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The average gambler is aware of two main types of roulette. These are the single-zero and double-zero varieties; commonly distinguished by their regional upbringings, European and American. But these are just the two most common versions. A more seasoned player is aware of French roulette; the most sought-after wheel by veterans and pros. But the line doesn’t stop there, either.
Before we dive into individual game rules and variations, we’ll briefly explain the key differences between RNG and Live Dealer Roulette games. This is important because it will greatly impact the user experience; one being a solitary interaction, and the other far more social.
RNG Casino Games
RNG stands for Random Number Generator. It is not a game in and of itself, but a computer algorithm used to randomize the results of all computer-generated casino games, including roulette. The number that the RNG stops on determines the result of each game.
Imagine a long strain of numbers, 60 or more of them strung together. With every nano-second that passes, each number is constantly changing in no discernible pattern. Then suddenly, the very moment a player presses the button to spin the roulette wheel, they all stop. This long sequence of numbers will tell the computer what result to spit out.
If you assume online casino games are not fair—that they’re too easy to rig—think again. These RNG algorithms entirely random and unpredictable. Plus, every online casino licensed in Ontario is required to undergo regular independent testing of their software systems. This ensures the accuracy of their RNGs, and is just another reason it’s a good idea to do your online gambling at a locally-licensed gambling site, rather than venturing offshore into the unknown.
Live Dealer Tables
A live dealer game is just that – a live game hosted by a real, live croupier. It all takes place over live stream, using high-tech video and audio equipment. The games are held in a studio with casino décor and genuine roulette tables. Everything looks, feels, and plays out just as it does in a land casino, minus the players actually being there. They can even communicate with one another, as well as the dealer, through textual chat messaging.
Live roulette is largely preferred by those seeking to maximize entertainment value. Live games extend the time between each game (good for your bankroll), while adding an element of social interaction.
Auto Roulette w/ Live and/or Recorded Hosts
There are a lot of “live roulette” games out there that aren’t using real live roulette tables anymore. They feature a live host, instead of a croupier. The game results are entirely digital. They use the same RNG software as traditional online casino roulette. If you prefer a truly live game, watch out for Live Roulette games with words like “Auto”, “First Person”, and “Instant Play” in the title. These have live hosts, but not live games.
Another increasingly-common style of gaming is to amend video footage of real people to RNG games. The software brand Real Dealer Studios is famous for this. It produces titles like “Real Roulette with _____” (insert name – Bailey, Caroline, George, Holly, Matthew, Rishi, etc.). Another popular one is the “Vinnie Jones” series. These are real people, but they are only present as recordings, not live in person. The games intuitively select cinematic clips to give them a more realistic feel.
Regional Rules and Variants
In this section, we detail individual types of roulette you’re likely to come across while iGaming in Ontario. Here’s a quick list of what we’ll be covering. It is not a complete list by any means – just some of the most common titles. You can click on any one to jump right to it.
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By Number of Wheels
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Roulette with Multiplier
Other Features
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American
We might as well start with the American version, because if there are any roulette games you should avoid, it’s the double-zero variety. Roulette originated in Europe with a single zero. When it came to America, casinos immediately looked for ways to make it more profitable. They did so by adding a second ‘house win’ option. First, it was an eagle, and later changed to a double zero. This virtually doubles the house edge on all bets to 5.27% (RTP 94.73%). Most of today’s online slot machines pay better than that.
European
This is the classic version of roulette featuring a single zero on the wheel. All the usual bets exists, inside and outside, from straight-up bets to groups and rows of 12. The house edge is a static 2.7% (RTP 97.3%) on all wagers. Many of today’s European style online roulette games will also feature ‘racetrack betting’ for easy selection of number groups as they appear on the wheel.
French
French roulette is the game today’s smartest players look for. It has the lowest house edge of 1.35% (RTP 98.65%) on all even-money bets. All other wagers maintain the same house edge and RTP of European roulette. This minimal edge is achieved through a simple rule known as La Partage (eng. Sharing It). The La Partage rule states that any even-money bet that loses to a 0 (zero) will bet returned in half. Half the loss, half the edge.
Double Bonus Spin
IGT’s Double Bonus Spin is a variant of American Roulette with yet another space on the wheel – the Bonus space. It’s double-wide compared to all other spaces, so it has a better chance of hitting. If the ball lands anywhere but the Bonus section, it’s a normal game of American roulette. If the ball does land in the Bonus section, all bets remain and a second spin takes place, this time on two different wheels – the inner and outer wheels. Players can win on one or both of these spins.
It is not necessary to bet on the Bonus section to participate in a Bonus Spin. However, if a player bets on the Bonus section and it hits, the payout is 11:1. If the second spin on the other two wheels hits one Bonus, an additional 120:1 is paid. If both wheels hit Bonus, that payout jumps to 1200:1. There are some additional payout rules worth observing, should you choose to play this game. The house edge is variable, based on where you place your bets. Single, Split, Street and Corner bets have the lowest edge of 1.94-1.98%. Even money bets come in at 2.73%. Bonus bets are the worst at 14.23%.
Three Wheel Roulette
This game is exactly what it sounds like – a single game of roulette spinning on three wheels. There’s really only one wheel, but it has three rotating segments, each with their own ball, to deliver three results. Much like fixed pay lines on a slot machine, you’ll be paying for each of these spins. Choose a $1 bet, and you’ll be charged $3. In essence, you’ll be playing European roulette at 3x the speed.
Lightning Roulette
This is a unique edition by Evolution Gaming that features prize multipliers. If you’re betting on anything besides single numbers, you’re simply playing European roulette. But if you place straight up bets, the game is more electrifying.
Before each round, lightning strikes from 1 to 5 numbers. Each number it strikes receives a random multiplier between x50 and x500. Any straight bet on a winning lightning number pays out at the defined multiplier. The trade off is that single number bets that aren’t multiplied only pay 30:1.
Mega Fire Blaze
Mega Fire Blaze is Playtech’s recreation of Lightning Roulette. Again, it’s a game of European roulette at its core. In this version, anywhere from 1 to 10 numbers can light up; 5 on a standard play, 10 if the Fire Blast kicks in. Multipliers are only chosen if a Blaze number hits on the wheel. Bonus payouts apply to all inside bets, not just single number bet. The trade off for this is reduced payouts on all inside bets.
When a Fire Blaze number hits, the game converts to a bonus round. It’s a board with random multipliers and jackpot multipliers. A series of multiplier cascades occur, boosting the multiplier until the bonus ends. Any wins on that number are paid accordingly.
Multi-Fire Roulette
Multifire is another spin-off of Evolution’s original Lighting Roulette. This one was created by Switch Studios for the Global Gaming (formerly Microgaming) platform. European roulette at its core, each round features a random selection of 1-5 numbers that receive random multipliers of x50-500. Bonus payouts apply only to single number bets.
Immersive Roulette
The ‘immersive’ nature of this game has nothing to do with rule changes, and everything to do with the cinematic rendering of the graphics. As the wheel spins, players witness the action from random camera angles, creating a more ‘immersive’ experience; one that makes players feel like their in the game.
Spread Bet
This is essentially a collection of side bets attached to a typical game of Live Roulette. While the base game takes place on a physical wheel, there are two virtual wheels that spin separately from this. The two virtual wheels contain the same numbers; either 0 and 1-36 (if European) or 0, 00 and 1-36 (if American). Spread Bets are placed on the sum of the two virtual wheel spins (not the physical wheel). So if one virtual wheel spins an 8, and the other a 24, the sum is 32. Payouts and RTPs will vary by game type and carrier.
Where to Play These and Other Roulette Games
Further along, you can see which Ontario online casinos offer these and other roulette games for real money. Click here to jump straight to that list, or keep scrolling to learn more about our other favorite, ultra-entertaining table game – craps. |
There are two very exciting games found in every worthwhile casino. They are roulette and craps. If you’ve spent any decent amount of time treading the paths of any casino’s gaudily-carpeted walkway, you’ve surely noticed that these tables entertain the most rambunctious crowds. It’s not mere coincidence. It’s because there are no other games that inspire such jovial enthusiasm.
Jackpotcity.ca is our editorial pick for your gaming needs. Fully licensed and regulated in Ontario, JC offers an entire suite of casino games, as well as a wide range of deposit options. As seen on TV, and with optional live dealers.
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