The two styles of roulette – European and American – are very much alike. There are features such as the table layout and features of the wheel that vary and to understand the game fully, it’s a good idea to look at the European and American versions of roulette in more detail.
Specifically designed tables are required for both forms of roulette. A roulette wheel will be in the middle of the table or at one end. A green felt surface covers the table and contains boxes for players to lodge their bets in. Numbers are either red or black while the “0” or “00” numbers are green. Note that only American Roulette has the “00” numbers.
In roulette, there are two main types of bets: inside and outside bets. The area containing numbers 1 to 36 and “0” and ”00” are reserved for inside bets, whereas the rest of the layout is for outside bets. Generally, inside bets focus on specific number combinations and have the highest payout, though less probability of striking. Outside bets, on the other hand, have a greater chance of success, and therefore a lower payout. Examples of outside bets include bets on odd or even numbers, or wagering on the ball landing on the red or black slots.
Players should learn the different bet types before coming to the roulette table.
The differences between American roulette and the European version are few, with the main one being the additional “00” in the American game. Also, an option for call bets exists in the European version, and while rare to find this option in casinos, it would be a good idea to be aware of how they work. The call option comes from France, where game of roulette originated.
The newest innovation in roulette is mini-roulette. As you might guess, it is a smaller version of roulette. Played as European roulette, the roulette table layout is smaller and there are fewer betting options. Betting on only 12 numbers and lower betting limits are the features of mini-roulette, and payouts are from 11:1 down to even money collects. Generally mini-roulette is found in online casinos only, where software development makes it easy to create new and innovative gambling games. Note, that not all casinos offering roulette online will give you a chance to play this version.
Players are assigned different colored chips when playing roulette. Up to eight players can join a game and the dealer doesn’t want to confuse the chips once bets are laid. Even groups or friends playing together must use the different chips to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.
Players give value – from $1 up - to a single chip and the dealer places the chip alongside the wheel to organize winnings later. Each player then bets by placing chips on the appropriate place on the table.
Chips have value only on the roulette table and should be exchanged when leaving the table. Players can change the denominations and continue to play with the chips of the same color.
