Roulette variants Guide
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games, loved globally, including right here in South Africa. Its origins date back to France in the 1760s, with its name meaning 'little wheel' in French. While the game's precise origins are debated—some attribute it to mathematician Blaise Pascal and his perpetual motion experiments, others credit casino owner Francois Blanc, or even older Chinese influences—its excitement remains undeniable.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through popular roulette variations available to South African players, offer strategic tips, highlight unique features of each version, and discuss mobile and live dealer experiences. Let's spin into the details!
By Adiela de Bruyn - Last modified 2025/03/26 - Estimated reading time: 4 minutes.
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Roulette Variations
Roulette is a classic casino game loved by millions worldwide, including many South African players. From the comfort of home, I've explored exciting online variations—each offering a distinct experience. Here, I'll guide you through popular roulette types, along with some exotic versions you might not know yet.
I've also included insights into strategies, mobile gaming, and live dealer experiences to ensure you're fully prepared to play.

European Roulette
European Roulette is a favourite among South Africans due to its low house edge. It has a wheel numbered from 1 to 36 and a single zero slot (0). The house edge is just 2.7%, making it attractive if you're after better winning odds.

American Roulette
American Roulette, popularised in US casinos, differs significantly. Its wheel includes numbers 1 to 36, plus both zero (0) and double-zero (00) slots. This extra pocket pushes the house edge up to 5.26%, nearly double the European version. This means lower odds, so many South Africans prefer European Roulette.

French Roulette
French Roulette shares the European wheel layout, with numbers 1-36 and a single zero. But what sets it apart are special betting rules—"La Partage" and "En Prison"—which reduce the house edge on even-money bets to around 1.35%. This version is great if you're looking for the best odds possible.

Exotic Roulette Variants
Beyond the classics, online casinos offer exciting new roulette variations:
- Lightning Roulette: Adds random multipliers of up to 500x, boosting potential winnings.
- Speed Roulette: Perfect if you enjoy fast-paced action, with quicker spins and bets.
- Immersive Roulette: Offers cinematic, close-up views of every spin, heightening the excitement.

Live Dealer Roulette
Live Dealer Roulette recreates a genuine casino feel online. From real-time betting to chatting with professional dealers, it provides a social and immersive gaming experience. I found it particularly enjoyable for capturing the energy of a physical casino from home.

Roulette Strategies
While roulette is primarily luck-based, certain strategies are popular among players:
- Martingale: Doubling your bet after losses, hoping to recover.
- Fibonacci: Betting according to the Fibonacci sequence.
- D'Alembert: Increasing or decreasing bets by one unit after each result.
Remember, no strategy guarantees wins, but understanding them can make your gameplay more structured.

Mobile Roulette Gaming
Playing roulette on mobile is now easier than ever. Most casinos offer seamless experiences across Android and iOS, letting you play anywhere, anytime. From intuitive interfaces to smooth gameplay, mobile roulette adds convenience to the excitement.

Player Experience (Testimonial)
"Playing European Roulette online was initially intimidating, but after trying French Roulette with its friendly odds, I've become a regular. Live dealer games also made the whole experience incredibly real and social." – Thando, Johannesburg

Conclusion
Whether you're choosing American, European, French, or something new like Lightning Roulette, there's always something thrilling in the roulette world. Exploring variations and understanding strategies can greatly enrich your casino gaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Roulette Variations
Which roulette version has the best odds?
French Roulette typically offers the best odds, with a house edge of around 1.35% on even-money bets, thanks to its special "La Partage" and "En Prison" rules.
Can I use roulette strategies to guarantee wins?
No strategy can guarantee a win in roulette, as outcomes depend mostly on chance. However, using strategies like Martingale or Fibonacci can structure your gameplay and help manage your bankroll effectively.
Is mobile roulette as good as playing on desktop?
Yes, modern mobile roulette games provide excellent graphics, seamless gameplay, and intuitive interfaces. They're ideal for playing on the go, giving you a quality experience similar to desktop gaming.
What's special about live dealer roulette?
Live dealer roulette offers a real-time gaming experience streamed from professional studios. It includes interacting with real dealers and players, replicating the social atmosphere of physical casinos.
What makes Lightning Roulette unique?
Lightning Roulette introduces random multipliers between 50x and 500x applied to certain numbers each round, greatly increasing potential winnings and excitement.
Which roulette variation is most popular in South Africa?
European Roulette is the most popular in South Africa due to its favourable house edge (2.7%) compared to American Roulette (5.26%). It's widely available at most online casinos catering to South African players.