Article author:
Andrew Shepard
13.11.2024
Andrew Shepard
Head of product
Andrew Shepard is a roulette expert with over 10 years of experience. His expertise focuses on South Africa and other international markets. At Roulette77, he specializes in developing detailed content on roulette strategy testing, simulators, and game mechanics.
Roulette77 serves as a dedicated platform catering to South African roulette players and enthusiasts. Anyone that’s looking to play online roulette for real money can find remarkable opportunities to engage in a diverse range of roulette variants developed by top-tier software providers. Our services are completely free of charge, which allows our visitors to learn and master different roulette games before they’re comfortable enough to start playing for real money. We offer a risk-free environment for skill development while providing detailed information on all the news regarding this beautiful game, the latest variants and offerings, the best strategies you can utilize, and so on.
On our site, players that are looking to try online roulette in South Africa will find a number of free demo roulette games that are ideal for trying and testing various roulette systems and strategies and enhancing your understanding of the game.
When you feel ready to experience the thrill of playing online roulette for real money, Roulette77 has an extensive selection of featured sites that South African players can register at, make a deposit, and even utilize the South African Rand (ZAR). To top it all, you’ll be able to claim enticing roulette bonuses that will further enhance your gaming journey.
The trustworthiness, integrity, and overall security of an online casino site are the most important factors when considering it, and ZA players are looking for safe and reliable online payment methods for their money transactions when playing real money online roulette.
To ensure a seamless gaming experience, all of the online casinos listed on our site rely on widely recognized and trusted payment systems that are used and trusted by millions of users worldwide. However, not all popular payment methods in South Africa are available for deposits and withdrawals at gambling sites. The list of commonly available payment methods for ZA gamblers includes:
Each payment method has its limits
Although the list of available payment options includes various banking methods and services, it’s likely that you’ll encounter some restrictions with each of them. Make sure to study them carefully before playing, and pay attention to these factors:
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Withdrawal speed
Let’s say you’ve played some online roulette games and you’ve won - it’s now time to withdraw your winnings. Naturally, you want them in your account as soon as possible, which is why the withdrawal speed is crucial. While some payment methods, such as e-wallets and cryptocurrencies, provide lightning-fast withdrawals that can range anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, some banking methods, such as a bank wire transfer, may take up to 5 business days - so choose wisely.
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Minimal deposit
Many ZA players are looking to test the waters and try their luck at the roulette table with a small wager. That’s why the minimum deposit amount is important, as it indicates what’s the minimum amount you can deposit at a real money online roulette site. In most cases, the minimum deposit amount varies between 150 to 500 ZAR.
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Daily/weekly/monthly withdrawal limits
Most sites impose daily, weekly, and monthly withdrawal limits. If you’re a high roller, you should be looking for sites with as high limits as possible to make sure that you’ll be able to withdraw your winnings conveniently.
Roulette has been the most popular casino game for centuries, and one of the reasons behind it is the fact that there are many variations that make the game as exciting as ever. Even though the fundamental objective of every roulette online game is essentially the same across all variants, each version comes with its unique characteristics. While some of them are subtle and spice up the standard game ever so slightly, there are variants that differ a lot from the standard game and bring many new exciting features.
We have carefully sorted all the different roulette variants into categories, making it effortless for you to find your ideal match and explore the available options.
The first roulette wheel, at least in the form we know it today, was invented in France in the 18th century. The word ‘roulette’ means little wheel in French, and the objective of the game is to guess in which pocket the white ball will land.
As it was becoming more and more popular across Europe and the Americas, people started inventing new roulette variations of the popular game - each one differing from the others in some aspects. The three most popular variations we have now are European, American, and French roulette, and we’ll now point out the key differences between them.
European Roulette
It’s the most common land-based and online roulette variant, and is widely considered to be the simplest one. There are 37 pockets in the standard European roulette wheel, numbered from 0 to 36. There’s a single zero, and the house edge is just 2.70%. With an RTP of 97.30%, it’s a favorite among ZAR bettors looking to play roulette game online.
French Roulette
Similarly to the European wheel, the French roulette wheel has 37 pockets and a single zero. However, the biggest difference is the implementation of the En Prison and La Partage rules. These rules apply to even-money bets such as red/black, odds/evens, or high/low, and can either return half of your bet back or let it ride to the next spin if the ball lands on a zero. Aside from the slightly different betting table, French roulette also has the lowest house edge of just 1.35% and an RTP of 98.65%.
American Roulette
The main difference between American and European roulette is the implementation of a second zero. When the games were brought to the US, casino operators thought that the house edge of European roulette was too low, so they added another zero to the wheel. Also named a double-zero or 00 roulette, it has an RTP of 94.74% and the house edge is 5.26%.
| Variation |
House edge |
RTP |
Numbers |
Zeros |
| European Roulette |
2.70% |
98.30% |
37 |
1 |
| American Roulette |
5.26% |
94.74% |
38 |
2 |
| French Roulette |
1.34% |
98.65% |
37 |
1 |
| Mini Roulette |
3.85% |
96.15% |
13 |
1 |
In terms of popularity, the European variant is comfortably in the lead ahead of the French and American variations. Regardless of which online casino you choose, the majority of roulette games in the library adhere to the rules of the European variant. However, besides the three standard variants, we’ve seen many unique and exotic online roulette variations in recent years that introduce their own set of rules or make significant modifications to the existing ones. Check out some of them:
- Mini Roulette - As the name suggests, mini-roulette is a scaled-down version of the traditional game. The wheel has only 13 pockets and a single zero, and the RTP is 96.15%. The house edge is 3.85%, but the smaller wheel alters the game dynamics and implements new features.
- Double-Ball Roulette - This game is a fun variation of the standard European roulette table and features 37 pockets, but has an interesting twist - it uses two balls in a single spin. This opens up multiple betting possibilities and adds to the excitement of the game, but keep in mind that the payouts might be adjusted due to the implementation of a second ball.
- Multi-Wheel Roulette - This roulette variant allows players to wager on multiple roulette wheels simultaneously. It usually uses the European roulette wheel, and the RTP remains the same, but it offers increased action and potential winnings.
Classification by RNG (3d) vs live roulette
When it comes to who you’re playing against and who spins the wheel, there are two types of roulette games: RNG and live roulette. Each format offers a distinct gaming experience and has its pros and cons versus the others, so it’s up to you to decide which one you prefer. While RNG roulette - also known as 3D roulette - is a digital, computer-run version of the game, live roulette online is typically hosted by a croupier who spins the wheel manually - just like they would in a land-based casino.
In live roulette, the action unfolds in real-time, thus making you feel like you’re a part of the action, but each roulette type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Luckily for you, you can find some of the best 3D and live roulette games currently available to South African players on Roulette77.
All RNG games featured on our site use a complex RNG generator which ensures that the outcome of each spin is random, fair, and unbiased. Moreover, you can play RNG roulette anytime and anywhere, and the best thing about it? You can try all of the 3D roulette games on our site in demo mode completely for free. Choose any free roulette online game, depending on your preferences, and practice as much as you want without spending a dime. Demo mode is also a great way to test a roulette betting strategy and see if it works before you decide to play for real money.
Tested and Verified Roulette Games
As the name suggests, live roulette involves real-time gameplay with a live dealer operating the game. The best live roulette online games utilize the latest video streaming technology to connect players to a live studio or a land-based casino where the action takes place.
Besides the standard European, French, and American roulette versions, there are many live roulette games that implement additional interesting modifications and new features such as multipliers, progressive jackpots, and more. Keep in mind, however, that no demo mode is available with live games, which means that this is online roulette for real money only.
Live roulette online has never been more popular in South Africa, and you can find reviews of the best live roulette games at Roulette77.
Tested and Verified Roulette Games
In the world of online casinos, game development is typically entrusted to a plethora of skilled and imaginative casino software providers and hosts such as NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, IGT, and others. These renowned companies are responsible for creating top-quality roulette games that excel in terms of gameplay, high-definition graphics, innovative features, and fairness. With rare exceptions, online casinos typically rely on these software providers to supply their game library so they can offer a diverse range of game types and ensure a captivating experience for their players.
It’s important to point out that some esteemed live roulette providers have made significant contributions to the industry. When engaging in live online roulette at ZAR casinos, the captivating action often unfolds at studios hosted by these specialized live casino experts.
Developed in 2006 and owned by NetEnt, Evolution Gaming is a leading casino game provider, specializing in the development and delivery of immersive live dealer games. With a strong focus on innovation and technology, the Swedish software company offers a wide range of live roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and other popular table games. Their state-of-the-art studios and professional dealers create an authentic casino atmosphere, allowing players to enjoy the thrill of real-time gaming 24/7. Evolution Gaming has gained widespread recognition and has won numerous industry awards for their exceptional live casino offerings.
Founded in 2015, Pragmatic Play has become one of the most popular casino game providers in the world and one of the best options for players looking to play online roulette in South Africa. Its game portfolio includes numerous slots, 3D table games, and live casino games. Roulette enthusiasts love Pragmatic Play’s take on live roulette games because of the flawless gameplay and the company’s focus on mobile-compatibility and user interface.
Widely considered as one of the titans in the online casino software industry, the company was founded in 1999 and has since become a goliath in the iGaming world. It’s particularly famous for its slots and RNG table game portfolio, but it has been diversifying its portfolio with some truly innovative live casino games - with a wide variety of feature-full live roulette titles.
Owned and operated by Genting Casinos UK, one of the largest casino groups in the world, Authentic Gaming prides itself for being a premium live casino supplier. It’s most famous for its live roulette games and offers a unique experience by streaming games directly from prestigious land-based casinos and resorts around the world. All of their streams are in HD, lag-free, and feature professional dealers.
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in London, UK, Vivo Gaming is a well-established provider of live casino games, specializing in delivering high-quality live dealer games to online gambling operators. Its portfolio includes different roulette versions that are being hosted in studios and land-based casino halls and they implement some truly impressive technologies to deliver the best gameplay to their players. The company won the reputable Best Live Casino Supplier of the Year award at the 2022 EGR Awards, which speaks of this provider’s quality.
There are two distinct types of limits you’ll find at online roulette tables: betting limits and table limits. While the table limits define the range of minimum and maximum stakes that are accepted at a particular table, the betting limits determine the minimum and maximum wager amount bet on a specific bet type. For instance, the limits for straight bets are often higher when compared to the table’s minimum limit.
Consecutively, roulette games can be classified into two categories: low-stakes and high-stakes roulette online. Low-stakes games cater to regular players who are looking for more modest wagering options, while high-stakes games are designed for so-called ‘high rollers’, or players who prefer placing larger wagers.
For high rollers
High rollers are players who want to stake big, so the games in question boast high table and betting limits. Even though each online operator sets its own limits, games with a minimum betting amount of over 3,000 ZAR are generally considered to be high-stakes online roulette tables. The limits may vary across different casinos and tables, with some requiring a minimum wager of 5,000 ZAR to participate, for example.
The rules in high-stakes games remain the same, including the betting options and winnings probabilities. The main difference is the larger wager sizes and corresponding payouts, with some casinos allowing for bets of over 100,000 ZAR to be made.
For low rollers
The vast majority of roulette games found in online casinos can be considered low-stakes roulette online tables. This is primarily because the majority of players are considered casual bettors, so there’s a greater abundance of games designed to cater to the larger player community.
The minimum and maximum values for low-stakes games are set by the casino operators themselves, but it’s possible to come across with minimum table and bet limits as low as 1 ZAR. The betting rules and winning possibilities are the same as any other standard roulette game, with the only distinction being the lower wager amounts.
Gambling in South Africa is very accessible and that makes it a favorite pastime for many players from the continent. The favorable gambling laws and the abundance of trusted casinos come together nicely to create a safe and reliable gaming environment for all.
- The legal gambling age in South Africa is 18;
- Players of the legal age may participate in casino gambling at websites that are based both inside and outside the country;
- Gambling websites must hold MGA or Curacao licenses that prove that they are regulated and allowed to run casino products;
- Players who participate in gambling activities do not have to worry about breaching any laws in South Africa;
- Roulette is an allowed gambling product in the country and accessible to players;
- However, the Remote Bill 2014 trying to legalize gambling in South Africa en masse, has not made much progress since it was introduced;
- Officially, iGaming is a grey area gambling market in the country, but players may still access it;
- Gambling is presently regulated by the National Gambling Board and chances are that players will see an expansion of the industry before long.
The first roulette wheel was invented in 18th century France by a mathematician named Blaise Pascal, and the design of the game has remained largely the same to date. The game has become a casino classic and we can safely say that it has stood the test of time and is still as exciting as ever. However, to fully enjoy it, it’s important to understand its basic rules, including the concept of the game, how the betting table works, and what are the payouts.
First, the roulette wheel. You’ve probably seen it already, but the roulette wheel contains 37 or 38 equal pockets - depending on the variant. They’re numbered from 0 to 36 (the American version has two 0 pockets), and they’re colored in red, black, and green. The croupier (or an automated machine) will spin the wheel and drop the white ball inside the wheel. The objective of the game is to correctly guess in which pocket the ball will land.
This is where the betting table comes in place. It’s surface that has all the different betting types on display and is divided into two distinct regions, each serving a different purpose. The outside bets are located in the outer area and are considered even-money bets because they pay out the amount you wagered one-to-one. For example, if you bet 5 ZAR on red and the ball lands on a red number, you earn 5 ZAR in profit.
Inside bets, on the other hand, offer higher odds but are harder to guess correctly. They include various bet types, such as straight-up bets, corner bets, street bets, and more. The payouts are also larger, reaching 35:1 for straight-up bets.
We’ve prepared a simplified guide to help you understand the roulette game better.
- Once the croupier announces that new bets are accepted, you can participate in the game and play roulette yourself. You can place your chips on the betting table on one or more of the available betting options. These options represent a range of choices, including betting on a single number, a specific number range, a color, or even/odd outcomes. The betting time is usually limited to around 20-30 seconds.
- Once the croupier informs the players that new bets are no longer accepted, it's time to proceed with spinning the wheel and releasing the ball. In certain instances, this spinning process may be automated using mechanical devices such as an air jet.
- As the wheel spins, the ball gradually loses momentum and eventually settles into one of the pockets. If the pocket aligns with your chosen bet - whether it is an outside or an inside bet, you become eligible for a payout based on the specific bet type. The payment is automatically added to your casino balance.
- The croupier then announces that new bets are accepted, and the process repeats itself from beginning to end.
| Bet |
Payout |
Odds (european and french) |
Odds (american) |
| Straight up |
35:1 |
2,70% |
2,60% |
| Split |
17:1 |
5,40% |
5,30% |
| Street |
11:1 |
8,10% |
7,90% |
| Corner |
8:1 |
10,80% |
10,50% |
| 5 numbers |
6:1 |
- |
13,20% |
| Six Line |
5:1 |
16,20% |
15,80% |
| Column |
2:1 |
32,40% |
31,60% |
| Dozen |
2:1 |
32,40% |
31,60% |
| Even/Odd |
1:1 |
48,60% |
47,40% |
| Red/Black |
1:1 |
48,60% |
47,40% |
| High/Low |
1:1 |
48,60% |
47,40% |
Regardless if you prefer the ambiance of a land-based casino or the convenience of online roulette games, the big-six wheel is readily available to South African players in both settings. However, online roulette games offer some distinct advantages that offer an array of useful features. These benefits are only available when you play roulette online and include:
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Rebet
The Rebet feature allows you to conveniently replicate your previous bet with a single click. This time-saving option eliminates the need for manually placing wagers in each round, which is particularly useful if you prefer using a consistent bet size.
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Clear Bets
All online roulette games feature a convenient button called "Clear Bet" in their interface. With a single click, all your placed bets are instantly cleared. This helpful feature proves particularly useful when you're dissatisfied with your selections and prefer not to manually remove each chip individually. The feature is only available before the bets are closed.
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Undo
Similarly to the Clear bets function, the Undo button lets you remove a bet before all the bets are closed. The only difference is that with the Undo button, you only remove the last bet that you’ve placed.
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Double Bet
The ‘Double bet’ button allows you to double the amount you want to wager on the same bet. For example, if you’ve placed a bet of 5 ZAR on 28 Black, you can double the wager amount to 10 ZAR by clicking on the Double bet button. This is useful when executing a betting strategy such as Martingale.
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Favorite bets/Save bets
This feature allows players to save their favorite bets, and it’s especially useful to players who are trying to execute a particular betting strategy that involves more complex bets.
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Cold/hot number statistics
Some online roulette games allow players to view statistics that show which numbers appear more often and which ones are less common. This information can help you when executing certain strategies.
You’ll find much more than free roulette online games and expert reviews at Roulette77. We offer a wide range of additional resources to support roulette enthusiasts at all levels. Regardless if you’re a beginner or an experienced player, we have multiple tools and useful information that will help you elevate your game and improve your skills.