Roulette Wheel and Table Layout Types
The casino world has evolved a lot over the years, but the humble roulette wheel has stood the test of time. Learning how to play roulette and enjoying all of its different versions is one of the best things you can do at an online casino. In this detailed guide, we are going to explore European, American, and French roulette and look at their differences, similarities, and more.
Understanding the Roulette Wheel
Understanding the Roulette Table
American Roulette
American Roulette is probably the second most common type of roulette game you will encounter. In American Roulette, there is an additional zero added to the table, which increases the house edge and changes the game for players. Let’s take a look at the table layout, the numbers, and the rules of American Roulette.
Table Layout
The betting table for American Roulette does not vary too greatly from the traditional set-up of European Roulette. In the betting table, you will still find all of the same outside and inside betting options, only there is an additional zero, the double zero, at the top of the numbers columns.
Wheel Numbers
The American Roulette wheel, like its European counterpart, has the traditional numbers 1-36 and a green zero. Where the wheel differentiates itself is with the addition of the double zero number, which is found on the opposite side of the roulette wheel to the standard zero.
Rules
American Roulette follows the traditional rules and structure of roulette. Players place their bets and then spin the wheels, with the appropriate payout being given. You can find out all about the American Roulette payouts in our payouts guide here at Gambling Zone.
European Roulette
European Roulette is by far the most popular and best-known roulette type. The game uses a 37-digit wheel, with numbers 1-36 being split evenly between red and black, and a number zero at the top of the wheel.
Table Layout
The European roulette table is split between 18 red numbers, 18 black numbers, and one zero. The layout of the table is a number of columns which have each number starting with 1 black to 36 red. The number zero is at the top of the columns and is coloured green.
Wheel Numbers
European Roulette uses the traditional 1-36 numbers as well as an additional green number zero. Players can bet on as many numbers as they want when they play European Roulette online.
Rules
The European Roulette game sticks with the most basic set of Roulette rules. Players simply place their bet, confirm them, and hit spin. Any winnings are then paid out. You should always check the paytable of the version you are playing to see if there are any additional bonuses or features.
French Roulette
French Roulette is largely similar to European Roulette, though there are a few small differences. They both feature the same numbers, though there is a slight variation in layout. In French Roulette, the La Partage rule can be applied, and there are alternative call-bet options.
Table Layout
The layout for French roulette is largely the same as European. There are 36 numbers evenly split between red and black and numbered 1-36; there is then a green zero positioned at the top of the wheel.
Wheel Numbers
The numbers on a French Roulette wheel are exactly the same as the numbers on the European Roulette Wheel. There are 18 red numbers and 18 black, with the number spread out in a red-black-red-black order. The green zero is at the top of the board, with 32 red on one side and 26 black on the other.
Rules
The key difference between European Roulette and French Roulette is the ‘La Partage’ rule. With this rule, if a player makes an even-money bet, but the ball lands on zero, then they only lose half of their bet. This does reduce the house edge a little.
American vs European vs French Roulette
Let’s take a clearer look at the three different versions of roulette and see their similarities and differences.
| Roulette Type | American Roulette | European Roulette | French Roulette |
| Pockets | 38 | 37 | 37 |
| Zeros | Two | One | One |
| House Edge | 5.26% | 2.7% | 1.35% |
As you can see, there are some significant differences in the house edge of all three games. The additional zero really impacts the player in American Roulette, while the ‘La Partage’ rule reduces the house edge significantly. The ‘La Partage’ rule is always in French roulette, but it can also occasionally be applied in European Roulette.
Other Roulette Variants
Let’s take a look at some other variations of roulette that you might encounter when playing online.
Triple-zero
Another roulette variation is Triple-Zero Roulette. This, as its name might suggest, uses three zeros instead of the one in European and French Roulette or the two in American Roulette. This additional zero further boosts the house edge. As such, the game has not become too popular with players.
100/1 Roulette
100/1 Roulette is a much different version of the game. Instead of the traditional numbers, there are 100 on the board, with the game rewarding 100/1 if you can land a straight-up bet. Of course, the much higher reward requires a much higher risk, and the odds of you winning are significantly lower.
Mini
Mini roulette is a version of the game played on a much smaller wheel that has become popular online. In mini-roulette, the game has only 13 numbers: 1-12 and then a zero. The betting options are much more limited in the game, and the house edge tends to be higher.
Multi-ball
In multi-ball roulette, there are multiple balls released onto the grid at the same time. This does mean players have more chance of winning due to the presence of multiple balls, though the payouts are adjusted accordingly.
Live
Live roulette is played directly from a studio or physical casino using a real roulette table controlled by a dealer. In live roulette, players place their bets and get to experience the thrills of a real roulette wheel from the comfort of their own home.
Video
Video roulette is just a catch-all term for any digital version of European or American Roulette, with the game replicating the experience you would have in a real-life casino using a virtual interface and wheel.
Multi-wheel
Multi-wheel roulette is a version of the game that allows players to bet on numerous roulette wheels at the same time. This is quite a popular variation and can be found at a lot of top online casinos.
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Responsible Gambling and Final Thoughts
Roulette Wheels and Layouts FAQs
Here are the most common questions we get asked about the different roulette wheel and table layouts.
