Online Roulette: Understanding How The Game Works
According to a famous gambling legend, Albert Einstein supposedly once said, “No one can win at the game of roulette unless they steal money from the table while the croupier isn't looking.” While Einstein could have been flustered that his fine mathematical proficiency did not make him a master at the game, it cannot be argued that this game is indeed a game of chance.
Every experienced gambler knows the basics of the game of roulette. Gather around the table. Toss the coin and hope the ball hits your number. At least, that is the general definition. In 1996, InterCasino, widely regarded as the first online casino, launched roulette online. This allowed casino patrons to play their lucky game online rather than visiting a physical casino.
Besides the convenience online roulette offers, it also affords players the chance to try different versions of the game. However, many still do not understand the gameplay of this online wheel of chance. This article will discuss the how-tos of this game and how you can play better and improve your chances of winning.
Everything You Should Know About Online Roulette
Online roulette is one of the most popular casino games today. Here are the essential things you need to know about it and why you should consider playing the game:
1. It is Convenient
A common advantage of internet casino games is that you can play them anywhere. They also tend to be cheaper, as in the case of some roulette where you can even play for free.
Also, there are many different variations available for each game type (American vs European rules), which affords you more options and allows you more control over how much money you spend while playing.
2. The Numbers are Generated Randomly
Is the game rigged? You might have wondered out loud. After all, it's a game of chance, so how can the computer know what numbers will come up? It doesn't.
Many believe the game is rigged when their numbers do not win after some plays. Do not fret. The casino isn't against you. This doesn't mean they are for you either.
The numbers are generated by a software program known as the Random Number Generator (RNG). Usually, these random generations are processed by third-party developers, and the casino probably knows nothing about it. So you can play the game knowing that the computer is just spinning the wheel like every croupier.
3. You Can Play Free Versions Online
Unlike land-based casinos, where a game is usually tied to money, you can play free online versions to understand how the game is played. You can also use this as a pastime if you are unwilling to part with your money.
Like the real money game, free roulette allows you to bet on outcomes of a spin with fake money. You can place your bets on a number with the fake cash and let the wheel spin. The downside is that you cannot win real money, but you can play for the experience and develop an in-depth knowledge of the wheel.
4. You Can Access Different Variations of Online Roulette
Unlike in physical casinos, where you might only get one variation, online casinos offer everything on a silver platter. You do not have to visit Europe to play European roulette.
Some of the most popular variations online include European, American, and French roulette. The main difference is that European roulette has one zero on the wheel, while others have more. Although they mostly have general rules, these are the wheel's notable differences that might affect its gameplay.
5. Varying House Edges
A house edge is the difference between a casino's payout rate and the theoretical payout rate. It is expressed as a percentage, so if you have a 5% house edge, your payout rate will be 95%. These payout rates are also known as Return To Player (RTP) percentages and differ in roulette games.
The American version of the game has a house edge of 5.3% and an RTP of 94.7%, while the European version has a house edge of 2.7% and an RTP of 97.3%. The French version also has a house edge of 1.35% and an RTP percentage of 98.65%. If you are new to the game, you can start with the European wheel, as you have a better chance of winning there.
6. Each Variation Has Distinct Rules
Like any casino game, knowing the rules for each version is a crucial strategy. Before placing a bet, you should check if the online variant you are playing has a different rule.
With this, you can avoid spontaneous and unfamiliar rules being thrown at you, as this can be disturbing and affect your chances of winning.
Final Thoughts
The key takeaway is that it's important to understand how online roulette works before you begin playing it. This helps you make better decisions about where to play and what types of bets are best suited for your bankroll and betting strategy. While every variation has unique features, they all have one thing in common - they are games of chance.