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The Different Variations of Roulette

Last updated: 21.11.2025
Emily Thompson
Published by:Emily Thompson
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Gamblers in Rwanda have been captivated by roulette and its multinational versions and varieties for ages. Roulette, with its recognizable spinning wheel and the excitement of betting on where the ball will fall, is an old-school staple of any respectable casino.

However, what are the different variations of roulette? Also, are they available at the best online casinos for Rwandan players? The three most common variations of roulette are American, European, and French. Each version has its own rules, the roulette board in each game, the house edge, and what makes playing the different casino roulette tables so unique.

American Roulette: The 00 Version

Players need a special wheel with 38 slots (1 through 36, plus a single zero (0) and a double zero 00) to play American roulette. The slots in the American roulette wheel are red and black, and the zeroes are green. In contrast to European and French roulette, American roulette features a double zero compartment.

A second "zero" slot distinguishes American roulette from other forms of the game. Because of this extra compartment, the house edge in American roulette is much higher than in European or French versions. Depending on how many numbers in roulette wheels are, the number of betting options a player has also changes.

The European roulette wheel has 37 slots, numbered from 1 to 36 plus a single zero. Each digit is either red or black, with zero being represented by a green space. Since the house edge in European roulette is smaller than in American roulette, it's more common among players.

The double zero slot is nowhere to be found in European roulette, which is the main distinction between the European and the American version of it. Because of this distinction, the house edge in European roulette is smaller, making the game much more appropriate to use not only strategies but also to have higher winning possibilities.

When compared to American roulette, European roulette has a smaller house edge of 2.70%. With only one zero slot, players have a smaller house edge because they have a lesser chance of having the ball fall in a losing pocket.

French Roulette: The Sophisticated Choice for Rwandan Players

The French roulette wheel features 37 numbers (1-36 plus a single zero), mirroring the European version. However, French roulette distinguishes itself from European roulette primarily through its unique rules and betting options, offering a refined experience for players in Rwanda.

France's adaptation of the roulette game introduces its own distinct set of rules and betting possibilities. Beyond the standard bets, French roulette offers unique options like "voisins du zero" (neighbors of zero), "orphelins" (orphans), and "tiers du cylindre" (a third of the wheel), alongside the well-known "la partage" and "en prison" bets, which are particularly advantageous for Rwandan players.

A key rule that benefits players in Rwanda is "la partage." If you place an even-money bet (such as red/black, odd/even, or high/low) and the ball lands on zero, you only lose half of your original wager. This rule significantly lowers the house edge on even-money bets to an attractive 1.35%, providing French roulette with the best odds for players.

Exploring Other Online Roulette Variants

Over the years, roulette has evolved into various exciting versions. The advent of live dealer roulette has further expanded these variations, giving the classic game a modern and engaging twist for players across Rwanda.

Multi-Wheel Roulette, Mini Roulette, and 3D Roulette are just a few of the many variants available, often including live dealer options. Most online casinos allow players to practice these variants for free, a great way for Rwandan players to hone their skills before betting real money.

Mini Roulette

Thanks to innovative software providers like Playtech and Evolution Gaming, roulette enthusiasts can now enjoy Mini Roulette, a compact version of the original online game. Mini Roulette is designed to adapt to smaller screens, making it playable on PCs and laptops. This convenience allows players to enjoy roulette on the go, perhaps even while engaging in other activities like live sports betting.

Multi-Wheel Roulette

If one roulette wheel simply isn't enough, you can also bet on roulette with up to eight games running simultaneously. Multi-Wheel Roulette follows the European Roulette rules, with all games playing out at the same time, offering Rwandan players a unique way to experience the thrill.

Live Dealer Roulette

Live dealer games offer the perfect blend between a real-life casino experience and online convenience. For roulette, live dealer games allow players to interact with the dealer, watch an actual wheel spin, and place bets that the dealer manages on a real table. Many live casinos offer multiple versions of live dealer roulette, ensuring a dynamic experience for players in Rwanda.

Pinball Roulette

Forget the classic roulette wheel for a moment and try something fresh, like a pinball machine! This is the concept behind Pinball Roulette, famously developed by Playtech. The game is based on European Roulette rules, but with a significantly different layout. This variation makes the game more exciting and dynamic for players looking for a new twist.

Mastering Roulette Variations in Rwanda

Each online roulette game offers thrilling action. However, online roulette games are all different, and it's crucial to get a hang of them before you start playing. For example, due to the La Partage rules, players often have a better chance of winning in French roulette than in American roulette. To make the most of your online roulette experience in Rwanda, it's important to not only understand the differences between the various versions of the game but also to have a solid grasp of the roulette rules and common pitfalls to avoid.

Players can use the same strategies in all versions of roulette, but it's vital to be familiar with how many numbers are on a roulette wheel, each version's rules, and house edges to optimize winnings. It's recommended that players try out various types of roulette games online to discover the one they enjoy playing the most.

FAQ

What are the main types of roulette games available?

The most common roulette versions are American, European, and French. While each has unique rules and visual styles, the core gameplay is the same: you spin a wheel and bet on where a ball will land.

What's the difference between American and European Roulette?

The main difference lies in the wheel layout. American Roulette has an extra double zero (00), bringing the total number of slots to 38. European Roulette only has one zero (0), resulting in 37 slots. This difference gives European Roulette players a slightly better chance of winning.

What makes French Roulette different from other types?

French Roulette uses the same wheel as European Roulette but includes special rules like La Partage and En Prison, which can lower the house edge. La Partage refunds half of even-money bets if the ball lands on zero. En Prison allows players to freeze their bet when the ball lands on zero, giving them another chance to win on the next spin.

Can I apply the same strategies to all roulette games?

While some roulette strategies are universal, the most effective ones depend on the specific game. For example, the Martingale strategy might be more effective in European and French Roulette due to their lower house edge. If a casino offers different roulette versions, it's wise to understand each game's rules and adjust your strategy accordingly for the best results.

What is the "racetrack" in roulette, and which games use it?

The racetrack is a special betting layout found in European and French Roulette. It mirrors the wheel's numbers, allowing players to bet on groups of numbers that are next to each other. Common bets include Voisins du Zero, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins. This feature is useful for players in Rwanda who prefer betting on specific sections of the wheel.

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