Roulette is an all-time classic of casino entertainment, with dozens of variations, each promising unique gameplay, from special rules and wheel shapes to side bets and hybrid mechanics. Some types of roulette change the game in minor ways, while other variants transform the format into an entirely new experience.
When choosing which online roulette games to play, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the many options available. Is a novel setup more attractive than traditional wheels? Which formats offer the best betting options? Do you want to play American or European roulette? Maybe French roulette suits your playstyle more? Each question can only be answered with knowledge of every variant’s specifics.
Finding a format you enjoy can take a while, considering the sheer variety of odds and setups. If you want to skip the rigmarole and get straight to the action, save yourself some time by checking out the 10 most popular online roulette game variants right here.
1. Lightning Roulette
Lightning roulette ramps up the intensity with additional lucky numbers on a separate paytable. Before the wheel of the base game spins, up to five of these numbers appear with multipliers of 50 to 500x the bet. If you guess any of these numbers correctly, your payout from inside and outside bets is multiplied at the end of the round.
Created by Evolution Gaming, the game is set on a live stage with a real dealer, with advanced lighting and sound effects to increase player immersion. There’s a generous return to player (RTP) of 97.30% — higher than most casino games, including many of the top online slots.
2. Lucky Star Roulette
While there aren’t many casino online roulette variants willing to change the game drastically, Lucky Star Roulette takes a far more liberal approach. Instead of the signature wheel spin of traditional games, you get a star-shaped wheel with intersecting lines of numbers that go from 0 to 8.
Some numbers repeat multiple times, increasing your chances of winning with less numerical variance. Moreover, you can still make outside bets like odds or evens, only the odds are more in your favor than most variants.
3. Roulette Royale
Have you ever wondered what roulette would be like with a progressive jackpot? That’s the premise behind Roulette Royale, where every spin requires a side bet that adds to a cumulative pot. Much like jackpot slots, winning the ultimate prize is a rare occurrence, requiring players to win five consecutive spins with bets on the right number. Two, three, and four numbers payout with increasing multipliers, but the jackpot is definitely the major drawcard of this variant.
4. Pinball Roulette
As the name suggests, Pinball Roulette combines two classic games. In a mash-up of compelling mechanics, the roulette wheel is replaced by a pinball table, but you can still make wagers based on the classic betting layout.
When you choose your numbers and trigger a “spin,” the ball shoots through a field filled with pins and bumpers. Numbered pockets rotate until the ball finds its place, creating a distinctive gameplay loop that sets this online video roulette variant apart from the classic setup.
5. 3D Roulette
If you’re a fan of state-of-the-art graphics, 3D Roulette will be right up your alley. The developers over at Playtech have created a flawless digital reconstruction of the roulette wheel, adding various convenient features that keep players informed of every dynamic.
The “Breakdown” feature tells you exactly how much each player has won over time. There’s a function that allows you to repeat your bet automatically, and you can even customize the look of the wheel while you’re playing. It’s a satisfying mix of old and new, with impressive graphics that don’t distract from the traditional flow of the game.
6. Astro Roulette
Forget traditional formats like American and European roulette. Astro Roulette is inspired by stars and other celestial bodies, with 12 zodiac signs and an infinity symbol replacing the zero-green pocket.
The unique layout allows for new types of outside bets, with zodiac sign groupings based on seasons or elements. Additionally, players can bet on rows, covering four zodiac signs at once. Despite its distinctive wheel and layout, Astro Roulette maintains the essence of European roulette with 36 sections so you can use popular strategies with little to no trouble.
7. Multi-Wheel Roulette
Why play on a single roulette wheel when you can spin to win on several tables simultaneously? Multi-wheel roulette allows you to do exactly that, with up to eight roulette wheels spinning simultaneously. You can play all wheels with a single bet or switch to a custom number of wheels if the gameplay is too complex for your liking.
8. Double Ball Roulette
Sticking with the pattern of more being better, Double Ball Roulette puts two balls on the same wheel. Bets pretty much stay the same, but you’re getting double the chance of winning, thanks to the extra ball. Additionally, you can bet on both balls landing on the same number, with a massive payout of 1,300x the bet if you’re lucky enough to guess correctly.
9. Double Action Roulette
Double Action Roulette features both an inner and outer ring. In other words, every spin produces two numbers you can bet on, doubling up on the anticipation factor with the chance to win each spin of the wheel twice over.
It’s worth noting that you can still make outside bets, but they only pay out if both balls fall under your selected bet. On the other hand, inside bets count each ball as a separate bet, meaning you can win more than double your money off a single number.
10. Key Bet Roulette
By expanding betting options with novel features, Key Bet Roulette ventures off the beaten track, providing a fresh angle on roulette’s dynamics. Prizes from additional bets can multiply your winnings by up to 100x, and that’s on top of regular wagers like inside and outside bets. It’s a tiny tweak to the game that makes a significant impact overall, making this variant an excellent choice for novices and veterans alike.
Play Popular Roulette Variants at BetMGM
Online casino games have exploded in scope and size in recent years, with innovative features and formats that continue the ever-advancing evolution of gambling entertainment. If you’re keen to explore the latest games, register with BetMGM to play a plethora of games, from timeless table games to game-changing variants of the modern era.
