Fortuna 18
If you’ve spent any time at an InBet casino, you’ve probably noticed that they have more than a few roulette clones among their specialty selections. Some of these, like the Bingo 37 series of games, are pretty much exactly the same as the casino classic, with only visual changes to distinguish them from “real” roulette.
But there are also some that genuinely make changes to the basic gameplay format, including the game we’re talking about here: Fortuna 18. Offering up a multicolored wheel with about half as many options as the original game, this is an interesting twist that offers some unique opportunities for players, making it more of a true variant on the original than a straight copy with a few cosmetic differences.
Making Your Fortune
Fortuna 18 is a game by InBet in which players attempt to predict which number will be spun on a spinner. It is essentially like a smaller version of roulette: instead of 37 or 38 possible winning numbers, there are just 19 places for this wheel to end up, including the numbers 1-18 and a dot that makes up the 19thand final panel.
The game is played on another clean interface like others that InBet is known for. This one can get a touch busier-looking because of all the colors in play, but the action is still easy enough to follw. At the center is the spinner, which is where the winning numbers will be chosen. It includes a large display in the center of the wheel that will show you the winning result after every spin. To the left is a history of recent results, while the betting options are on the right. Finally, options for changing your bet size and cancelling or repeating bets can be found at the bottom of the screen.
Like many games from this provider, rounds are based on a fixed schedule. Players have a two-minute period during which they can place all of their bets; after this, there is a two-minute “playing period” during which the wheel spins, results are determined, and the winning bets are paid out. That means you cannot control the pace of play, but also that all players can play at the same table at once. This allows the game to give you information on how much has been wagered in total on each option before each spin.
All the Colors of the Rainbow
One of the biggest differences you’ll notice from roulette here is the fact that the wheel features numbers in three colors, rather than two. That opens up some new opportunities, since rather than just betting on red or black, you can now choose between red, purple, and yellow. That, combined with the fact that there are fewer numbers in play, definitely make this a distinct offering.
Because the format is a bit unusual, even those who are experts at these sort of games might need a refresher on what’s available. All bets pay out in a way that would be fair were there 18 spots on the spinner; the 19th space is what gives the casino an advantage over the player. Here’s a breakdown of the various bets you can make:
- Single: You can bet on any number (or the dot), winning only if that exact result comes up on the next spin. If it does, you’ll be paid 17-1 on your wager.
- Colors: You can bet on just the red, purple, or yellow numbers, of which there are six each. If any of the appropriate color are chosen, then you win at 2-1 odds.
- Even/Odd: These bets cover all of the corresponding spaces on the wheel. Should any of these numbers be spun, you’ll earn even money (1-1) on your bet.
- Even/Odd with Color: You can also place bets on only the odd or even numbers of a particular color. For instance, the odd yellow space will cover 3, 9, and 15, all of which are yellow (and odd, of course). If any of these numbers hit, you’ll earn a 5-1 payout.
- Thirds: You can bet on the ranges 1-6, 7-12, or 13-18. If the winning result is in your chosen range, you’ll win at 2-1 odds.
- First Half/Second Half: These bets cover the ranges of 1-9 and 10-18. Should a number in your chosen range hit, you’ll be paid even money on your stake.
Players have the option of making any number of bets they like. There is no distinction between inside or outside bets, or any combinations that are disallowed.
A Fun Change, But Beware the Odds
With a colorful interface and some very different ways to gamble, Fortuna 18 is an interesting take on the classic roulette formula. We expect that this will attract a lot of players who are looking for the same kind of fast action with the potential for big payouts, but are tired of playing the same old games again and again.
That’s fine, and this offering can be fun. However, we should warn you that the odds are not really in your favor in this game: the house edge is about 5.26%, or identical to those found on American roulette tables. That’s a game that millions of people around the world enjoy, but it’s not as player friendly as its European relative. That means that if you’re looking for the best odds instead of the most style, this probably isn’t the game for you.
