Roulette is a game that needs little introduction, standing out from other casino classics with its distinct format and the iconic Roulette wheel at its centre. But modern Roulette games have evolved thanks to the evolution of technology and the move to online play.
Live Roulette is a format that came about through the improvement of live streaming technology, allowing for a blend between online gameplay and elements of a live casino. So, what do you need to know about this particular Roulette format? Read on to find out.
The basic concept of live Roulette
Unlike other online Roulette games, live Roulette features a blend of digital and live features. This includes the Roulette wheel itself and the dealer, who runs the game from a studio in real time using physical game components.
This sets live Roulette apart, as it centres around the physical wheel spinning rather than utilising a random number generator (RNG) to produce its results. But players still get to interact with the game through an online interface, rather than having to travel to a land-based casino venue.
How a game of live Roulette works
The basic rules of a game of live Roulette are essentially identical to any other typical game – depending on the particular variation that a player is playing. But, for simplicity’s sake, here is a brief rundown of how gameplay works.
Aside from the central Roulette wheel, another important part of the game is the table layout which shows the various wagers that players can place. Before the wheel is spun, players can place wagers on which pocket the ball could land in – from the numbers of specific pockets to more general characteristics such as colour.
Once all player wagers are placed – with a set timer on this phase of the game present in live Roulette – the croupier will spin the wheel and release the ball. Once the ball lands and comes to a stop the croupier will call the outcome and resolve all wagers.
Inside vs outside bets
The table layout generally divides player wagers into two distinct types: inside or outside bets. Each of these categories carries different odds and potential payouts, with some variance depending on the specific wager.
Inside bets include those made on an individual number, adjacent numbers or small groupings of numbers. These generally come with lower odds of landing but higher associated payouts.
Outside bets include larger groupings of numbers, such as dozens, or characteristics like red/black or odd/even. Because these have higher odds compared to inside bets, they generally offer lower potential payouts.
Types of live Roulette
Before picking a live Roulette game to join, it’s important to understand that there are a few different major variations of the game. These offer differing rules, formats and odds that players should be aware of upfront.
The most common and popular variant is European Roulette, with a wheel featuring 37 pockets including a single zero. This has a lower house edge of 2.7% compared to American Roulette – which has an additional zero pocket on the wheel, bringing the house edge up to 5.26%.
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There’s a lot more to explore when it comes to Roulette, but the information here should give players a solid understanding of what to expect from a live Roulette game.
