The Best Bets in Roulette: Different Variants and Categories
In spite of the advent of newer and more innovative offerings on the online casino scene, table games have managed to hold on to the top spot in the preferences of fans.
And roulette happens to be one such example. The game which has long been associated with the glitz and glamour of the silver screen and the glittering delights of the greatest gambling city on the globe, Las Vegas, continues to remain highly sought after by casino visitors.
The proof can be seen in the enduring popularity of more traditional variants such as the American, European and French varieties, the emergence of newer options including Multiwheel and Mini Roulette, as well as the availability of Live games on desktop and mobile devices.
If you happen to be a fan of online wagering who is enthralled with this game which is an eclectic blend of sophistication and tradition, you are probably wondering what bet will provide you with the best chances of bagging a win.
We take a closer look at the game itself to find out if such a perfect wager - the best bet in roulette - exists.
A Game of Chance
Casino games are generally divided into three broad categories: games of chance, games of skill and games which are a combination of both.
Roulette happens to fall into the first category, owing to its game mechanics which mean that its outcome is based on a sole spin of the wheel.
For certain casino fans, it is this lack of any predictable outcomes which actually endows the game with an extra dimension of excitement.
Variants and House Edge Values
European roulette: With numbers ranging from 0 - 36, this variant comes with 37 slots. As a result, the probability of the ball landing on any number in that range is 1/37, hence its house edge of 2.70%.
French roulette: Like the European variant above, the French variant also features numbers 0 - 36 and the same 37 slots.
However, it also comes with additional rules which are not applicable to the former: 'la partage' and 'en prison'.
These rules make it possible for a client who places an even number wager to retrieve half of the original sum used in the event of the wheel landing on a zero, or to simply opt to wager during the next round.
The presence of both options serves to further lower the house edge of this variant to 1.35%.
American roulette: Unlike the two variants covered above, this version comes with an extra '00' slot. As a result, its total number is 38 resulting in a house edge of 5.26%.
In light of the above values, the French and European variants are preferred by players to the American since they are believed to offer clients a better chance at hitting that winning number.
Different Types of Wagers
In addition to the main different variants and their different house edge values, there are also two main categories of bets - inside and outside wagers. Bets in either category come with varying odds and payouts.
These features they possess will also influence how likely you are to consider any one of them the best bet in roulette.
Here is a more detailed look at them:
Inside Wagers
Their name derives from the fact that they are made within the table's numbered area. As a result, the probability of winning them is generally lower although their payouts are higher.
If you prefer placing wagers which come with a greater degree of risk but yield higher dividends, you may consider those in this category to be the best bets in roulette. Examples include:
Corner wagers: This term is used to refer to wagers placed on four numbers which form a square by placing the chip at the centre of the numbers. Also referred to as Four-Number bets, they come with a payout of 8 to 1.
Split wagers: This term is used to refer to wagers made on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip between them. Split wagers generally come with a 17 to 1 payout.
Straight Wagers
This term refers to wagers placed on a single number by placing a chip on the selected figure.
Outside wagers: Wagers in this category derive their name from the fact that they are not placed on any numbers, but on buttons on the table. They tend to cover a broad range of numbers and as a result, come with lower payouts. Examples of such wagers include:
Even/Odd wagers: Wagers in this category refer to those made by placing a chip on the 'Even' or 'Odd' boxes. If the lucky number happens to belong to the category you have selected, you will receive a 1 to 1 payout.
Red/ Black wagers: Wagers in this category refer to those made by placing a chip on the 'Red' or 'Black' box. In the event of the ball landing on a number belonging to the category you have selected, you will also receive a 1 to 1 payout.
