Although the casino table game of roulette is an old standard in casinos, it hasn’t remained stagnant over the centuries. Cultural forces and ingenuity have produced several types of roulette. These roulette games have introduced new possibilities to players and modified existing opportunities.
Understanding the differences between these types is key to enjoying them and having a chance at some winnings as you play. It’s impossible to have too much knowledge as you try your luck at roulette.
American Roulette

American roulette is a favorite among players who prefer to place bets with higher risks for a chance at bigger payouts. It’s just as easy to play as other variants but one unique quality changes the math significantly.
The wheel in American roulette has two green slots, marked 0 and 00. As an example of how this affects changes, the true odds of a straight bet hitting are 1 in 38 in American roulette.
Many traditional bets are still available to players in American roulette but with a twist. For example, the Five Number bet in American roulette covers both of the green slots in addition to 1, 2, and 3.
If you get lucky playing American roulette, you can build your gambling bankroll quickly. For some players, however, there’s nothing like the original.
European Roulette
When you approach a standard roulette table with 37 slots, you’re most likely looking at a European roulette game. European roulette excludes the green 00 slot that American roulette features and is the older type.
Compared to American roulette, the odds of any particular wager hitting in European roulette tend to be more favorable to players. However, players sacrifice potential payout for those more favorable odds.
You’ll find that many popular betting systems were created for use in European roulette. That is a big reason why it remains the most commonly found type of roulette in casinos.
Just as Europe is a diverse place, there is room for more diversity in roulette. There is another type that players should be aware of.
French Roulette

French roulette is the most player-friendly in terms of odds and a version that European roulette fans should adjust to quickly. The wheel in French roulette is identical to the one used in European roulette.
What sets French roulette apart from both American and European roulette, though, is the layout of the table. This creates unique opportunities that favor players.
For example, you can take advantage of the En Prison rule in French roulette. This goes into effect when you place an even-money bet like black or red and the pill lands on the 0.
In that instance, your bet would be “imprisoned” and if your next wager is a win, you would get your stake from the imprisoned bet returned. Elements like that make French roulette popular among more conservative players.
All of these roulette types are exciting to play at a physical casino or online. There is another type that offers the best of both venues.
Live Dealer Roulette
Live dealer roulette is an option that is growing in popularity because it brings so much of the casino experience to players instead of them traveling to the casino. Like with online roulette, you can access the games at any time and from anywhere that is convenient right from your computer, phone, or tablet.
Similar to when you play roulette at a land-based casino, you’ll interact with a human croupier who is operating a physical roulette table with a real pill and wheel. There are no random number generators determining the results of your bets.
You can find live versions of both American and European roulette at BetMGM. If you’re unsure of which to choose, a few indicators can help you select a title.
Which Roulette Variant Should You Choose?
Choosing between roulette variants is as important as any other consideration when you’re playing online. You want to make sure the variant offers the bets, odds, and payouts you want.
If you’re looking to play for longer periods, European or French roulette could be ideal. The more favorable odds can help you sustain your play and avoid big losses.
If you have some extra room in your bankroll and want to see if you can capitalize on it, American roulette is a top choice. If you like to change things up, the various live roulette versions allow you to try different types.
When you register for BetMGM, you can discover all the games in BetMGM’s vast menu, including many roulette titles. BetMGM’s casino welcome bonus for new players that you can access after you sign up and make a qualifying deposit can be of great aid as you explore all these roulette types.