Different Variations of Roulette at Reels of Joy: Every Type Ranked, Rated and Explained
Choosing the right roulette variation is the single most effective decision an Australian player makes before placing a bet. Each type of roulette carries a distinct house edge, a different roulette wheel configuration, and odds that shift your chances of winning before a single spin happens. European roulette runs a 2.70% house edge.
American roulette pushes that to 5.26%. French roulette with La Partage drops it to 1.35% on even money bets. These are not minor differences. At Reels of Joy, all our online roulette games run-on Real-Time Gaming software, certified for fair play and available to Australian players right now. Pick the right variation and you play smarter from the first bet.
All Roulette Variations at a Glance: House Edge, Zeros a nd Key Rules
The fastest way to understand the different types of roulette is side by side. This table gives you the exact house edge figure and the rules that separate one roulette variation from the next.
| Variation | Zeros | House Edge | RTP | Standout Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| European Roulette | 1 (single zero) | 2.70% | 97.30% | No special rescue rule |
| French Roulette | 1 (single 0) | 1.35%* | 98.65%* | La Partage (half stake returned on zero) |
| French Roulette | 1 (single 0) | 1.35%* | 98.65%* | La Partage (half stake returned on zero) |
| American Roulette | 2 (0 and 00) | 5.26% | 94.74% | Five-number bet (0,00,1,2,3) |
| Double Ball Roulette | 1 | Varies | Varies | Two balls, 1300:1 on same-number double hit |
| Mini Roulette | 1 | 3.85% | 96.15% | Only 13 numbers (0-12) |
| Multi-Wheel Roulette | 1 per wheel | 2.70% | 97.30% | Up to 8 wheels, one bet |
| California Roulette | 0 or 00 | 2.70-5.26% | Varies | Cards replace the wheel (CA casinos only) |
*French Roulette house edge of 1.35% applies to even money bets only when La Partage is active.
European Roulette: The Single Zero Standard and Why the Odds Favour You
European roulette runs on a single zero wheel with 37 numbers, from 1 to 36 plus the 0. That single zero is what gives the house an edge of exactly 2.70%. For every $100 wagered over time, the casino retains $2.70 on average. That is it. No tricks, no hidden pockets.
The roulette table layout on a European game is clean and logical. Inside bets let you target an exact number (called a straight-up bet, paying 35:1) or clusters of numbers. Outside bets cover red or black, odd or even, and high or low ranges, all paying 1:1.
Ask any experienced roulette player which version they default to in an online casino, and European is the answer. The math is simply friendlier. For Aussie players who take their bankroll seriously, European roulette is the logical starting point.
Explore our full online roulette range, all powered by RTG for certified fair play.
French Roulette Gives You the Lowest House Edge in Any Standard Casino Game of Roulette
French roulette uses the same single zero wheel as European roulette, 37 numbers, same pockets, same betting options. The difference lives in two special rules.
La Partage and En Prison: What They Mean for Your Bet
La Partage: When the ball lands on zero and you have placed an even money bet (red/black, odd/even, 1-18/19-36), half your stake is returned. A $20 bet on red that hits zero? You get $10 back. That rule slices the house edge on even money bets from 2.70% down to 1.35%.
En Prison: In some versions, instead of recovering half your stake, the bet is "imprisoned" for one more spin. If it wins on the next spin, the full original bet comes back. No profit, but no loss either. Not every online version offers En Prison, so check the game rules before you play.
French roulette uses call bets and announced bets not found on American or standard European tables. The racetrack section on the betting table allows neighbour bets (covering a number and its neighbours on the wheel) and special combination bets like Voisins du Zero, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins. These are the betting options that separate experienced roulette players from beginners.
The croupier spins the wheel in one direction, the ball in the opposite, and when those call bets land right, the payout structure rewards the knowledge you bring to the table.
American Roulette: The Double Zero Wheel That Changes Everything About Your Chances of Winning
American roulette adds a second green pocket, the double zero (00), to create a 38-number wheel. That one extra pocket is the reason the house edge jumps from 2.70% to 5.26%. To put that in concrete terms: betting $1 on every number on an American roulette wheel costs you $38 in total stakes, but the payout on a winning straight-up number is only $36. The house keeps the $2 difference, giving it a 5.26% mathematical edge.
American and European roulette share almost every other feature. The inside and outside bet types, the payout ratios, the table layout structure. The critical difference between American and European roulette is that extra zero, and it matters enormously over a long session.
The American game also carries a unique bet called the Five-Number Bet (or basket bet), covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 simultaneously at a payout of 6:1. This is the only bet in roulette that carries a house edge higher than the standard 5.26%, sitting at 7.89%. Experienced roulette players avoid it.
American roulette is very popular in land-based casinos across Las Vegas and is available as an online roulette option for Australian players who enjoy the faster, higher-variance gameplay it delivers.
Double Ball Roulette: Two Balls, Double the Action on Every Spin
Double ball roulette runs on a standard single zero wheel, but a compressed-air system propels two balls simultaneously around the track. Both land independently on different numbers. This changes the payout structure completely.
Here is how the payouts shift with two balls in play:
- Straight-up (exact number, one ball): pays 17:1
- Straight-up (exact number, both balls): pays 1,300:1
- Outside bets (red/black, odd/even): both balls must satisfy the condition to win at 3:1
- Outside bets (one ball match): even money, same as traditional roulette
That 1,300:1 payout for both balls landing on the same exact number is the headline number, and while the odds of hitting it are long, the potential return is extraordinary. Double ball roulette gives you more action per spin and genuine variety in how you structure your bets.
Mini Roulette Has Only 13 Numbers and a House Edge That Surprises Most Players
Mini roulette strips the game back to a 13-number wheel: 0 through 12. Fewer numbers mean a faster game and lower minimum bets, but the maths do not automatically work in your favour.
With 13 numbers on the wheel, the straight-up bet pays 11:1 instead of 35:1. The house edge sits at 3.85%. Many players assume a smaller wheel means better odds. It does not. European roulette at 2.70% remains the better mathematical choice. Mini roulette suits players who want quick roulette spins at lower stakes and a more casual gameplay experience.
Some mini roulette versions include a La Partage-style rule where zero returns half your stake on even money bets, dropping the house advantage on those bets to around 1.92%. Always read the specific game rules before playing.
Multi-Wheel Roulette Multiplies Your Winning Opportunities Across Eight Simultaneous Spins
Multi-wheel roulette lets you activate up to eight independent roulette wheels per spin, placing one set of bets that covers all active wheels simultaneously. Each wheel produces its own result, and any winning combination across those wheels pays out.
The house edge per wheel stays at 2.70% (European rules), but because your stake is multiplied across each active wheel, your total risk per spin increases proportionally. Manage your bet size accordingly. A $5 bet on eight active wheels costs $40 per spin.
Multi-wheel roulette suits players who want more outcomes per minute and who enjoy spreading their chances of winning across multiple independent events. Our table games section has the full range of roulette variants available at Reels of Joy.
California Roulette: The Card-Based Variation of Roulette Built for Legal Compliance
California roulette exists because traditional roulette is explicitly illegal in the state of California under local gaming law. Card-based California roulette replicates all the bets and payouts of a standard roulette table using a randomised 38-card deck instead of a physical wheel.
The croupier draws cards to determine the outcome rather than spinning a ball. All inside and outside betting options remain identical to standard American or European roulette. The house edge mirrors whichever wheel format is being replicated: 2.70% for single zero versions, 5.26% for double zero versions.
For Australian online casino players, California roulette is an interesting variation rather than a practical necessity, but it demonstrates how adaptable the game of roulette truly is across different regulatory environments.
American and European Roulette Side by Side: The Numbers That Matter
Two versions dominate land-based and online roulette tables globally. Here is the direct comparison:
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers on wheel | 37 numbers | 38 numbers |
| Zero pockets | Single zero (0) | Double zero (0 and 00) |
| House edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| RTP | 97.30% | 94.74% |
| Five-number bet | Not available | Available (avoid it) |
| La Partage | Not standard | Not available |
| Call bets/racetrack | Some versions | Not standard |
Roulette Betting Strategies by Variation: Which Systems Work on Which Roulette Tables
Roulette is not a game of skill the way poker is, but betting systems shape how you manage your bankroll across a session. Different roulette variations suit different systems.
Martingale on European and French Roulette
The Martingale is the most widely used system among roulette players. After every losing spin, you double your bet. A win recovers all previous losses plus the original stake. This system works best on single zero wheel games (European or French) where the house edge is lower and even money bets offer the closest to a 50/50 outcome.
On American roulette, the 5.26% house edge erodes the Martingale's effectiveness faster. The double zero wheel eats into your recovery bets more aggressively over a long session.
Flat Betting on French Roulette with La Partage
Flat betting (betting the same amount every spin) combined with French roulette's La Partage rule produces the lowest theoretical loss rate of any roulette variation available online. A 1.35% house edge on even money bets with consistent flat stakes is as mathematically sound as roulette gets for a gambler focused on longevity.
Progressive Bets on Multi-Wheel Roulette
Progressive systems like Fibonacci or Redouble work on multi-wheel roulette but require careful stake scaling because you are multiplying each spin across several wheels. Keep individual wheel stakes low when running any progression system on multi-wheel games.
Which Type of Roulette Suits Your Playing Style at Reels of Joy Casino?
The right roulette variation comes down to three things: your tolerance for risk, how much time you plan to spend at the table, and what you want from the experience.
| Player Type | Best Roulette Variation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | European Roulette | Simple rules, low house edge, no confusing extras |
| Odds-focused | French Roulette (La Partage) | 1.35% house edge on even money bets, best RTP available |
| High-action player | Double Ball or Multi-Wheel | More events per spin, larger payout potential |
| Strategy player | French Roulette | Call bets, racetrack, announced bets add depth |
| Casual/quick sessions | Mini Roulette | Fast gameplay, fewer numbers, lower minimums |
Ready to play? Our full online roulette section covers everything powered by Real Time Gaming.
You can also check out our how to play roulette guide if you are new to the game.
Start Playing Roulette Online at Reels of Joy Casino: Bonuses, Banking and More
Reels of Joy is a dedicated online casino for Australian players, running all roulette games through Real Time Gaming software. All RTG titles are independently certified for fair play, so the roulette wheel results you see are genuinely random. You will also find online blackjack, online baccarat, online craps, online pokies, video poker and progressive jackpots in the full game library.
Welcome Bonus for New Players at Reels of Joy Online Casino
New Reels of Joy members receive a 200% Welcome Bonus up to $500 plus 25 Free Spins on their first deposit. Use bonus code WELCOME1. The minimum deposit is $20, with a 30x wagering requirement applied to the bonus amount and a withdrawal limit of 10x the deposit amount.
Ongoing Daily Cashback
Every day you play without a bonus active, Reels of Joy returns 10% cashback on all deposits up to $500. The minimum deposit to qualify is $20, with a 20x wagering requirement and a withdrawal limit of 10x the deposit amount. Real money play on any roulette variation counts.
Reels of Joy Banking Options for Australian Players
Depositing and withdrawing is straightforward. See the full banking page for details. Current options:
| Method | Min Deposit | Max Deposit | Min Withdrawal | Max Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debit Card | $20 | $5,000 | $100 | $5,000 |
| Bank Transfer | N/A | N/A | $100 | $5,000 |
| Crypto Wallets | $20 | $100,000 | $100 | $5,000 |
| Neosurf | $10 | $500 | N/A | N/A |
VIP members benefit from higher withdrawal limits, exclusive bonuses, dedicated VIP host support, and elevated loyalty points. Learn more on our promotions page.
Responsible Gambling at Reels of Joy
Reels of Joy supports responsible gambling for all Australian players. Set deposit limits, session time limits, and self-exclusion options through your account settings at any time.
Our full responsible gambling page has resources and support contacts for players who need them. Gambling should stay an entertaining activity, and we have the tools to help you keep it that way.
FAQs About Roulette Variations
What is the difference between European and American roulette?
European roulette has 37 numbers with a single zero, giving a house edge of 2.70%. American roulette adds a double zero (00), bringing the total to 38 numbers and raising the house edge to 5.26%. The extra pocket in American roulette costs you more over time.
Which roulette variation has the lowest house edge?
French roulette with the La Partage rule active produces the lowest house edge: 1.35% on even money bets. Without La Partage, European roulette at 2.70% is the next best option.
What does La Partage mean in roulette?
La Partage is a French roulette rule. When the ball lands on zero and you have an even money bet active, half your stake is returned to you automatically. It halves the house edge on those bets from 2.70% to 1.35%.
What is the En Prison rule?
En Prison is similar to La Partage but instead of returning half your stake immediately, your even money bet is locked in for the next spin. If that spin wins, your original stake is returned in full. Available on some French roulette versions.
How does Double Ball Roulette work?
Two balls are launched simultaneously using compressed air. Each lands independently on the wheel. Straight-up bets pay 17:1 for one ball matching and 1,300:1 if both balls land on the exact same number you selected.
What is Mini Roulette?
Mini roulette uses a 13-number wheel (0 through 12) instead of the standard 37. The straight-up payout is 11:1. The house edge is 3.85%, which is higher than European roulette, making it a casual option rather than a mathematically optimal one.
What is the Five-Number Bet in American Roulette?
The five-number bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 at once, paying 6:1. Its house edge is 7.89%, making it the worst bet on the American roulette table. Most experienced players avoid it entirely.
What are call bets in French Roulette?
Call bets are predetermined groups of numbers on the roulette wheel that correspond to physical sections of the wheel. Common call bets include Voisins du Zero (neighbours of zero, covering 17 numbers), Tiers du Cylindre (covering 12 numbers opposite zero) and Orphelins (the 8 remaining numbers). They are placed using the racetrack section of the betting table.
Can I use the Martingale system on any roulette variation?
Yes, but it performs best on single zero wheel games. The Martingale doubles your bet after each loss to recover with one win. On American roulette, the 5.26% house edge accelerates losses during extended losing streaks. French roulette with La Partage gives the Martingale the most favourable conditions.
What is Multi-Wheel Roulette?
Multi-wheel roulette lets you spin up to eight European roulette wheels simultaneously with one set of bets. Each active wheel multiplies your stake, so manage your bet size carefully. The house edge per wheel stays at 2.70%.
What is California Roulette?
California roulette replaces the spinning wheel with a shuffled card deck to determine outcomes. It was created to comply with California state gaming law, which prohibits traditional roulette. The odds and bets mirror standard American or European roulette depending on the version.
Is roulette a game of skill?
Roulette is not a game of skill in the same sense as poker. The outcome of each spin is random and independent of previous spins. Betting systems manage bankroll distribution but cannot change the underlying house edge. Choosing a lower house edge variation like French or European roulette is the most effective decision a player can make.
What is the RTP of European Roulette?
European roulette has an RTP (return to player) of 97.30%. This means that over a statistically large number of spins, $97.30 is returned for every $100 wagered. French roulette with La Partage active on even money bets produces an RTP of 98.65%.
Do Reels of Joy roulette games use real random results?
Yes. All roulette games at Reels of Joy are powered by Real Time Gaming (RTG) software, which uses a certified random number generator (RNG). RTG is one of the most established gaming software providers in the industry, and its RNG technology is independently audited for fair play.
Can I play roulette online for real money in Australia?
Yes. Reels of Joy is an online casino that accepts Australian players and offers multiple roulette variations for real money play. All games are accessible through a web browser with no app download required. Visit our real money casino page to get started.
What betting strategies work on Double Ball Roulette?
Flat betting on outside bets in Double Ball Roulette is the most controlled approach. Both balls must satisfy the condition for outside bets to pay at 3:1, so the probability and payout structure differs significantly from standard roulette. Avoid applying standard Martingale stakes without adjusting for the altered probability of consecutive wins.
What is the difference between a straight-up bet and an outside bet?
A straight-up bet places your chips on one exact number, paying 35:1 if that number wins. An outside bet covers large groups: red or black, odd or even, 1-18 or 19-36, paying 1:1. Outside bets win roughly 48.6% of the time on a European wheel. Check our how to play roulette guide for a full breakdown of every bet type.
