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Roulette is one of the most enjoyable games in the casino. Easy to play yet hard to master, it attracts a wide range of player types. From hardened enthusiasts to passing casuals, all walks of life can be found spinning the wheel. But if roulette is not your game of choice, how do you know where to get started? Below, we provide an essential guide on how to understand the main types of roulette.
How To Know Which Version You Are Playing
Fans of roulette are spoilt for choice. When you play roulette online, there are numerous versions for you to try. This example alone has everything from Lightning to Spread Bet versions of roulette. However, each has fundamental differences. You may wish to try them out online before visiting a physical casino, taking advantage of the bonuses online casinos offer.
There are three main versions of roulette: European, French, and American. The difference between them comes down to the green zero section on the wheel. If the ball lands on this and not a number, then everyone loses their money (unless you bet on it). In European and French games, there is only one zero section.
In American roulette, you can find zero and a second double zero section. This appeared when the game made its way to the US, as casinos and gambling houses did not like the odds, which were too stacked in the favor of the player, not the house. Thus, American roulette has lower odds when compared to its European and French counterparts, though payouts remain the same.
French Rules
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When it comes to the difference between European and French games, the wheel is the same. However, French roulette has two rules that make it distinctive: En Prison and La Partage. Both of them give you the chance to claim all or some of your stake back when a ball lands on zero.
En Prison translates as ‘In Prison.’ If the ball lands on zero and you have even money bets placed on the table, then you can take advantage of this rule. The dealer will place a marker next to the bet, showing it is En Prison. This amount is then locked in and on the next spin, if the player wins, he gets this original bet back.
La Partage means to divide, which is what happens to a stake when this rule is in play. When a zero appears, all even money bets get split. Half goes to the house and half goes to the player. However, it only applies to even money bets, so column, section, and individual number bets are lost.
Reducing the House Edge
Both rules can significantly reduce the house edge. The La Partage rule alone takes from 2.70% to 1.35%. The trick is finding casinos that have this rule in play. Many of them can only be found in France, where traditional rules are in force. You would struggle to find them in other parts of the world as it severely limits the ability of the house to make money.
Once you know these rules, you can begin. Suffice it to say it is always more favorable to play a European game due to the odds and even better to play French.