Roulette is instantly recognizable – a spinning wheel, a small ball, and a betting layout that looks the same at almost every casino. That simplicity is a bit deceptive, though: the wheel you play can vary in ways that change the house edge by nearly half, and most of that difference comes down to a single number.
This guide breaks down the main roulette variants you’ll find online, what actually separates them, and which ones are worth your money. See our full lineup of Ontario casino games for other table, live, and slot guides.
What Is Roulette?
Roulette is a table game where players bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel divided into numbered pockets. Bets can go on a single number, a group of numbers, a colour, or a range – then the wheel spins and the winning pocket decides every bet at once.
The one thing that separates every roulette variant from the others is the number of zero pockets on the wheel. That single detail is what drives most of the difference in house edge below.
Roulette Variants at a Glance
| Variant | Pockets | House Edge | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| European | 37 (single zero) | 2.70% | Best all-round choice |
| French | 37 (single zero) | 2.70%, 1.35% on even-money bets | Strategic, patient players |
| American | 38 (zero + double zero) | 5.26% | Avoid where possible |
| Mini Roulette | 13 (1-12 + zero) | Varies, often higher | Novelty, fast rounds |
European Roulette – The Best Choice for Players
European Roulette is the most player-friendly version you’ll commonly find, and the default choice at most Canadian-facing online casinos.
- 37 pockets: numbers 1-36 plus a single zero
- House edge: 2.70%
- Available in both RNG and live dealer formats
With only one zero on the wheel, every bet type carries a lower house edge than its American equivalent. Unless a table specifically advertises French rules, European is usually what “standard roulette” means online.
French Roulette – Same Wheel, Better Rules
French Roulette uses the identical single-zero wheel as European Roulette, but adds two rules that specifically protect even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low).
- La Partage – if the ball lands on zero, half of your even-money bet is returned instead of lost
- En Prison – instead of losing on zero, your bet is “imprisoned” for one more spin; win that spin and you get your stake back
Either rule cuts the house edge on even-money bets roughly in half, down to about 1.35%. French tables also use a “racetrack” betting layout for call bets like voisins du zéro and orphelins – groupings of numbers by their position on the wheel rather than the table. These are a nice option for experienced players but not something you need to use to benefit from La Partage or En Prison.
American Roulette – Higher Risk, Higher House Edge
American Roulette is common in land-based casinos but a weaker choice for online play.
- 38 pockets: numbers 1-36 plus a single zero and a double zero
- House edge: 5.26% on most bets
- The five-number bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) carries an even steeper house edge and is worth skipping entirely
The extra double zero pocket nearly doubles the casino’s advantage compared to a single-zero wheel. Payouts look identical to European Roulette, but your long-run results won’t be – if a table is labelled “American” or shows two green pockets, look for a single-zero table instead.
Live Dealer Roulette
Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel and a real dealer to your screen, usually in European or French format. The odds are identical to the RNG version of the same wheel – live roulette doesn’t change the math, it just lets you watch it happen. See is live casino fair? for how that verification actually works.
Mini Roulette and Speed Formats
Some casinos offer novelty formats built for speed rather than value:
- Mini Roulette – a shorter wheel (1-12 plus zero)
- Multi-wheel Roulette – several wheels spun at once on the same bet
- Lightning Roulette and Speed Roulette – faster rounds with modified payout mechanics or multipliers
These are fine for a change of pace, but they generally carry a higher house edge than standard European or French wheels and are best treated as entertainment rather than a value play.
Which Roulette Variant Should You Play?
- Best overall: European Roulette
- Best for even-money bets: French Roulette
- Best experience: Live dealer European or French roulette
- Avoid where possible: American Roulette
Checking the wheel before you sit down – specifically, counting the zeros – is one of the simplest ways to improve your long-run odds without changing anything about how you actually play.
Play Responsibly
Choosing the better wheel narrows the house edge – it doesn’t put the odds in your favour. You must be 19 or older to gamble in Ontario. Decide your budget before you spin, and if roulette stops feeling like entertainment, ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600) offers free, confidential support 24/7.
