Live Roulette is an online casino game that streams real-time video of a live dealer spinning the roulette wheel. This format brings the excitement of a physical casino directly to your screen, allowing you to interact with the dealer and other players. The game rules remain consistent with traditional roulette, but the live aspect adds an extra layer of immersion that many players find appealing.
In Live Roulette, the wheel features 37 numbered pockets, ranging from zero to 36. Players can place a variety of bets on individual numbers or groups of numbers, all of which are located in the ‘inside section’ of the betting table.
In the ‘outside section,’ you can wager on several pairs of bets, each covering 18 numbers. These include options like high or low numbers, odd or even, and red or black, providing a range of choices.
Additionally, the Live Roulette table offers six different 12-number bets, known as ‘column’ and ‘dozen bets,’ as well as various 17-number bets in specific areas of the table.
What to Look for in a Live Roulette Site
Game Variety
The best online live roulette sites offer a wide range of game variants to keep the experience fresh and exciting. At a minimum, the site should provide the three main versions of roulette: European, American, and French. Each of these has its own unique features:
European Roulette
European Roulette is the most popular variant, both in online and land-based casinos. The wheel features 37 pockets numbered 0 to 36. The single zero pocket gives the house a 2.7% edge, which is relatively low compared to other casino games.
The rules are straightforward: players place their bets on the betting table, choosing from a variety of options such as single numbers, groups of numbers, or even broader categories like red/black or odd/even. The dealer drops the ball and spins the wheel after every wager has been placed. The pocket the ball lands in determines the winning number.
European Roulette is ideal for players who prefer a balanced game with a relatively low house edge. Its simplicity and accessibility make it a great starting point for beginners, while the potential for strategic betting keeps it engaging for more experienced players.
American Roulette
American Roulette adds a twist to the traditional game by including an extra pocket on the wheel: the double zero (00). This brings the total number of pockets to 38, increasing the house edge to 5.26%. While this might seem less favorable to players, the additional pocket opens up new betting options and strategies.
One notable feature of American Roulette is the “Five Number Bet”, which covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. This bet offers a payout of 6 to 1 but comes with a higher risk due to the increased house edge.
American Roulette is ideal for players looking for a more challenging version of the game. The higher house edge and additional betting options create a more dynamic experience, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a bit of risk.
French Roulette
French Roulette is similar to European Roulette but comes with a few additional rules that can benefit players. The wheel also has 37 pockets, and the layout of the betting table is nearly identical.
The key differences are the “La Partage” and “En Prison” rules:
– La Partage: If you place an even-money bet (such as red/black or odd/even) and the ball lands on zero, you’ll get half of your bet back.
– En Prison: If the ball lands on zero, your even-money bet can be “imprisoned” for the next spin. If your bet wins on the following spin, you get your original stake back.
These rules reduce the house edge even further, making French Roulette one of the most player-friendly versions of the game.
French Roulette is perfect for players who want to maximize their chances of winning. The additional rules offer more opportunities to recover your stake or reduce losses, making it a favorite among strategic players.
Although American, European, and French roulette variants are among the most popular, they are not the only options available. In addition to these standard versions,there are other variants like Multi-Wheel Roulette, where you can bet on multiple wheels simultaneously, or Mini Roulette, a scaled-down version with only 13 pockets. Another exciting variant is Double Ball Roulette, which uses two balls instead of one, effectively doubling your chances of hitting a winning number.
Multi-Wheel Roulette
For those seeking a unique twist on the classic game, Multi-Wheel Roulette allows you to bet on multiple wheels simultaneously—up to eight at once. This variant uses the European Roulette wheel, so each wheel has 37 pockets.
The rules are similar to standard roulette, but with the added complexity of managing multiple bets across different wheels. This variant is perfect for players who enjoy multitasking and want to increase their chances of winning by spreading their bets across several wheels.
Mini Roulette
Mini Roulette is a simplified version of the game, featuring a smaller wheel with only 13 pockets (0-12). This variant is perfect for beginners or those looking for a quick and easy game.
The betting options are similar to standard roulette, but the reduced number of pockets changes the odds and payouts. For example, the single number bet in Mini Roulette has a payout of 11 to 1, compared to 35 to 1 in European Roulette.
Double Ball Roulette
Double Ball Roulette is a thrilling variant that uses two balls instead of one, effectively doubling your chances of winning on each spin. The game is played on a European Roulette wheel with 37 pockets.
The unique aspect of Double Ball Roulette is that both balls are spun simultaneously, and you can place bets on either one or both balls landing on specific numbers or sections of the wheel. The payouts vary depending on the type of bet, with higher rewards for correctly predicting where both balls will land.
Online Roulette Strategies
While roulette is largely a game of chance, employing a well-thought-out strategy can help you manage your bankroll and potentially increase your winnings.
Martingale Strategy
The Martingale Strategy is among the oldest and most well-known betting systems. It’s based on the idea of doubling your bet after each loss so that when you eventually win, you’ll recover all previous losses plus a profit equal to your original bet.
How It Works:
Let’s say you start with a $20 bet on red. If you lose, your next bet should be $40 on red. If you lose again, your next bet would be $80, and so on. When you finally win, you’ll recover all previous losses and make a $20 profit.
Pros:
– Simplicity: The strategy is straightforward and easy to implement.
– Potential for Quick Recovery: It’s designed to recover losses quickly.
Cons:
– Requires a Large Bankroll: Since bets double after each loss, you could run out of funds quickly if you hit a losing streak.
– Table Limits: Some casinos have table limits that prevent you from doubling your bet indefinitely, which can hinder the effectiveness of the strategy.
The Martingale Strategy is best suited for players with a substantial bankroll who are comfortable with high-risk betting. It’s important to set a loss limit before you start and stick to it.
Parlay Roulette Strategy
The Parlay Strategy, also known as the “Let It Ride” strategy, is the opposite of the Martingale. You double your wager following a win as opposed to doubling it following a loss. The goal is to reduce losses during losing streaks and maximize gains during winning ones.
How It Works:
You start with a small bet and, if you win, you let your winnings ride on the next bet. For example, if you bet $10 and win, you would place $20 on the next spin. If you win again, you would bet $40, and so on. If you lose, you return to your original bet.
Pros:
– Low Risk: You’re only risking your original bet plus winnings, making it a safer option.
– Maximizes Winning Streaks: The strategy allows you to capitalize on a series of wins.
Cons:
– Dependent on Winning Streaks: If you don’t hit a winning streak, the strategy may not yield significant profits.
The Parlay Strategy is ideal for conservative players who want to limit their losses while still having the opportunity to profit from a winning streak. It’s a great choice for players who prefer a low-risk approach.
D’Alembert Strategy
The D’Alembert Strategy is a more moderate betting system compared to the Martingale. Instead of doubling your bet after a loss, you increase it by one unit. After a win, you decrease your bet by one unit.
How It Works:
If you start with a $10 bet and lose, your next bet would be $11. If you lose again, you would bet $12. After a win, you would decrease your next bet to $11, and so on.
Pros:
– Lower Risk: The strategy reduces the risk of losing large sums of money.
– Steady Betting: It offers a more controlled approach to managing your bankroll.
Cons:
– Slow Progress: The strategy may not yield large profits quickly, as it relies on gradual changes in bet size.
– Not Effective During Long Losing Streaks: If you hit a long losing streak, the small increases may not be enough to recover losses.
The D’Alembert Strategy is best suited for players who prefer a more balanced and less aggressive approach to betting. It’s a good option for those who want to minimize risk while still enjoying the game.
Double Street Quad Strategy
The Double Street Quad Strategy is a non-progressive betting system that focuses on covering multiple numbers with each bet. The idea is to balance risk and reward by spreading your bets across different sections of the wheel.
How It Works:
This strategy involves placing two bets on double streets (covering six numbers each) and one bet on a corner (covering four numbers). This way, you cover a total of 17 numbers on the wheel.
Pros:
– Balanced Coverage: The strategy covers nearly half of the numbers on the wheel, increasing your chances of winning.
– Flexibility: You can adjust the size of your bets depending on your bankroll.
Cons:
– Complexity: The strategy requires more calculation and planning than simpler systems.
– Moderate Payouts: Since you’re spreading your bets, the payouts may not be as high as with single-number bets.
The Double Street Quad Strategy is ideal for players who want to cover multiple numbers while maintaining a balanced risk. It’s a good choice for those who enjoy a strategic approach to betting.
Fibonacci Strategy
The Fibonacci Strategy is based on the Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc.). The strategy involves adjusting your bets according to this sequence.
How It Works:
You start with a bet that corresponds to the first number in the Fibonacci sequence. If you lose, you move to the next number in the sequence and increase your bet accordingly. If you win, you move back two numbers in the sequence and reduce your bet.
Pros:
– Structured Betting: The strategy offers a clear and logical progression of bets.
– Lower Risk: It’s less aggressive than the Martingale, reducing the risk of large losses.
Cons:
– Slow Recovery: The strategy may take longer to recover losses compared to more aggressive systems.
– Requires Tracking: You need to keep track of your position in the sequence, which can be challenging during fast-paced games.
The Fibonacci Strategy is well-suited for players who prefer a systematic and less aggressive approach to betting. It’s a good option for those who want to minimize risk while still following a structured betting plan.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, live dealer roulette offers an exciting and immersive gaming experience that brings the thrill of the casino right to your home.
Playing at platforms like Futureplay allows you to engage with real dealers and fellow players, creating an authentic casino atmosphere without leaving your home. The live interaction, combined with the excitement of watching the roulette wheel spin, makes for a captivating experience.
As you dive into live dealer roulette, it’s crucial to approach the game with a well-thought-out strategy, manage your bankroll wisely, and fully enjoy the excitement of each spin. Whether you’re trying out different roulette variants or sticking to your favorite, a bit of luck might just land you a win. However, always prioritize responsible gaming to ensure that your experience remains enjoyable and safe.
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