The red and black wheel is a staple of the casino hall, and will likely continue to grace both land-based and online gambling platforms for decades to come. However, for as long as roulette dominates the casino industry, new players will be asking the same question; should I try the French version, or the American one?
Some may not even realize that there are two roulette options to choose from. In truth, there are multiple variations of the classic game. However, the best online roulette from christchurchcasino.com can be divided in two broad categories. French was the first to arise in European casinos, and the American followed soon after. The question we’d like to ask is this; where should newbies start?
French Roulette
Often called European or Classic roulette, the French version of the game was the first to hit the casinos, way back in the 17th century. The game became famous when roulette tables became mainstays in the Monte Carlo casino, which operates to this day as one of the most famous gambling destinations in the world.
The French roulette wheel consists of eighteen black pockets, and eighteen red ones (marked with numbers between 1 and 36). Additionally, there is a green pocket that is marked 0. In order to play, a gambler must wager either on a specific number, a collection of adjacent numbers on the wheel, or a broader group of numbers.
Once that is done, the wheel starts spinning, and the croupier tosses a small metal ball. In French roulette, the house edge is usually calculated at around 2.5%. The odds will differ based on the wager that the player has decided. Usually, outside bets are safer, but yield a lower payout, which new fans will certainly enjoy.
American Roulette
Named for its country of origin, American roulette came about much later, and became a staple of American casinos in the early 20th century. As with French roulette, what truly made this version of the game a huge success was its inclusion in various Las Vegas casinos, that host it to this day. Sin City is the biggest gambling destination in the world, so this will come as no shock to most.
In terms of design, the American roulette wheel barely differs from its French predecessor. They both feature 36 colored pockets, 18 of which are red and the other 18 black. However, unlike the French one, the American wheel has two additional green pockets, rather than one. The two pockets are marked by a 0 and 00. At first glance, this may not seem like a big difference. But, it contributes quite heavily to the game’s house edge.
Because of the additional pocket, the house edge of American roulette is almost double that of its French counterpart. Usually calculated at around 4.8%, American roulette is quite riskier than the European classic. That is why most gamblers suggest new players try French roulette first. With the success of online roulette, it is possible to experience both at any point in time, so modern players are spoiled for choice.
