Roulette, a timeless classic that dates back to 18th-century France, has found a new home in the digital landscape, attracting legions of players with its elegant simplicity and heart-pounding excitement. In this article, we’ll be your virtual croupier, guiding you through the most popular online roulette variants that have taken the gambling scene by storm. 

European Roulette 

This classic variant boasts a single zero pocket on the wheel, setting it apart from its American counterpart and granting players more favorable odds. 

Fun Facts: 

1. The Invention of European Roulette: The European Roulette game, as we know it today, is believed to have originated in the 17th century. It was first introduced by the French mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal in 1655 while he was attempting to create a perpetual motion machine. Although the perpetual motion machine was unsuccessful, Pascal’s invention laid the foundation for the modern roulette wheel. The original wheel had numbers from 1 to 36 and a single zero, which was represented by the green color. 
2. The Spread of European Version Across Europe: this game gained popularity across Europe in the 19th century. In 1843, François and Louis Blanc, two French brothers, introduced this game to the German spa town of Bad Homburg. They made a significant modification by removing the double zero pocket from the wheel, further reducing the house edge and making it even more appealing to players. 

The European wheel consists of 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36, and the gameplay is delightfully simple yet filled with suspense. 

Pros	Cons
Lower House Edge	Limited Betting Options
Single Zero Wheel	No “Surrender” or “En Prison” Rules
Balanced Payouts	Lack of Variety in Some Casinos
Familiar and Classic Variant	No “La Partage” Rule in Some Casinos
Strategic and Skill-Based	Smaller Jackpot Opportunities

Three tips for playing European variation games: 

• Know the Rules and Odds: Familiarize yourself with the rules of this game and understand the odds of different bets. The European wheel has a single zero pocket, giving it a lower house edge than the American variation. The most advantageous bet in this version is the “even-money” bets like Red/Black, Odd/Even, or High/Low, as they offer the highest probability of winning (around 48.6% due to the single zero). 
• Utilize the En Prison and La Partage Rules: this game often features advantageous rules like “En Prison” and “La Partage.” The “En Prison” rule allows players who bet on even-money bets (e.g., Red/Black) to get half of their bet back if the ball lands on zero. The bet remains “in prison” for the next spin, giving you another chance to win. The “La Partage” rule is similar but offers an immediate return of half the even-money bet without a second spin. 
• Set a Budget and Stick to It: As with any casino game, it’s essential to set a budget before you start playing European Roulette. Determine how much money you are willing to spend and never exceed that amount. 

American Roulette 

Distinguished by its iconic double zero pockets, American Roulette offers a slight twist to the classic game, making it a favorite among players seeking an extra thrill. 

Fun Facts: 

1. The Introduction of American Roulette in the United States: this game was first introduced in the United States in the early 19th century. The game’s origins can be traced back to French immigrants who brought the European version of thr game to New Orleans. To increase the casino’s profit margin, an additional double zero (00) pocket was added to the wheel, giving the game a total of 38 pockets. This change resulted in a higher house edge compared to the original European Roulette. The first documented reference to this game in the United States dates back to the 1820s.
2. The Emergence of American Roulette Wheels in the 1800s: In the 1800s, gambling establishments and casinos in the United States began adopting the American wheel with the double zero pocket. The popularity of this game spread rapidly, and it became a staple game in casinos throughout the country. 

The wheel, adorned with 38 pockets from 00 to 36, creates a dynamic atmosphere, setting it apart from its European counterpart. 

Pros	Cons
Fast-Paced Gameplay	Higher House Edge
Diverse Betting Options	Lower Winning Odds
Commonly Available	No “La Partage” or “En Prison” Rules
Exciting and Thrilling	Unfavorable for Strategy-Based Play
Opportunities for Larger Jackpots	Less Player-Friendly

A tip for playing American Roulette games: 

• Understand the Impact of Double Zero: American wheel features both a single zero and a double zero pocket, which slightly increases the house edge compared to European Roulette. As a result, the overall odds are slightly less favorable in American Roulette. It’s crucial to be aware of this difference and how it can affect your winning potential. Consider focusing on bets with a lower house edge, such as even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low), to improve your odds of winning.