Microgaming is one of the biggest names in the online gambling industry and it has been since 1994. The software developer is widely known for its progressive jackpot slots but it is also behind probably the largest collection of online roulette games. They can be found in hundreds of online casinos and include classic versions of European, French, and American roulette, as well as quite innovative takes on the traditional game.
What they all have in common is the 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 then 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, it launched the first Internet-based casino in 1994, at a time when most people did not even have computers or Internet connection in their homes.
2Gaming Portfolio
Soon, the firm started offering its software to competitors and within a few years, it shifted its area of operation completely and focused 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 to this day. In 2004, it released the first-ever mobile gaming software, while in 2011, it brought the first slots with 3D graphics into the world. Today, its gaming portfolio includes approximately 700 titles across all categories and genres.
3Player Protection
Obviously, the company’s history is filled with remarkable landmark events with huge significance to the world of online gambling. But the software giant has also played an important role in the regulation and the creation of standards for the industry. Along with Virtual Holdings Limited, now rebranded as the 888 Holdings PLC, Microgaming helped establish the eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA), an independent testing agency and organization for 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 in-browser or as part of its software package, which is available for free download at all casinos powered exclusively by the studio. Since some of them were developed 15 years ago, while others are new releases, the quality of the graphics, some of the features, and the visuals differ significantly.
However, all of them come with simple layouts, nice, classic design, straightforward rules, and fluid gameplay. Certain versions allow you to switch between several different table designs and colors, others show a video, which zooms in on the wheel when it starts spinning. Below, we have listed some of the basic features that can be found in nearly all roulette variations by Microgaming.
Table Limits
While the Microgaming roulette rules and most of the gaming features remain the same at different online casinos, the betting limits may vary significantly. Players may be able to bet anything from 1.00 to 2,000 credits per spin in the currency they have registered. The software provider allows operators to customize the minimum and maximum table limits, as well as the limits for the amount that can be wagered on every type of bet. At some casinos, betting is available from 0.25 credits and the maximum amount is 50 credits per spin.
Expert Mode
Many of the roulette variants by Microgaming offer an optional Expert Mode, which is a wonderful addition to the standard game. It includes several features such as Quick Spin, Autoplay, Call Bets and Bet Layout. Players who click on the Edit Layout will have the opportunity to save up to 5 or 8 customizable bet layouts, depending on the type of game.
On a separate screen, they will be able to place their preferred bets and see the coverage this betting pattern or layout has on the table. They can also choose how to apply each layout – to either add it to their existing bets or to remove all bets and place the saved layout 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 wide coverage of the table to secure winnings.
Racetrack
Microgaming has also added a racetrack layout to some of its roulette variations, although in certain games, it is referred to as a bet track. Of course, this is the optional oval-shaped layout, which is typically found in French roulette and most European-style versions by Microgaming. The racetrack allows players to bet on large sections of the roulette wheel and place the French-language Call Bets, namely the Les Voisins du Zero, Tiers du Cylindre, and Les Orphelins.
Statistics
Certain versions come equipped with the Statistics feature, which may be very interesting to some players. After placing their chips on the table, they can immediately see the coverage these bets provide and the small History panel shows the last 10 numbers, as well as information about whether they were red, black, or green.
Clicking on the Statistics button opens a second screen with detailed statistics for players’ game session – the session time, the number of spins played, as well as the number of spins per hour. They can also see their three highest wins, as well as stats for all outside and inside bets they have placed.
Quick Spin and Autoplay
While some players enjoy looking at the spinning wheel on the roulette table, others are mostly interested in the number that is hit. That’s why almost versions of roulette have a Quick Spin feature, which speeds up the game and allows you to play more rounds per hour. There is also a Turbo mode available in some of the games.
In addition, players can opt for Autoplay and activate from 5 to 500 automatic spins with up to 1.5 seconds between them. They can also adjust various Stop Settings – the spins can stop after they are all complete or after a win; they can also stop in case the player’s balance increases or decreases by a certain amount.
Return to Player
One of the best things about Microgaming’s roulette offering is the clearly displayed rules and RTP percentages. In comparison, most online casinos do not disclose information about the expected return of the games. Whenever you open a Microgaming slot, blackjack variation or a roulette game, you can see a small question mark button, which opens the Casino Help section. There, you can check all rules, payouts, and return percentages.
Most of the roulette variations by Microgaming are based on the standard European roulette rules, offering standard odds and payouts. That’s why the Return to Player or RTP stands at 97.30%. Frenchs-style games have a reduced house edge and the RTP is 98.65% on even-money bets, while due to the additional pocket on the wheel for the 00, Microgaming’s American roulette offers an RTP of 94.74%.
Standard Rules in Microgaming Roulette
As mentioned above, Microgaming has introduced pretty standard rules and payouts for its roulette games. Most of them are based on the traditional European-style roulette but there are also American double-zero variations with 38 numbers instead of 37. The 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 make all regular roulette bet types on the table, namely the Inside and Outside bets. Each bet type, however, has different limits and payouts, also known as casino odds. Here is the paytable, which applies to all roulette versions by Microgaming.
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’s roulette versions also have the so-called Neighbor Bets. They are available from the Expert Mode window and can be activated once players choose a single number to bet on – then, the two numbers on either side of this number on the wheel are also included in the bet.
This is a combination of several straight bets and although the default number of neighbors is 2, players can change it, choosing anything from 1 to 8 neighbors. A 5-number neighbor bet would require placing 5 chips straight up, while an 8-number neighbor bet, for instance, includes a total of 17 numbers. So, players will need to bet 17 chips straight up.
Racetrack and Call Bets
Microgaming also allows players to make Call Bets either from the racetrack or from the Expert Mode panel. These bets include all types of French bets, along with Finals, Red Splits, Black Splits, and others.
- 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 is featured in several versions of French roulette by Microgaming. It is used when players have made any of the even-money outside bets and the ball lands on zero. Instead of losing their entire stake, players lose only half of the bet size. The house edge is only 1.35%, so the RTP percentage climbs 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 that included several roulette and blackjack variations. Compared to the older versions of roulette, these games – European, American, and French Roulette, come with enhanced graphics, realistic casino sounds, and customizable Bet Layouts. The 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 graphics quality. The games feature all regular bet types, as well as Call bets and Neighbor Bets, while the Autoplay function allows up to 100 spins to be activated. The Expert Mode includes up to 6 Bet Layouts that could be customized and saved, while 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 the standard European rules, offering all regular bets with their standard payouts. The game also features all Call Bets and Neighbor Bets offered by Microgaming, as well as Bet Layouts, Autoplay, and many other options and features in the Expert Mode. It really stands out from the rest, however, with its modern, mobile-friendly design, beautiful graphics and vivid colors, and really fast and smooth gameplay.
View more...Another new offering is last year’s Roulette, created by Switch Studios exclusively for Microgaming. It was specifically designed for mobiles and is playable in both portrait and landscape views – it is available for desktops, as well. The game comes with all advanced features and special bets offered in other roulette titles by Microgaming, along with racetrack betting, Statistics, and Favorite Bets. This variation of the game has a realistic 3D roulette wheel and an impressive modern look that would appeal to all mobile players.
View more...Featuring up to 8 wheels that can be played all at once, Multi Wheel Roulette by Microgaming is certainly one of the most innovative and exciting roulette releases of the past decade. It was introduced in 2011 and became an instant hit among fans of classic casino games. It is played on a blue-colored roulette table while the wheels are displayed on top of it – to disable them, players simply need to click on them. The game features a racetrack layout, customizable Bet Layouts, Autoplay and Call Bets in the Expert Mode.
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