Microgaming is one of the biggest names in the online gambling industry, and it has held this position since 1994. The software developer is widely known for its progressive jackpot slots, but it also offers what is probably the largest collection of online roulette games. These games can be found in hundreds of online casinos and include classic European, French, and American roulette, as well as innovative variations on the traditional game.
What all of them have in common is their visually appealing design, fast performance, and user-friendly interface, with all the rules and payouts clearly displayed in separate panels. Many of the games are also optimized for mobile use, allowing users to access them without downloading any special software on their phones or tablets.
Company Overview
1Founded in 1994
Today, Microgaming is a leader in the development of gaming software, providing games to some of the most popular gambling sites on the web. It may come as a surprise to many that the Isle of Man-based company started out as an online casino operator. Founded more than two decades ago, the company launched the first Internet-based casino in 1994, when most people did not even have computers or an Internet connection in their homes.
2Gaming Portfolio
Soon, the firm began offering its software to competitors, and within a few years it shifted its operations entirely, focusing on the development and supply of online casino games. In 1998, Microgaming launched the first online slot with a progressive jackpot, Cash Splash, which can still be played today. In 2004, it released the first mobile gaming software, and in 2011, it introduced the first slots with 3D graphics. Today, its gaming portfolio includes approximately 700 titles across all categories and genres.
3Player Protection
The company’s history is filled with landmark events that have significantly influenced the world of online gambling. The software giant has also played an important role in developing regulations and standards for the industry. Together with Virtual Holdings Limited, now rebranded as 888 Holdings PLC, Microgaming helped establish the eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA), an independent testing agency that promotes player protection and self-regulation.
Microgaming Live Roulette Gameplay
Microgaming Roulette Software Features
Microgaming offers a wide range of roulette games that can be played directly in a browser or through its software package, which is available as a free download at any casino powered exclusively by the studio. Because some titles were released more than 15 years ago while others are brand new, the quality of the graphics, along with some features, varies considerably.
Even so, every game delivers a simple layout, a classic design, straightforward rules, and smooth gameplay. Some versions let you switch between multiple table designs and colors. Others display a video that zooms in on the wheel when it starts spinning. Below, we list the basic features that appear in nearly all Microgaming roulette variations.
Table Limits
While the Microgaming roulette rules and most gaming features remain the same across online casinos, the betting limits can vary significantly. Players can usually wager anywhere from 1.00 to 2,000 credits per spin in their chosen currency. The software provider lets operators customize the minimum and maximum table limits, as well as the limits for each bet type. At some casinos, bets start at just 0.25 credits, and the maximum stake is 50 credits per spin.
Expert Mode
Many Microgaming roulette variants feature an optional Expert Mode, a welcome addition to the standard game. It adds several tools, including Quick Spin, Autoplay, Call Bets, and Bet Layout. By clicking Edit Layout, players can save up to 5 or 8 customizable bet layouts, depending on the game.
On a separate screen, they can place their preferred bets and see how much coverage each pattern provides on the table. They can also choose how to apply a layout, either adding it to their existing bets or clearing the table and placing the saved pattern instead. The feature is not available in all versions of roulette, but it is quite useful for those who use roulette systems or simply rely on broad table coverage to secure winnings.
Racetrack
Microgaming has also added a racetrack layout to some of its roulette variations, although in certain games it is called a bet track. This optional, oval-shaped layout is typically found in French roulette and in most European-style versions by Microgaming. The racetrack lets players wager on large sections of the wheel and place French call bets such as Les Voisins du Zero, Tiers du Cylindre, and Les Orphelins.
Statistics
Certain versions include a Statistics feature that many players find helpful. After placing their chips on the table, players can immediately see the coverage their bets provide, and the small History panel shows the last 10 numbers along with an indicator of whether each was red, black, or green.
Clicking the Statistics button opens a second screen with detailed data for the current session: total session time, the number of spins played, and the number of spins per hour. Players can also view their three highest wins and comprehensive stats for all outside and inside bets they have placed.
Quick Spin and Autoplay
While some players enjoy watching the wheel spin, others care mainly about the winning number. That is why almost all roulette versions have a Quick Spin feature, which speeds up play and lets players complete more rounds per hour. Some games also offer a Turbo mode.
Players can also choose Autoplay and set 5 to 500 automatic spins with intervals of up to 1.5 seconds between them. Various Stop Settings can be configured: spins can halt after all scheduled rounds finish, after any win, or when the player’s balance increases or decreases by a specified amount.
Return to Player
One of the biggest advantages of Microgaming roulette is the clearly displayed rules and RTP percentages. By contrast, many online casinos do not disclose the expected return of their games. Whenever you open a Microgaming slot, blackjack variant, or roulette game, you will notice a small question mark button that opens the Casino Help section. There, you can review all rules, payouts, and return percentages.
Most Microgaming roulette titles follow standard European roulette rules and therefore offer the usual odds and payouts, so the Return to Player (RTP) is 97.30%. French-style games have a reduced house edge, and the RTP on even-money bets rises to 98.65%. Because of the extra 00 pocket, Microgaming’s American roulette carries an RTP of 94.74%.
Standard Rules in Microgaming Roulette
As mentioned above, Microgaming applies fairly standard rules and payouts to its roulette games. Most titles are based on traditional European-style roulette, but there are also American double-zero variants with 38 numbers instead of 37. French roulette, on the other hand, features a racetrack layout and an additional rule that cuts the house edge in half.
| Title | Release Date | Wheel Type | Wheel Number | Bet Limits | Racetrack | Side Bets | La Partage/En Prison Rule | Theoretical Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| European Roulette Gold Series | 2005 | Single-zero wheel | 37 numbered pockets | $1 – $80 | Yes | No | No | 97.3% |
| Premier Roulette | 2009 | Single-zero wheel | 37 numbered pockets | $0.25 – $1,000 | Yes | No | No | 97.3% |
| Sapphire Roulette | 2019 | Single-zero wheel | 37 numbered pockets | $1 – $50 | Yes | No | No | 97.3% |
| American Roulette by Switch Studios | 2018 | Double-zero wheel | 38 numbered pockets | $1 – $80 | Yes | No | No | 94.74% |
| Multi Wheel Roulette | 2011 | Single-zero wheel | 37 numbered pockets | $1 – $50 | Yes | No | No | 97.3% |
Inside and Outside Bets
Players can place all regular roulette bet types on the table, namely the Inside and Outside bets. Each bet type has its own limits and payouts, also known as casino odds. Below is the paytable that applies to all Microgaming roulette versions.
| Inside Bets | Payout | Outside Bets | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 35:1 | Column bet | 2:1 |
| Split | 17:1 | Dozen Bet | 2:1 |
| Street | 11:1 | Even/Odd | 1:1 |
| Square | 8:1 | Red/Black | 1:1 |
| Line bet | 5:1 | Low/High | 1:1 |
Neighbor Bets
In addition to the regular bets, Microgaming roulette versions also include Neighbor Bets. These are available from the Expert Mode window and can be activated once players select a single number to bet on, after which the two numbers on either side of that number on the wheel are also included.
This is a combination of several straight bets, and although the default number of neighbors is 2, players can select anywhere from 1 to 8. A 5-number neighbor bet requires 5 straight-up chips, while an 8-number neighbor bet covers 17 numbers, meaning 17 straight-up chips are needed.
Racetrack and Call Bets
Microgaming also allows players to place Call Bets either from the racetrack or from the Expert Mode panel. These include every type of French bet along with Finals, Red Splits, Black Splits, and more.
- Les Voisins Du Zero – 9-chip bet on 0-2-3, 4-7, 12-15, 18-21, 19-22, 25-28, 26-29, and 32-35
- Tiers Du Cylindre – 6-chip bet on 5-8, 10-11, 13-16, 23-24, 27-30, and 33-36
- Les Orphelins – 5-chip bet on 1, 6-9, 14-17, 17-20, and 31-34
- Orphelins Plein – Similar to the Les Orphelins, this is an 8-chip bet that covers the same numbers but straight up rather than with splits.
- Zero Game – 4-chip bet on 0-3, 12-15, 26, and 32-35
- Finales en Plein – 3 or 4-chip bet on all numbers ending in a particular digit
- Finales A Cheval – This is a bet on all numbers ending in two different numbers such as 2 and 2 – 2-3,12, 13, 22-23, and 32-33.
- Red Splits and Black Splits – Players can cover all red or black splits on the table with a 4-chip bet on 9-12, 16-19, 19-21, 27-30 for the red ones or a 7-chip bet on 8-11, 10-11, 10-13, 17-20, 26-29, 28-29, and 28-31 for the black splits.
La Partage Rule
This rule appears in several Microgaming French roulette versions. It applies when players make any even-money outside bet and the ball lands on zero. Instead of losing their entire stake, players forfeit only half of the bet. The house edge is just 1.35%, so the RTP rises to 98.65%.
Microgaming Roulette Variations
Gold Series
Premier Roulette
Sapphire Roulette
Roulette by Switch Studios
Multi Wheel Roulette
In 2005, Microgaming introduced the Gold Series of games, which included several roulette and blackjack variations. Compared with older versions of roulette, these titles (European, American, and French Roulette) offer enhanced graphics, realistic casino sounds, and customizable Bet Layouts. Expert Mode also supports various Call Bets.
View more...Premier Roulette was released in 2009, followed by Premier Roulette Diamond Edition, which offered a more elegant design and higher-quality graphics. The games feature all standard bet types, as well as Call Bets and Neighbor Bets, and the Autoplay function lets players activate up to 100 spins. Expert Mode includes up to 6 Bet Layouts that can be customized and saved, and the Statistics Panel is more interactive and colorful than in previous versions.
View more...Released in 2019, Sapphire Roulette is one of Microgaming’s newer variations of the classic game of roulette. It is based on standard European rules, offering all regular bets with their usual payouts. The game also includes all Call Bets and Neighbor Bets available in other Microgaming titles, along with Bet Layouts, Autoplay, and many additional options in Expert Mode. What truly sets it apart is its modern, mobile-friendly design, attractive graphics, vivid colors, and fast, smooth gameplay.
View more...Another recent release is last year’s Roulette, created by Switch Studios exclusively for Microgaming. It was specifically designed for mobile devices and can be played in both portrait and landscape views; it is available for desktop play as well. The game offers all advanced features and special bets found in other Microgaming roulette titles, including racetrack betting, Statistics, and Favorite Bets. This variation features a realistic 3D roulette wheel and a sleek modern look that appeals to mobile players.
View more...Featuring up to 8 wheels that can be played simultaneously, Multi Wheel Roulette by Microgaming is one of the most innovative and exciting roulette releases of the past decade. Introduced in 2011, it became an instant hit among fans of classic casino games. The action takes place on a blue-colored roulette table with the wheels displayed above it; to disable a wheel, players simply click on it. The game also includes a racetrack layout, customizable Bet Layouts, Autoplay, and Call Bets in Expert Mode.
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