Roulette and Its Probabilities
If you are new to playing online roulette, you may have heard that you either need to use a fancy betting system or rely entirely on chance to make a guess that could potentially win you real money. While betting systems may or may not work, and good fortune certainly does help, these are not the only way that could see your winning chances improve. Once you understand some of the very basics of roulette probability, you can start implementing it in your gaming, and it could have a beneficial effect. This can be used effectively together with variations of roulette that use rules that might work in your favour. That being said, we in no way endorse or encourage the playing of online roulette for any other reason than to have fun. As with any form of online casino game, the main premise should be to play for entertainment, and to play responsibly. Never chase a loss, and never spend beyond your means.
Popular Roulette Variants in Canada
Before we consider the probability of certain results coming out tops on the roulette wheel, we should point you in the direction of variations of the game that are good for beginners. Those versions are the European and French ones. However, these are just two of many different versions, four of which we will look at in more detail below. While the differences between each type of game may be subtle, they can have big implications for how each one plays out. Ultimately, it’s up to you, the player, to decide which version feels like the best fit for you.
- European Roulette: Given that roulette originated in Europe, it only makes sense that this would be one of the most popular versions of the game, and the one most likely to be seen at online casinos such as JackpotCity. Much like French roulette, European roulette has one less pocket than American roulette, which makes the odds of hitting a winning bet ever so slightly higher.
- American Roulette: Another popular variant, American roulette (as pointed out above) differs from European and French roulette in that, along with the zero, it has a 38th pocket, numbered double zero (00). Other than that, the payouts and betting options of American roulette are identical to European roulette, unless otherwise stipulated.
- French Roulette: French roulette is identical to European roulette in appearance, except it has two extra rules. The first of these is ‘la partage’, which states that if you place an even money bet and the ball lands on the zero, you will get half of your stake back. The ‘en prison’ rule allows you to hold your bet over for the following spin, and will see your entire stake returned to you if you win, but forfeited if you don’t.
- Live Roulette: Given that online casinos have been around since 1994, the majority of roulette games one might be familiar with are probably those that are played against the computer, using random number generator (RNG) software. As much as these games try to emulate the look and feel of a land-based casino, it is the Live roulette options that really take the cake. There are plenty of different versions of Live roulette, including variations of the above. These games will see you up against other players and an actual croupier, in a live environment, streamed in real time. The best part? All of this and more can be found at JackpotCity!
Whatever version of roulette strikes your fancy, we’re sure you will be able to find it right here. As with any form of online casino game, what appeals to one player may not necessarily appeal to the next. The trick is to try your hand at a variety of them until you find the one that fits just right.
Roulette Probability Odds
Familiarising yourself with the probability of certain results coming up on a European or French roulette wheel could help you decide which bets to place. It may seem like a lot to remember now, but putting in the effort of remembering at least some of the odds could pay off in the future.
A single number has a 1 in 37 chance of coming up on a spin, whereas 2 numbers have a 2 in 37 chance. 3 numbers or a row have a 3 in 37 chance, and 4 numbers have a 4 in 37 chance. 6 numbers or two rows have a 6 in 37 chance, and 9 numbers or 3 rows have a 9 in 37 chance. 12 numbers, 4 rows, a column, and a third have a 12 in 37 chance, and 18 numbers, red or black, high or low, and odd or even have an 18 in 37 chance of winning. You can start off with these basics, and slowly improve your strategies as your game improves.
That being said, the main premise of any online roulette game is to have fun. If you don’t feel like putting any strategies in place or trying to remember complex mathematical equations – don’t. Simply take a seat at the virtual table and take that wheel for a spin. And however you choose to play, make sure to do so responsibly.