Mini Roulette = "Greedy" Roulette

[VLSroulette]

So they were thinking: We just can't bastardize the roulette game in a quickly identifiable implementation of triple zero (000), it would be too obvious and the common punter would run away from it as there would be plenty of greens at the marquee, perceived by punters as "house numbers". Then... How to increase house edge to triple zero levels and make people believe they are playing a better game at the same time? Answer: MINI ROULETTE.

First let's look at the math behind the house edge in different versions of Roulette.

House edge formula is: (Payout - (Options - 1)) / Options x 100. In the case of European roulette, we have:
Payout = 35
Options = 37
Options - 1 = 37-1 = 36

So we get: (35 - 36) / 37 x 100 = -2.70 house edge.
Google calculator result

For American Roulette the payout is still the same, but the total number of options is increased to 38:
Payout = 35
Options = 38
Options - 1 = 38 - 1 = 37

We compute them: (35-37) / 38 x 100 = -5.26 <- and get this higher house edge.
Google calculator result

Now, as TRIPLE ZERO roulette's purpose would be to increase the house edge (greedy casinos would never increase their payout); payout keeps static at 35, but options now add up to 39. This means we have:
Payout = 35
Options = 39
Options - 1 = 39 - 1 = 38

(35-38) / 39 x 100 = -7.69 edge.
Google calculator result

What happens to MINI-ROULETTE? Numbers in options and payout get smaller, but as far as the casino is concerned it is still advantageous.

Payout is 11-1 and options ammount to 13:
Payout = 11
Options = 13
Options - 1 = 13 - 1 = 12

Let's compute them: (11 - 12) / 13 x 100 = -7.69 edge too.
Google calculator result

As far as the casino is concerned, MINI ROULETTE is TRIPLE ZERO roulette implemented, under everyone's nose; attracting unaware players who mistakenly think less numbers are better odds.

Morality: Casinos only implement anything "new" if it works to their advantage. Be wary of "new games", bonuses and new features like such. Do the math first before wagering a single cent on those "improved" versions of classic games. ( Improved, yes: for them).

Best regards,
Victor

[VLSroulette]

But there must be an upside somewhere to having less numbers?

Emerald, remember you can emulate less numbers/options with roulette:
- want to play 6? Use double-street ( 6 lines )
- want to play 3? Use dozens ( 3 dozens/columns )
- want to play 2? Use even chances. ( Red/Black, Even/Odd, High/Low)

Numerical group dynamics would statistically be the same as with -for instance- a dice ( 6 sides/options ) or a coin ( 2 sides/options ) -minus house edge, of course.



Imagine the most extreme case: a "nano" roulette with only three numbers: 1 red, 2 black and 0 green. Only 3 numbers! But as zero is never paid that's a -33.33% house edge

Morality: stick with the classic game. Best option so far is Euro Wheel, only beatable by a fair no-zero, and I mean a live one, not RNG

Victor

[Roulette787]

Excellent explanation.

When I first saw mini-roulette, my first thought was - "who would ever want to play this?"

But, I was wrong. Many people seem to think reduced numbers give them a better chance of winning.

[Casanova]

The mini-roulette on the online casino I play pays back half of your bet if the wheel lands on ZERO.  How would that affect the maths?

Casanova

[Casanova]

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