One of the best things about online casinos is the myriad of different games that they offer to players. Whether you prefer kicking back with some online video slots, tasting the excitement of a live casino or keeping things traditional with some classic table games, there really is something for everyone.
Perhaps the most popular option of all for players is online roulette. It’s a pretty simple game to get your head around to be honest. Imagine your typical roulette wheel in a brick and mortar casino. Now, imagine that instead of having to crowd around the table on an uncomfortable stool, you can have the exact same experience curled up on your sofa with a mug of coffee.
As if this wasn’t appealing enough, online roulette has experienced a particular increase in popularity during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The main reason for this is the nationally enforced lockdowns that prevented millions of people from leaving their homes during the spring and summer months. With everyone forced to work at home, brick and mortar casinos close and many other leisure pursuits being cancelled or postponed, many were forced to find new hobbies.
Some people choose online casinos, with roulette proving to be a particularly popular selection. Why is this though? Well, that is a question with several answers.
Most notably, the ease and convenience of the roulette wheel makes it an extremely popular choice for first time gamblers. Unlike some other games, such as poker or blackjack, the learning curve for roulette is extremely straightforward. All you need to do is select your numbers, place your bet and away you go. Because it’s so easy, it is likely to have been the first port of call for many people who signed up to online casino sites to relieve some lockdown boredom.
Roulette is also one of the cheapest ways to play at an online casino. A minimum bet on a roulette wheel is often less than $1. This further adds to the appeal of the game for first team gamers. As opposed to other games that require a large starting bet, new players can get going right away – without having to worry about losing vast sums of money.
Online roulette’s spike in popularity during lockdown can also be explained by the closure of many sports betting markets. Many operators offer a sportsbook and an online casino. However, during lockdown players were largely unable to use any sports betting services. This is due to the vast majority of sports being forced to shut down to curtail the spread of the virus. The Premier League and NBA – two of the largest markets in the world – were both affected during the spring with eGaming one of the only sports to keep playing through the pandemic.
When this was no longer satisfying, many sports bettors were forced to find a new way to get their gaming fix. Once again with its brilliant accessibility and fun factor, online roulette was a popular choice.