Both options have their pros and cons, so players often have trouble picking the right roulette version for themselves.
This guide will look at the differences between live and online roulette to help you make an informed decision and choose a variant for your next gaming session.
Online Roulette Explained
Roulette is a popular game found in its RNG form in almost every online casino. The appeal of the game lies in its simplicity — players bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel, and if their prediction is correct, they win. In online roulette, all the action, apart from betting, is handled by a computer.
You’ll see the graphic presentation of the betting grid on your screen and use your mouse or touchpad to place a bet. You can make various bets in roulette, each with its own odds of success. The most basic bets are:
- Red or black
- Odd or even
- 1–18 or 19–36
While you can also place more complex bets like a wager on a specific number, a group of numbers, and more.
Once you place your bet, the computer will make the roulette wheel spin, and after the wheel stops, you’ll know whether you’ve won or lost right away since the system will evaluate your bets automatically.
Different Variations of Online Roulette
Roulette is a classic casino game that has been around for centuries. While the basic rules remain the same, there are many different versions of roulette you can play today.
The most common variation is European Roulette, and it’s the game you’ll find in probably every online casino today.
Then, there’s American Roulette, which is similar to European Roulette but has an additional slot, the double zero.
Aside from these two roulette versions, online casinos usually offer:
- French Roulette
- Mini Roulette
- 3D Roulette, and others.
Faster Gameplay
One of the benefits of online roulette is that it offers faster gameplay than live roulette. This is because there is no need to wait for the dealer to spin the wheel and the ball to stop on a particular field.
The results are generated electronically, so players can see the outcome within seconds.
The gameplay speed makes online roulette ideal for those who don’t have a lot of time to spend on online gaming but still want to try their luck on the roulette wheel from time to time.
Free Play
Roulette is one of the most popular casino games worldwide, and it’s no surprise that many players are looking for ways to play roulette for free online.
Unlike live dealer roulette titles that don’t offer free gameplay, RNG roulette games often allow players to try out the game in demo mode before committing to real-money wagers.
As such, they provide an ideal way for players who want to practice their roulette strategies, test a title they haven’t played before, or beginners interested in learning the ins and outs of the game before risking any real money.
Live Roulette — Characteristics of Live Roulette
Aside from RNG online roulette games, online casinos worldwide also offer live roulette, allowing players to experience the real thrills of the game from the comfort of their homes.
Yet, what makes live roulette so special?
Firstly, the dealer managing the wheel in live roulette is a real person and not a computer, which adds an element of human interaction that can be lacking in the RNG form of online gambling.
Live roulette games are played using actual physical wheels and balls, and the gameplay is streamed to players via high-quality video cameras. This gives players the same sense of anticipation and suspense they would feel if they were playing in a real casino.
Also, as live roulette is played in real-time, it allows players to see and hear the action as it unfolds. This creates an immersive and exciting experience that is hard to match with computerized roulette games.
Playing Experience Like in Real Casinos
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of playing live roulette. Whether you’re watching a dealer spin the wheel in a brick-and-mortar casino or logging into a live dealer table online, the experience is the same.
At live roulette tables in online casinos, you’ll be able to interact with the dealer and other players, making for a truly social gaming experience. Plus, with the action being streamed live to your device, you’ll feel like you’re in an actual land-based gambling venue.
Generous Casino Promotions for Live Dealer Tables
These days, many live online casinos offer generous promotions for live roulette dealer tables. This is because live dealer roulette is becoming increasingly popular, and casinos want to attract as many players as possible.
The most common promotion for roulette is a welcome bonus on your first deposit. The casino will give you additional cash to play with and spend on live dealer games, including roulette titles.
Aside from the welcome offer, other promotions are often available, such as:
- Reload bonuses
- Cashbacks
- No deposit bonus
These promotions can be extremely valuable, so it’s worth looking out for them if you’re interested in playing live dealer roulette.
Betting Limits
Even though live dealer tables don’t feature free play, most have flexible betting limits to suit all budgets.
Whether you’re a high roller who likes to place big bets or a cautious player who prefers to stick to lower stakes, you’ll find a game that fits your pocket size.
Some casinos will let you take a seat at a live roulette table for as low as $0.10, while they might also have VIP live roulette lobbies designed for experienced players who are ready to risk more and place wagers worth up to thousands of dollars.
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Conclusion
Choosing between live or online roulette can often be a daunting task as they both come with certain pros and cons. Ultimately, deciding which game to play will come down to personal preference.
Live roulette may be the better option if you’re looking for a more social experience that resembles the one from brick-and-mortar casinos. However, if you want the convenience of free play and faster gameplay, online roulette is the way to go.
Whichever game you choose, make sure you gamble responsibly and have fun!
FAQ
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