Round it goes, and where it stops...does anyone know? Roulette has been around for hundreds of years and has never ceased to capture the fantasy and imagination of players worldwide. Learning how to play is simple enough, and like most games in the casino, the easier to play, the higher house advantage.

Roulette has a pretty infamous house edge. Depending on which version you are playing: mini roulette, the European, American or French version; they all have different odds and slightly different rules. Let's take apart the basic differences in these roulette games' rules.

The American version is the simplest version and subsequently offers the worst odds. On the American roulette wheel, there are numbered pockets from 1-36 and 0 and 00. The addition of the 00 is one reason the house edge in this game is at 5.26%. In the casino, the wheel will never stop spinning. Players can place bets until the croupier declares bets are finished, which is usually when the ball has just stopped spinning and started skipping to its final pocket. This is strict and makes sure the game is very fast-paced.

By looking at a roulette betting table you will see your options include bets on: even/odd, black/red, 1-18/19-36, 0/00, each specific number, or in the 1st 12, 2nd 12, or 3rd 12. Just place your marker on the numbers you choose to bet on and watch the ball spin around the wheel.

In the European and French version of roulette, there are some advantages for the player. These roulette wheels do not have the 00 like the American wheel. This is already decreases the house edge. The special rule, "La Partage", means that half of the money on the even money bets are returned if the house hits the 0. This brings the house edge to 1.35%. Another rule that is seen in French variations is the "en prison" rule. If the ball lands on 0, then the bets are "imprisoned". This means that they are held until the next spin, whereby if the bet wins, the money is returned to the player without winnings. In this case the house edge is 1.38%.

Dare we forget to mention the online roulette rules? Online roulette follows the same rules as on land and each site may offer you a variety of options from a mini roulette table to the French version with all the benefits therein. One difference in the online play you may appreciate is the speed of the game. Online roulette, you are in control. If you want to take some time to place your bet, you can do that, where in the on land version no one will wait for you.

Knowing the specific rules of the table you are at is vital. However, the more rules, generally the better your advantage. With so many version and variations within each, there is no end to the possibilities.