Mini Roulette
Roulette’s monstrously large table may make the game seem a little more intimidating than it really is, whether you play with real cash or one of the free online roulette game options. While it is one of the most novice-friendly games in the casino, there does seem to be an awful lot of money on the table sometimes, and the sheer weight of options may be a little too much for some players to handle, at least at first.
But what if we could simplify the game to make it inviting to even the most timid player? That seems to be the idea behind Mini Roulette, a version of this classic game often found online. In this variant, there are fewer numbers and betting options, but the action is largely the same. But does that make it a better game or a worse option for most players? Let’s take a closer look.
Same Table Smaller Wheel
Mini roulette is essentially the same game as its big brothers whether it be the French, European or American version. It is played with a wheel divided into just 13 segments (unlike the standard 37 or 38), containing the numbers 1-12 as well as a single zero. Players can bet on any individual number they like at 11-1 odds, or place bets between numbers in order cover more spots at lower odds. Potential options include:
- Split (Two Numbers): 5-1
- Street (Three Numbers): 3-1
- Square (Four Numbers): 2-1
In addition, players can bet on red or black, as well as odd or even. All of these bets will cover exactly six spots on the wheel, and pay out at even money. The key here is to realize that all of these bets offer perfectly fair odds for a wheel with 12 pockets; it is the presence of the zero that gives the house a slight advantage over the player in this game.
Once you’ve made your bets, you can press a button to trigger the next spin. A ball will spin around the wheel before falling into one of the numbered pockets, after which all losing bets will be collected and the winning bets are paid out. At that point, you’ll be ready to start your next spin, either by placing new bets or using the “rebet” option to automatically place the same wagers.
However, there is one important exception to be aware of. Some online casinos, such as those using NetEnt software, offer a version of the La Partage rule when playing this game. In this version, players will receive half of all losing bets back any time the wheel lands on the zero (of course, bets that cover the zero win, and pay out as normal). This is obviously beneficial for players, as it turns one of the losing spots into only a “half” loss instead.
Avoid the Zero
Almost all bets in this game will offer the same house edge, meaning that there is little strategy involved when playing. However, if the La Partage rule is in effect, then it is best to stick to bets that don’t include the 0, since you’ll want to have the advantage of getting half of your bet back on some of your losses. Other than that, it’s fine to pick whatever lucky or significant numbers you like!
If you are playing with La Partage, the house edge on your bets is about 3.85%. Without that rule, the edge doubles to 7.69%, so playing this game with the more favorable rules is definitely a must.
Why Play This Game?
Mini roulette doesn’t really offer much of an advantage over standard roulette, but it is certainly a simpler version of the game. If you want to play a bit while multitasking, this might be an easier game to keep track of, and that’s definitely worth something. Those new to the game may also like the very simple layout on the table. However, we would only recommend playing this game with the better rules; otherwise, the house edge is just too high to justify playing this instead of European or French roulette.
