For serious Wheel players, it’s all about odds, and the Old World version has some of the best. The game was invented in Europe, so why not give the original a spin?

Where can you play the best European Roulette online?

European Roulette is a staple of most casinos, be it land-based or online. If you are opting for the online variety, you’ll find two main choices: virtual European Roulette or Live European Roulette.

Whatever your preferences are, you’ll find online casinos offering a selection of both and we’ve listed some of the best operators where you can play European Roulette:

• Vulkan Vegas
• Winstoria
• ICE Casino

Master the Rules & Odds of European Roulette

Of the three main variations of roulette, European Roulette is the version of choice outside of the Americas and rapidly growing in popularity inside.

Why? The rules and bets are very similar to the American game but, European Roulette gives better odds.

That advantage is significant and high among the reasons players usually migrate. Most Canadian casinos and virtually all online casinos offer European Roulette.  

The Objective

Did you know that Europe has 24 official languages? That’s a lot of ways to say; “Win!” Players bet on a numbered pocket where a white ball circling the roulette wheel will land as the wheel slows to a stop.

If the player guesses the correct pocket, they win. Or Sieg, Vincita, La Victoria, Gagner… you get the drift. European Roulette is played against the casino, not other players. 

Types of bets in European Roulette

Except for one Major Variation, the European and American Roulette wheels are virtually identical. But don’t expect to see a double zero (00) pocket on a European Roulette wheel.

That feature is uniquely American. It’s one that only favours the House advantage and an excellent reason to make European Roulette your preferred Wheel game. 

There are three categories of bets to consider when playing European Roulette:

1. Outside Bets – The outer section of the roulette wheel. This area is preferred by beginners – primarily because the chances of winning are statistically higher.

2. Inside Bets – Those numbers, pockets and sections of the wheel closest to the centre. Inside bets are usually preferred by experienced European Roulette players who understand that while the odds are less favourable, the payouts are higher.

3. The Rest – variations and combinations of bets available that offer players a range of opportunities to win on a given spin.  

Outside Bets for European Roulette

• Low/High

On a European Roulette wheel numbered from one to thirty-six and containing one additional pocket for zero, a bet on any number between 1 and 18 (inclusive) is a Low bet. A number between 19 and 36 is a High bet. Both bets pay even money.

• Red/Black (Colour bet)

Choosing Red or Black correctly will pay even money, irrespective of the number the ball lands on. Keep in mind that the green pocket for zero reduces the odds on a Colour bet.

• Odd/Even

Players can bet on an odd or even number between 1 and 36 (inclusive). This bet also pays out even money.

• Dozen (Section bet)

The European Roulette wheel is divided into three sections. Each section contains twelve numbers; 1 to 12, 13 to 24, and 25 to 36. Players can bet on one of the three sections and should the ball land in the one chosen, the house will pay out 2:1 on that wager.  

• Column bet

Similar to the three sections, three columns form part of the wheel design and each contains a group of twelve numbers.

Unlike in the sections, the column groups of numbers are unsequenced. If players bet on a column containing the number pocket where the ball lands, this bet also pays out at 2:1.

Inside Bets in European Roulette

• Straight (Up) bet

Players bet on a single number on the wheel. If the ball lands on that number, the payout is 35:1.

• Split

Players choose two numbers and split their bet across them by placing a chip on the line that divides them on the betting table. Therefore, the two numbers must be adjacent to each other. Players can expect a 17:1 payout.

• Street (Row) bet

Players bet on a row of three numbers displayed on the betting table. By placing a chip at the edge of the row, players can win when the ball lands on any of those three numbers and expect a payout of 11:1.

• Corner/Quad (Square) bet

Choosing the intersection where four numbers meet on the betting table to form a block (or cube), players can place a chip and spread the bet across the number group. The Corner is a four-number bet and pays out a handsome 8:1.

• Six/Line (Double Street) bet

This wager spreads across a line of six numbers, or two adjacent lines each containing three numbers. A chip is placed at the end of the two rows or on the borderline separating them. Expect a payout of 5:1. 

Other types of bets

Europe wouldn’t be truly European without a little ‘Je ne sais quoi’ added to the mix. As one might expect from a game named roulette, the influence of France is foremost. Wagers known as “French Bets” are available at most casinos offering European Roulette. These include bets that cover certain sections of the wheel:

• Voisins de Zéro (Neighbours of Zero)

This bet includes the seventeen (17) numbers that are situated closest on the wheel to the zero pocket.

• Jeu Zéro (Zero Game)

This bet includes the seven (7) numbers that are situated closest on the wheel to the zero pocket.

• Le Tiers du Cylindre (Thirds of the Wheel)

This bet focuses on those numbers at the bottom of the wheel directly opposite to the zero pocket. The section includes the stretch between the 33 and 27 pockets. 

RTP, Payouts and House edge in European Roulette

When considering European Roulette, players can benefit from the information summarised in the table below. As can be seen, the house edge is uniform across the range of typical bets.

The payouts are based on the probability that varies between a low of less than three percent (a win less than three times in every one hundred spins of the wheel), and almost fifty percent – nearly the same odds as winning a coin toss.

RTP in European Roulette

The Return To Player (RTP) percentage offered by European Roulette is 97.30%. Expressed in dollars, this means that players can expect to lose 円2.70 on every 円100.00 wagered.

When compared to the average 94.74% RTP American Roulette offers, it becomes clear why a growing number of players eventually migrate to European Roulette.  

Payouts in European Roulette

Probably a key attraction for most players is that European Roulette offers a wide range of payouts. Conservative players can enjoy the game betting even money or even try 2:1 odds.

Ambitious players looking at the long game can reap rewards as high as 35:1.  

House Edge in European Roulette

The house edge in European Roulette is 2.70%. In comparison with other Roulette games, it is on par with French Roulette and nearly half of the edge the American version commands.

This is primarily because of the double zero pocket on the American wheel, a unique feature that nearly doubles the house advantage when compared to European Roulette. 

European Roulette vs. other Roulette Variants

As mentioned, the main difference between European Roulette online casino and other variants is the wheel. While French and European Roulette share the same 37 pocket design, the double-zero pocket found on the American wheel is unique to that game.

The additional pocket negatively impacts RTP and the betting menus. The table below provides a snapshot of how European Roulette compares to the two other most popular versions:

Difference between European and American roulette

The biggest difference between European and American Roulette that is of interest to players is the House Edge.

European Roulette wheels feature thirty-seven pockets rather than the American version of thirty-eight that incorporates the double zero. This translates into a nearly 50% reduction in the House advantage faced by European Roulette players. 

Difference between European and French roulette

Using the same wheel as the European version, French Roulette reduces the House odds still further with a wider betting menu and wagering rules that advantage the players.

As the game rules are nearly identical for these two versions, players who learn the basics of European Roulette eventually try the French game for the superior odds it offers. 

How to play European Roulette – Breakdown of a Round

Like most casino games, playing a round of European Roulette begins with making a bet.

1. Players place a chip on the betting table to indicate and confirm their wager. The betting table is a corresponding map of the European roulette wheel that displays each number, colour and section.

2. The Dealer (or Croupier) will usually announce when players can place their bets. This period may include after the roulette wheel has been spun.

3. The Dealer will close off the betting at some point while the roulette wheel is still in motion. No more bets can be placed after that announcement.

4. When the ball lands, the Dealer will use a puck or other marker to identify the number that has won. At this point, all losing bets will be cleared from the table. 

5. The Dealer will pay out the winning bets.

6. After the bets are paid out, the Dealer will remove the puck from the winning number. At this point, new bets can be placed on the next spin.  

Strategies for advanced players

Online European Roulette is first and foremost a game of chance. There is no possible way for a player to influence the outcome of a spin.

That said, some players have adopted and practise betting strategies for roulette based on a number of different rationales including betting styles and chip placement.

The Martingale System

Used by Roulette and Blackjack players alike, the Martingale system is a popular and well-known betting strategy. Players double the bet value after every loss in order to win back their bankroll.

After a win, players revert to the initial betting amount and begin the process again. 

While popular, the Martingale system is not well-liked by experienced roulette players. Typically, when using the system, large bets earn small wins and the potential to rack up large losses quickly is its main weakness.

Reverse Martingale Strategy

Also commonly known as the Paroli Strategy, the Reverse Martingale strategy recommends that players start a roulette game with a minimum wager and double their bets after every win. At the first loss, the player reverts to the minimum wager again and restarts the betting cycle.

The Reverse Martingale Strategy is designed to take advantage of winning streaks and unlike its namesake, tries to avert significant losses. Considered a more balanced approach to the mathematics of probability, its biggest advantage is in the fact that players don’t lose a large sum at once.

Fibonacci Strategy

Named for a medieval Italian mathematical principle and adopted by gamblers down through the years, the Fibonacci Strategy relies on betting according to a sequence of numbers. Usually starting with the number one, players bet an amount that is the sum of the previous two numbers in the sequence; 0+1=1, 1+1=2, 2+1=3, 3+2=5, 5+3=8, 8+5=13, 13+8=21, etc.

Players move back two numbers in the sequence when a bet is won. 

Only to be used for outside bets where even money is at stake, the Fibonnaci System is considered a strategy that takes advantage of winning streaks.

Like all gambling strategies, it is not failsafe and in real terms, only gives players an organized method of wagering – but no proven advantage.

James Bond (007) Roulette Strategy

Most fans can attest that British secret service agent James Bond knows his way around a casino. Typically a Baccarat fan, Bond was also famous for making a very specific bet on the roulette wheel.

Known as a flat bet (the same amount used on each spin), it consists of placing the equivalent of 円20, 円200, or 円2,000 across the betting table.

The ratios are what is considered important: 円14 on the high numbers (19-36), 円5 on the six numbers of 13 through 18, and a dollar on zero for insurance. 

Whether players are shaken or stirred by this strategy remains to be seen. While one segment of the bet may win, the other two will lose. Having the luck (or designation) of a couple of zeros turning up at the table is a hefty part of the success – or failure – of this strategy.

Conclusion

Whether you call it “Old School” or “Old World”, European Roulette is the most popular version of the game outside of the Americas. Like German automobiles, French wine and Italian food, European Roulette is another export success story that travels extremely well. 

Players can find a game of European Roulette at most full-service casinos in Canada and at virtually all online casino sites operating in the North American markets. Add some style to your next spin at the wheel, enjoy better odds and a little continental culture that can’t be found in Vegas. No passport required. 

Classic types of Roulette 

Roulette is purely a game of chance. Still – knowledge is key to everything, and the more you know about the game, the more of an upper hand you will have in the Roulette game.

Classic Roulette types are the main versions of the roulette game, and you will find them in most online casinos in Canada.

Below we will give concise information on the different types of Roulette wheels and include the most popular Roulette Variants.

European Roulette 

European Roulette is the first and most popular classic version of roulette that you will find online.

The total number of pockets on  European Roulette is 37, consisting of numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero pocket.

When playing  European Roulette, the house edge you will enjoy is 2.7%, which is why many online gamblers prefer this version. 

American Roulette

American Roulette is similar to European Roulette, but with one vital difference.

The American Roulette comes with 38 pockets, consisting of numbers 1 to 36 and two zero pockets – single zero and double zero pockets. It increases the house edge to 5.26%, which is problematic to most players.

All the best casinos in Canada offer at least one or two games of the American Roulette Variant.

French Roulette

French Roulette is the same as European Roulette. One of the significant differences is that the French names of the bets are used on the table.

Aside from that, French Roulette has betting sections for the La Partage and En Prison rules. French Roulette also offers a low house edge of 2.7%.

Some French version of roulette has the full/maximum bet option for high rollers. 

Watch as Erik, our カナダのカジノ Youtube host, summarize the different types of Roulette offered in Canada

Roulette variants for online players

Aside from the classic version of the roulette game, several other roulette types are available online for Canadian players to explore.

This section will walk you through some of the roulette variations available!

Live Roulette 

Live Roulette is one of the most popular roulette variations for online players. Live Roulette, as well as other Live Casino games, lets players access real live dealers, and they can also chat with other players.

Aside from that, this roulette version includes impressive features like Autoplay, favourite bets, and extensive statistics.

Each player can save up to 15 favourite bets. 

Mini Roulette

There are different types of Roulette Wheels. Mini Roulette is a favourite type of Roulette wheel amongst casino players in Canada – mainly because it is one of the easiest Roulette version to play.

The Mini Roulette consists of a wheel with pockets numbered from 0 to 12.

The game features a simple layout since it only consists of 13 numbers. Mini Roulette is one of the most simplified versions of roulette available at online casinos. 

Multi-Wheel Roulette 

The Multi-Wheel Roulette is another roulette version that you’ll find at top Canada casinos.

Multi-Wheel Roulette is one-of-a-kind because rather than a single wheel, you’ll be playing on six different wheels.

But you can deactivate some if you don’t want to play them at once. 

Double Ball Roulette

Double Ball Roulette is available in both single-zero and double-zero formats.

The Double Ball Roulette rule is similar to the traditional ones, but instead of one ball, it uses two balls – hence the name!

You can bet on both balls landing on the same number; if you win, the game rewards a huge payout of 1,300 to 1. 

Triple Bonus Spin Roulette

The Triple Bonus Spin Roulette features an additional triple-zero pocket. Another difference is the increased pocket size.

That said, the introduction of an extra zero pocket gives the house more edge over roulette lovers.

The impressive thing is that the game comes with a bonus feature, which can award players a whopping 12,000x their bet stake.

Lightning Roulette

Lightning Roulette Canada added some spice to the gameplay by including lucky numbers, which Canadian roulette lovers can wager on.

It’s essential to note that these numbers are generated randomly, and if players are lucky to predict them correctly, they can enjoy an incredible multiplier between 50x and 500x.

The rest of the bets are paid out at the standard rate.

Roulette Royale

Roulette Royale is played on the regular European Roulette wheel with 37 pockets. Impressively, the game comes with a  progressive jackpot bonus.

To trigger the mind-blowing jackpot, you need to land five similar numbers in a row. If you hit similar numbers two, three or four times, the game will payout 15 to 1, 1,200 to 1, and 3,000 to 1, respectively. 

Astro Roulette 

Unlike the Europan and American Roulette, Astro Roulette features 36 pockets covered by 12 Zodiac signs with a section marked with the infinity sign.

Astro Roulette is considered a version of the European or French Roulette, as it features 36 pockets with the infinity sign acting as the zero pockets in European Roulette.

With that, the game offers the same house edge as European Roulette – 2.7%. 

Double Action Roulette 

Double Action Roulette comes with two concentric rings – the inner and outer ring, which makes it unique from other roulette types.

The ball must land on the same pocket to win –  both on the outer and inner rings. You can bet on the same number landing on both rings. If you predict correctly, the payout is 1,200 to 1. 

Age of the Gods Roulette 

Though it’s a European-style version, it comes with an additional section reserved for an extra betting option that can give players massive windfall.

Unlike other European Roulette with a 2.7% house edge, Age of Gods Roulette offers 5.26% due to the huge payout. 

Pinball Roulette 

Ash Gaming designs the game, and it comes with rules similar to all other European-style roulette variants. What sets the game apart from other versions is a pinball machine replaces the wheel.

Pinball Roulette comes with a turbo mode that speeds up the pace of the game. 

Key Bet Roulette 

Key Bet Roulette feature additional betting options that you can profit from. One of the interesting things about this version is the extra bet that players can opt for.

The additional bet can reward you with a payout of up to 100x your stake. 

Slingshot Roulette 

Evolution Gaming’s Slingshot Roulette mixes the thrills of automated and live games.

The game does not encompass many surprises as players can opt for special bets, outside bets, and inside bets.

You might wonder what special bets encompass  – well, it’s just a combination of inside bets. 

Which Roulette Variation should you choose? 

First of all, we consider you to learn all the basics about Roulette Rules, Bets and Odds – and we have a dedicated page just for our newbies in Canada. The more you have knowledge about the game, the more you can choose the right move.

When it comes to the choosing process, we suggest you consider the odds of winning. For example, European and French Roulette offers better odds of winning, since they have one less pocket than the American Roulette Version – with a house edge of 2.7%.

The French version also offers another two advantages that can help players achieve a win – the La Partage and En Prison rules; which can lower the house edge to 1.35%.

Each variant comes with additional rules, so you should consider them when choosing the roulette variant. 

Roulette variants with the lowest house edge 

As you can see, different variants can bring forth different roulette wheels, odds and payouts. Below we are also checking the roulette variants with the lowest house edge. 

• No-Zero Roulette: This roulette variation does not have zero pockets, which rule out the casino house edge. The winning chances of  both parties are equal. 

• European Roulette: European Roulette is the most popular roulette variant among players,because it only includes a single-zero and offers a low house edge of 2.7%.

• French Roulette: The French Roulette offers a lower house edge with the En Prison and La Partage rules. It can lower the house edge to 1.35%. 

• Astro Roulette: Astro Roulette is also a European-style roulette that offers a house edge of 2.7%.

• Multi-Wheel Roulette: The Multi-Wheel Roulette is another version of European Roulette that offers a low house edge of 2.7%.

Roulette variants that payout the most 

Below is a list of the roulette variants that payout the most.

• Roulette Royale: The Roulette Royale features a jackpot bonus that pays out several million Canadian dollars if you land five similar numbers on the same rows. 

• Triple Bonus Spin Roulette: Triple Bonus Spin Roulette comes with a bonus feature to award players up to 12,000x their stake bet. 

• Double Ball Roulette:  Double Ball Roulette is another roulette variant that can pay out huge wins. You can win a lucrative payout of 1,300 to 1.

• Double Action Roulette: Double Action Roulette can offer a whopping payout of 1,200x your stake when you land the same numbers on both rings. 

• Lightning Roulette: Evolution Gaming developed  Lightning Roulette with lucky numbers that can award players multipliers between 50x and 500x their bet. 

The best variants to try when you’re new to casino

If you’re new to casinos, you might wonder which variants you should try out. Well, we’d recommend you try out all European versions of roulette. 

• European Roulette: European Roulette is the most recommended roulette variant from new Canadian casino players. The reason is that it has a low house edge of 2.7%. 

• Multi-Wheel Roulette: Besides the low house edge of 2.7%, you will be betting on the result of two to eight wheels, which increases your winning chances. 

• French Roulette: French Roulette has two additional rules – En Prison and La Partage. It lowers the house edge up to 1.35%, which increases your winning chances. 

Roulette types to play if you’re a pro 

Consider the below roulette types if you’re a pro:

• Triple Bonus Spin Roulette: Expert roulette players should consider this version because of the bonus feature that can offer up to 12,000x wins.

• Age of Gods Roulette: Pro roulette players can also consider Age of Gods Roulette because of its huge payout. 

Roulette variations you should avoid

Below is a list of roulette variations you should avoid:

• American Roulette: Canadian roulette lovers should avoid American Roulette at all costs. This version offers a house edge of 5.26%, which lowers your winning chances. 

• Mini Roulette: Players should also try to avoid the Mini Roulette. The game house edge can increase up to 7.69%.