into one of the numbered and colored pockets.

Online Roulette

The gameplay that is used in traditional Roulette is similar to the one used in online Roulette. There is a difference, however, in the mechanics that underlie the working of the game. Given there isn’t an actual ball and a wheel to spin, online Roulette relies on random number generator (RNG) which delivers the winning number.

The player will, however, be treated to a simulation of the ball going round the wheel before landing on the pocket bearing the winning number. The purpose of this simulation is to replicate the classic Roulette feel which makes the game more exciting for players. The workings of the number generator are made possible by a complex algorithm which creates a number sequence which is a close as possible to random.

Types of Roulette wheels

There are three types of Roulette wheels including European, American and French Roulette wheels. The fundamental difference between them might not be easy to identify at first glance, but it’s one whose significance can’t be ignored.

The European and French Roulette wheels has 36 numbers and one 0.
The American Roulette wheel, on the other hand, has the bonus number ‘00’.

This brings the collective tally of numbers to 37. A figure which has the effect of giving the casino a favorable house edge. The following sections provide succinct info about the three common roulette wheels along with other variant that are increasingly gracing the online gambling market.

European Roulette

It’s highly unlikely for you to browse any online casino and fail to come across the option to play European Roulette. The same availability extends to both mobile and land-based casinos. This game not only makes use of the Roulette wheel with only one zero but also has the house edge set at 2.70%. Players can be assured of a variety of chip value settings that can accommodate their budgets.

French Roulette

French Roulette is undoubtedly one of the most agreeable variants of the Online Roulette. Why do you ask? Well because the house edge has been set at a modest 1.35%. You’ll be pleased to hear that this figure applies to all betting propositions that pay money.

The above-stated reason also makes French Roulette the best variant for all beginners. It is much easier for a beginner to pick up a thing or two when they are playing under favorable conditions.

Because the house edge has been set at a modest 1.35%, the French Roulette is the best variant for all beginners!

American Roulette

American Roulette’s notable feature is its wheel which has two zeros. The effect of those two zeros is they result in a house edge that is considerably larger than that of other Online Roulette variants (5.25%).

Multi-wheel Roulette

Multi-wheel Roulette is a staple of many online casinos. This variant of Online Roulette gives players the opportunity to place bets on up to 8 wheels at the same time. While you still get to place all these bets on one board, the result will depend on the nature of the spread across two or more wheels.

In the event you were to land a hit on a number on more than one table then you’ll doubtlessly make some money.

Mini-Roulette

Mini-Roulette operates within the rules of French Roulette with the sole exception being the total number of slots on the wheel. Another unique aspect of this variant is that the number of numbered slots is limited to twelve. Thus the bets available to a player include odd or even, black or red, straight bets, as well as combination and row bets. A notable aspect of Mini-Roulette is the ease with which the bets can be placed.

Multi-ball Roulette

One of the common variants well known to Roulette aficionados is Multiball Roulette. The unique aspect of the game also serves to explain its name. The game features a wheel that already has several balls spinning around it when you’re making you play. It’s, therefore, possible for the wheel to yield more than one winning number if they land in the same slot.

Live Dealer Roulette

Live Dealer Roulette appeals to people who wish to have access to a land based casino from the comfort of their own home. This is made possible by a live video stream and a video camera which enables the player to place bets and monitor the proceedings with ease. If you enjoy online roulette but feel a pinch of nostalgia for the classic way of doing things, this might just be the option for you.

Double Bonus Roulette

Double Bonus Roulette allows the player two additional free spins on the Roulette wheel in the event the ball makes it into the well. The bonus spins will be granted to you while your other bets are still in play.

Pinball Roulette

Pinball Roulette abandons the traditional spin around the wheel and opts for a different approach. This will involve the ball dropping on a layout that comprises pins. The ball with, therefore, bounce around on top of the pins before it finally lands in one of the slots.

Spingo

The unique aspects of Spingo include a reduction of the numbers you can bet on. The usual 1 to 36 is dropped in favour of 1 to 10. Moreover, you get three colors to bet on. This game involves the random picking of colored balls once the wheel has stared spinning. These balls eventually fall into the colored slots. Players of the game are at liberty to place bets in terms of odds or even, the numbers available as well as the colors.

No Zero Roulette

Well how about a Roulette variant without a zero slot on the wheel? Well there happens to be one game which was developed specifically to eliminate house edge. As is the norm with regular Roulette wheels, the No Zero Roulette wheel has 36 numbers. The primary benefit of excluding the zero is a considerable lessening of the risks involved when betting.

Placing Bets in Online Roulette

The 36/37 numbers on the wheel are either black or red and are arranged in a non-sequential manner. Each number has a slot number beneath it which might just be where the ball eventually lands. Should you decide to choose a particular number and place chips on it, such a move is conventionally known as a straight-up bet. Other betting options available to you include;

Column Bets

A quick glance at the Roulette wheel will have you noticing that the numbers 1 to 36 are arranged in three columns. Each of these comprises 12 numbers. Another thing you’ll notice is that the numbers occur in an alternating sequence of red and black colors. The remaining green-colored zero or double zero will reliably be found across the upper part.

A column bet allows the players to place a bet that comprises numbers covering all three columns. The player also has the choice to place his/her bet on a single column, each of which carries a 2:1 payout. Placing the bet will require the player to place his/her wager in the segment under the column they are keen on betting on. A column bet is recommended for beginners.

Outside bets

Outside bets typically cover groups of numbers and have a reputation for being safe. The element of safety derives from the fact that the bets cover substantial ground and give favorable odds. It should be mentioned, however, that the safer the bet, the lower the payout. Examples of outside bets include Odd/Even and Red/Black.

Inside Bets

The key characteristic of inside bets are their specificity. Gone are the column bets and even money bets. What you have here is a one number bet. One whose risks (35:1) are balanced by their handsome rewards.

Other types of inside bets include;

A split bet– Involves placing a bet on the line adjoining two numbers.
A street bet– A wager on three horizontal numbers in one row made possible by placing a bet on the edge of that row.
A corner bet– A wager spreading out over four numbers.
A line bet– A line bet allows you to either place a bet on six numbers simultaneously or to play to neighboring street bets.

Minimums

As is typical of all casino games, online Roulette has specified maximum and minimum bets. This, therefore, means that all your bets should either equal or surpass the minimum to be allowed to play. Otherwise, you’ll have no option but to keep it moving.

House Edge in Online Roulette

House edge refers to the built-in advantage in the game that works in the casino’s favour. The bigger the house edge the bigger the casino’s earnings will be. While a hot streak might bring in handsome rewards for a lucky player, house edge guarantees that he/she will lose in the long run.

Players are only payed for winning bets on numbers between 1 and 36. This leaves out the slot marked with the number 0 on the Roulette table. Given there’s 37 possible outcomes, the number that’s been left out grants the casino a house edge of 2.7%. A figure that is considerably increased to 5.26% in the case of the American Roulette wheel given it has the bonus double zero.

Random Number Generator (RNG) in Online Roulette

We’ve already established that the function of the Random Number Generator is to provide the winning number. This number picked is typically next in line on a seed sequence of numbers which have been created by an algorithm. This ensures that the winning number for the next play will always be known before you click on ‘spin’.

While it’s true that the numbers generated by the RNG aren’t completely random, this fact doesn’t provide sufficient grounds for criticism of this technology. This is especially considering the fact that the ‘randomness’ of the generator’s outcomes easily surpass that of a dealer’s spin of the ball.

Final Thoughts

The popularity of online Roulette has done more than just shoot up in recent years. What we currently have is a casino game that has made one of the most successful online transitions ever witnessed. This sharp increase in players can be attributed to the convenience of being able to play the game while seated on your comfortable couch.

An additional factor is the increase in the number of Roulette variants which has had the effect of accommodating myriad player needs. Our Casino Gorilla is particularly obsessed with the immersive live dealer versions. Maybe the charming, sexy croupiers have something to do with it! We will never know.