Lightning Roulette at Online Casinos

Aria Brown

9 min read

If you know just one live dealer game it might just be Lightning Roulette by Evolution Gaming. So stellar and unique in its play, it won the EGR Award for "Best Game of the Year" in 2018, as well as the Global Gaming Award for "Product Innovation of the Year".

Whatever its history, and wherever you play, this relatively new interpretation of the classic is sure to inspire.

Essentially a variant of French roulette, it has the much-lauded feature in which in addition to the standard roulette bets, you can also place wagers on a specific number; then if that number's struck by lightning, win potential payouts of up to 500X your bet!

Broadcasted direct from a casino studio, with the ideal atmosphere completed by a talented croupier, the action is all transmitted in crystal clear HD quality for true lifelike fun, to be enjoyed from the comfort of your computer screen or mobile phone.

But most of all, it's the promise of unprecedented excitement with its lightning numbers and associated multipliers, that are really the highlight here.

Table of Contents

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Lightning Roulette Basics

The concept of Lightning Roulette is simple. Essentially, anyone who understands the principles of French Roulette can start playing without any effort, as this variant basically offers the same one green zero pocket structure, as well as the usual betting options for French roulette, be they single numbers or combinations such as dozens or colors.

Additionally, for your convenience, in this variant a racetrack is usually included, which you may already know from other roulette games, which makes it easier to place bets on neighbors and special combos.

The big difference in Lightning Roulette is going to be that those who have the courage to place a plein bet (i.e. one on a single number) can expect significantly greater winning potential. Because when lightning strikes, amazing things can happen!

Basically, before each spin, between one and five numbers are randomly selected by the game's algorithm to be struck by lightning. These numbers are then highlighted on the roulette wheel. And if you place a bet on a number that is struck by lightning, your payout will be significantly increased. The exact amount it will pay depends on the multiplier that will also be randomly assigned to the number, and on how many numbers were struck by lightning; but it could be up to 500 times your bet.

Special features

• Based on French/European roulette.
• No la partage rule in play.
• Up to five random numbers can be struck by lightning.
• If your bet matches the lightning struck number, the specified multiplier is paid.
• Multipliers for numbers hit by lightning range from 50X up to 500X payouts.
• Plein bets (i.e. straight up bets) without multipliers pay "just" 29:1.
• Betting limits depend on the online casino where you're playing.
• House edge is around 2.9% for straight up bets and 2.7% for all other bets.

The "electrified" numbers as demonstrated here in the large background of the studio, are randomly determined and displayed as the ball rolls in the bowl.

As for mechanics, the game is played at a single table, on a single wheel. The croupier oversees the action and, in this particular case, is also responsible for operating the slot lever. When this lever is pulled, the lightning numbers are drawn.

In terms of table limits, these vary between operators, but are displayed in the game interface itself, and are generally friendly to various budgets. If higher bet tables are important to you, or you want to find a really low limit game, it can be worthwhile to compare various online casinos to find one that's best for you.

Try Lightning Roulette for Free

Lightning Roulette is a live casino game, which means it can only be played for real money bets. That means there is no demo mode available. You must therefore place bets worth at least the minimum table limit in order to participate. This amount, as we've mentioned, can vary depending on the online casino, but is rarely more than a few dollars.

If you'd like, you can also watch live Lightning Roulette for free so long as you have an account at the casino site where you'd like to do so. This way you can gain free insight into the processes by watching the action in the live studio for a while, without playing yourself. I.e. the next best thing after free play; watching and learning.

Good to know: Evolution Gaming has also developed and released a first-person version of Lightning Roulette. This purely software-based, virtual game can, unlike the live version, be played in demo mode. So that's a good option too.

Lightning Roulette - How It Looks at the Live Casino

By pressing on "Play", I understand that I will be shown content from Evolution Gaming. Evolution Gaming

Play Lightning Roulette at Stake

Lightning Roulette Game Rules

To begin, each round of play is announced by the croupier. At the same time, you'll be able to see a notice below the live action screen indicating that betscan be placed. The timer displayed in the middle shows how much time you have left to place your bets.

The basic rules are identical to those of the French variant, as are the betting options. Here too, it is possible to bet on individual numbers, even odds, colors like black or red, dozens, columns, special combos and call bets like voisins du zéro, jeu zéro, orphelins, and so forth.

As soon as the timer reaches zero, the tableau is folded back and a message appears saying that no more bets are possible. The croupier cancels the betting option at the same time.

Tip: In Lightning Roulette it is possible to save preferred bets under "Favorites". These can then be selected in the menu and placed with one click, including finale en plein and finale à cheval bets if you like to make those consistently.

While the ball is still rolling in the wheel, one to five numbers are drawn by the random generator, with the press of the lever. Each of these numbers is assigned a random multiplier that can be between 50X and 500X.

As soon as the ball comes to rest in a numbered compartment, the bets are evaluated and settled.

Note: The la partage rule typical for French roulette does not apply here. If the ball lands on zero after placing an even money wager, the bet is considered lost.

If you placed a bet on a single number that is struck by lightning, your payout will be significantly increased accordingly. Otherwise the odds of a single number are more in line with those of a standard roulette game, though slightly less than the typical 35:1 at 29:1. The rest of the bets of course are paid at set odds as you can see in this paytable.

Click through the carousel to see how the lighting part is played out, step by step:

• Step 1: Place your bet on the table. The countdown in the middle of the screen (circled in green), shows the remaining time available to do so before the round begins.
• Step 2: After the betting area is closed, the croupier pulls the lever and activates the drawing of the lightning numbers.
• Step 3: The ball continues to roll in the wheel as the "electrified" numbers are being determined.
• Step 4: The numbers drawn for the round are lit up on the tableau to highlight them. The ball falls into one of the numbered pockets and the game results are determined, with bets settled in kind. Once all winnings have been paid out and lost money has been collected, the next round starts and is played out in exactly the same manner.

How Does Lightning Roulette Differ from French Roulette?

At first glance, Lightning Roulette appears to have a typical table game sequence. The betting options were taken from the French model after all. And even the names on the table are printed in French, with the exception of those on the special racetrack. The croupier, however, speaks English, though important information is also available in local languages.

Once bets have been placed, it becomes clear that Evolution Gaming's version, however, has a great special feature that sets it apart, namely the lightning numbers. The game's built in RNG determines whether there are one, two, three, four, or five lucky numbers lit up. Unlike French, American, and European roulette, this function uniquely adds a multiplier to game play, and increases payouts to as much as  499:1 on a single number win.

The winnings for individual numbers, however, are lower if the number you bet on and ultimately won isn't lightning struck. So while French Roulette pays out odds of 35:1, Lightning Roulette only pays 29:1.

Another difference is that the la partage rule is not used in Lightning Roulette nor is the en prison rule. Also atypical for the original French version is the racetrack that is used here.

And finally, the online version of Lightning Roulette has a chat function that allows players to contact both the croupier and other participants. At a French roulette table in a land-based casino, needless to say, this feature is replaced by personal communication, although the casinos usually ensure that the tone is kept quiet so that there are no disruptions.

Lightning Roulette Payout Rates and Winning Odds

As already explained, the basic French rules apply to Lightning Roulette. This relates to the structure and sequence of numbers on the wheel, as much as the bets and payout odds.

The potential winnings, of course, depend on the type of bet. But the odds are extremely similar to those found in French roulette. The only exception is plein bets, which pay lower odds than in French roulette if the winning number you have chosen is not drawn as a lightning number. If it is though, the payout value is significantly increased by 50 to 500 times.

In general, Lightning Roulette offers these odds:

The above table demonstrates how a single number bet is the game's true standout feature. If you bet on the number 15 and win, for example, you'll receive a lower prize than in classic roulette. That is, unless 15 was selected as a lightning number, in which case your winnings automatically increase to at least 49 times the amount wagered. How so? Well, if you'd bet $10 on the round, that would mean that your $10 stake becomes $500, which is $490 in winnings plus a $10 refund of your initial bet sum.

Understanding the Lightning Roulette Multipliers in Detail

Understanding how the Lightning Roulette multipliers work is quite easy. Just think of a slot machine. The drawing of the lucky lightning numbers is actually quite similar to the spinning of the reels of a slot machine, as they are triggered by a lever pull, are totally random, and are determined by an RNG.

In each round, one to five of these special numbers will be available, but you can never know in advance. That's part of the surprise element.

As the magic unfolds, you'll see one to five golden fields displayed in the background, behind the croupier. In the first step, you'll see the single numbers, for which the winnings increase if the bet you placed and the ball lands on one these numbers.

In the second step, the smaller fields under the numbers are revealed (also totally random). Behind these are the multipliers which can be between 50X and, in the best-case scenario, 500X.

In other words, each of the lucky numbers receives its own multiplier. So for example, the number 27 may be rewarded with a factor of 400X, while the number 14 may "only" be rewarded with a 50X multiplier. And so forth.

The lucky lightning numbers are redrawn every round, as are the multipliers.

Lightning Roulette Variations

Evolution Gaming obviously wants to share the excitement surrounding lucky numbers and multipliers with as wide a fanbase as possible. As such, Lightning Roulette is now available in several languages to better reach global audiences.

In addition, the basic concept of the game has been further developed. For example, a successor has been created that promises even greater thrills with double lightning numbers and higher multipliers. And this may only be the beginning of this popular genre, which continues to grow and evolve.

To help you assess your options, we've added some basic details of the most popular variations to this Lightning Roulette review.

Lightning Roulette Tips & Tricks

Ultimately, the odds of winning in Lightning Roulette are the same as in French Roulette. The added excitement and potential for larger payouts are the primary attractions of this variant. But as always, whether a certain willingness to take risks makes sense, is a very personal question and therefore something we can't answer for you.

It's important to remember that the odds of a specific number being struck by lightning are relatively low. And while the potential payouts are enticing, the overall house edge for plein bets increases to 2.9%.

Strategically speaking, statistics on game results are of little help, as it's impossible to predict which numbers will come up next. Traditional roulette systems too are of little help with Lightning Roulette, as the focus here should be on single number bets which is something they cover less.

But since the plein bets are the distinct thrill of this game, you may want to focus on them more than in other versions to optimize this format of play. That being said, it's probably better to keep your stakes a little lower than usual, as the risk of loss with this type of bet is obviously higher.

Other than that, to maximize your chances of winning, it's important to understand the rules by familiarizing yourself with the game's mechanics and betting options. You should also set a budget, determining how much you're willing to spend (and stick to it). Avoid chasing losses. And perhaps most importantly, enjoy the game as gambling should be fun, and not all about winning.

Read More Tips & Tricks

Lightning Roulette FAQs

1. Is the lightning bet a separate bet?
2. Is betting on all numbers in Lightning Roulette a good strategy?
3. Is Lightning Roulette better than other versions of the game?
4. What are the "lucky numbers" in Lightning Roulette?
5. Can I make even money bets in Lightning Roulette?
6. What table limits apply to Lightning Roulette?
7. Are there bonus rounds in Lightning Roulette?
8. What is the maximum Lightning Roulette win?

1. Is the lightning bet a separate bet?

The lightning bet in this game is not a separate bet. It's an enhancement to the standard bets you place on the roulette wheel.

When you place a bet on a number and that number is struck by lightning, your payout is significantly increased. It's essentially a multiplier applied to your standard bet.

So, while the lightning strikes feature adds an element of excitement and the potential for larger payouts, it doesn't introduce a new type of bet. You're still essentially placing wagers on the same numbers and types of bets as in traditional French roulette.

2. Is betting on all numbers in Lightning Roulette a good strategy?

No, it does not make sense to bet on all single numbers in Lightning Roulette.

For starters, betting on all individual numbers separately would require a significant amount of money, as you would need to place a bet on each of the 37 numbers on the roulette wheel. Even if you were to hit one of the numbers, the potential winnings would not outweigh the total amount you invested on the round and especially over time, with the house edge still always persevering.

3. Is Lightning Roulette better than other versions of the game?

The winnings on offer make Lightning Roulette a particularly interesting variant of the classic game. After all, neither French nor American Roulette offer the possibility of winning up to 500 times your bet.

So if winning sums are important to you, than you may find this game to be a better roulette variant. However, if you prefer combo bets, and don't do plein betting, then it's maybe fun for the novelty factor, but less likely to become your standard, go to game.

4. What are the "lucky numbers" in Lightning Roulette?

The term "lucky numbers" is a synonym for the lightning numbers drawn up by the random generator in Lightning Roulette, or what we've been referring to as "electrified" numbers throughout this review, as they're clearly highlighted on the board.

Up to five such numbers are available in each round, though not guaranteed (could also be one, two, three, or four).  Each lucky number also has a multiplier assigned to it.

If the lightning number matches a plein bet you've made, and the ball lands on it, then you're in luck, as you're in for some exceptionally high winnings.

That being said, it's impossible to predict which numbers will bring luck in the end. But that's precisely what makes the concept of Lightning Roulette so exciting; the gamble and the potential.

5. Can I make even money bets in Lightning Roulette?

Lightning Roulette offers players the same betting options as in regular French roulette, including even money bets like high/low, red/black, and even/odds. Plus, you can make other combo bets that cover multiple numbers.

While these generally have a better likelihood of landing, for obvious reasons, than straight up bets, in this game, the latter is likely what you'd prefer. That's because plein bets are where the real action is in this version, offering special payouts and prizes of up to 500X your bet.

6. What table limits apply to Lightning Roulette?

The betting limits are not set by the game developer, Evolution Gaming. The minimum and maximum amounts that can be bet at the table are determined by the respective online casino, i.e. the operator.

In most cases, there is enough scope to suit beginners and high rollers alike. It should also be noted that the table limit always applies to even money bets. It is reduced accordingly for bets on smaller combinations and individual numbers, which you can see in the game rules before you get started.

7. Are there bonus rounds in Lightning Roulette?

The drawing of the lightning numbers can be seen as a kind of bonus round. It's an extra, after all.

If one of these lightning numbers match your straight up bet, the bonus winnings are paid out instead of the standard odds for plein bets, at the associated multiplier's rate, with no additional stake required of you to participate.

8. What is the maximum Lightning Roulette win?

Plein or straight bets are rewarded with odds of 29:1 instead of the usual 35:1. If the number you bet on is drawn as a lightning number, you can however, expect much more, depending on the multiplier.

The highest possible win in this case is 499:1. So if you bet just $10 and win this maximum amount, Lightning Roulette will pay out $500; an exceptionally high return on investment.

Our Lightning Roulette Recommendation

Lightning Roulette is a truly unique spin on the classic table game, with a special twist that can be incredibly fun and rewarding. The lightning numbers and their multipliers. This makes it a great option for those looking for variety in play, but with little learning curve.

Overall, it's especially recommended for those who prefer straight up bets, rather than combos, though the latter can certainly enjoy the thrill as well, since the live factor and visual effects dazzle in any event.

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Lightning Roulette was tested and reviewed by Aria Brown

I am trained as a tax consultant, mostly because my father insisted that I get a normal job. Luckily, I listened to my heart and followed my passion in writing. Today I work as an online editor while traveling the world, which is why I'm rarely in my hometown, Toronto. By pure chance, I discovered the online casino review industry about ten years ago, and I have been testing and reviewing gambling sites since then. Personally, I prefer Blackjack and Roulette games. I think the skills and strategies involved make them much more interesting than slots.