Disclaimer:Illegal in France, online roulette is experience growing success in many other countries where it is legal (United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, etc.). We present it here for information purposes only, informing our readers that its use on French territory may result in legal sanctions, including fines and criminal prosecution.
Online Casino Roulette vs. Traditional Roulette: Which One to Choose?
What attracts the most, the spinning ball or the square on which it is about to stop? Whether physical or online, roulette is one of the most popular games of chance in the casino world. With the rise of digital casinos, many players are asking the question: is it better to play roulette online or in traditional casinos and gambling clubs? Each of these versions has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.
In this article, we'll explore the differences between these two formats to help you make the best choice, based on your preferences and playing style.
Casino Roulette overview
The basic rules
Casino roulette is based on simple rules, which have hardly changed since its creation in 17th-century Italy. The game consists of a wheel numbered from 1 to 36, with an additional green box for the zero (and two for the American version). Players place their bets on numbered squares or categories (even/odd, red/black, etc.), and a ball is then thrown at the spinning wheel.
The number she stops on determines the winnings, leaving the entire game in the hands of chance. If the ball falls on a number or category on which the player has bet, he wins an amount proportional to his bet.
Roulette variants
There are several variants of casino roulette that can influence your choice between the online and traditional version:
- European roulette: this is the most common version, which has 37 boxes (from 1 to 36 and a zero).
- American roulette: it has one more square, the "double zero", which slightly increases the house edge (because there are 38 squares).
- French roulette: Similar to European roulette, it is distinguished by player-friendly rules, such as the "La Partage" or "En Prison" rule that reduces the house edge.
Online casinos usually offer all of these variants, sometimes even with specific or themed versions. On the other hand, between the walls of physical casinos, there is more often European and American roulette.
Advantages of online Roulette
Accessibility and flexibility
The rise of the digitization of online games, at the turn of the 2000s, allowed the game of roulette to transcend geographical and temporal barriers. Digitization, in fact, is one of the main causes of what was called the"poker boom"between 2003 and 2006. Thus, online casino casters, available 24 hours a day and every day of the week, allow bettors to access their game during a lunch break or even in their taxi. Because these entertainments are now compatible with all media connected to the internet (mobile, computer, tablet, etc.). In addition, the online game eliminates travel constraints, and therefore any transport costs.
The digital aspect of casino roulette also offers unprecedented flexibility in the gaming experience: don't you like the music, lights, or chairs of the casino? Do you want to play at your own pace in order to have a more relaxed game? Online experiences make it possible to tailor casino visits to your liking, which, of course, is not the case for physical establishments. Also, the multiplicity of platforms means that you will always find tables offering a wide variety of bets, adaptable to all budgets.
Obviously, this omnipresence of play in our lives raises questions of ethics and self-control. Accessible in one's pocket at all times of the day and night, online casino roulette must be played by people in full possession of their means. That is, if you are of an unpredictable temperament, it is best to do without it.
Variety of games and game modes
Online casinos are distinguished by the wide variety of roulette games on offer. In addition to the classic variants, many platforms offer creative and original options, such as live dealer roulette, where you interact with a real dealer via a camera. You will also find themed roulette wheels, progressive jackpot versions, and automated game modes that allow you to set up quick bets. This wealth of choices therefore has everything to appeal to players who love diversity and novelty.
The attractions of traditional casino Roulette
The immersive atmosphere of the casino
The cozy yet lively atmosphere of a casino is found nowhere else. It's the sound of the chips slamming, the music of the ball rolling, and the bets of the players, that make traditional casinos and gambling clubs still attract as many (and even more and more) followers. For some, indeed, this sensory experience is essential to the enjoyment of the game. Each turn of the wheel is accompanied by a collective joy, which adds a social dimension that is not found online. After all, do we come absolutely to earn money, or rather to have a pleasant time?
Social interaction at roulette
Playing roulette in a physical casino allows you to rub shoulders with other players and interact with the dealer. This human interaction is a fundamental aspect for many gambling enthusiasts. The atmosphere of the table, discussions, encouragement, or teasing between players are also part of the experience. Some players also appreciate the community aspect and friendliness of playing in a social setting. In an online casino, although some live dealer games offer virtual interaction, this does not equal the warmth and authenticity of in-person exchanges.
Finally, the possibility of celebrating your winnings or enjoying the game with a cocktail in hand is another of the pleasures of physical casinos, and therefore of traditional casino roulette. The stylish bartenders of the gambling clubs and the secrets of their drinks will always be better than what you will try yourself from home!
The authentic experience of physical casino Roulette
Finally, in a physical casino roulette, everything is more tangible: you touch the chips, you physically place your bets and you observe the turns of the wheel and the ball dance. This proximity to the gaming equipment, in addition to making the experience more immersive, provides a feeling of control and authenticity. In addition, seeing with your own eyes the actions of the dealer, the rotation of the wheel, and the stopping of the ball reassures those who may doubt the algorithms of online casinos.
Ultimately, online roulette seduces with its flexibility and the varieties it offers, while traditional roulette attracts with its immersive atmosphere and the social interactions that surround it. Maybe your happiness will come through one or the other, or both. The most important thing, in order to make your own idea, is to try it! In the legality and respect of your budget.