When players step up to a roulette table, they often notice two main versions of the game but may not understand which one gives them better odds. Both European and American roulette feature spinning wheels, betting layouts, and the same basic gameplay, yet they offer very different experiences for gamblers.
The key difference lies in the number of green pockets: European roulette has one zero while American roulette has both a zero and double zero, giving players significantly better odds in the European version. This seemingly small difference creates a major impact on house edge, with European roulette offering a 2.7% house advantage compared to American roulette’s 5.26%.
Understanding these variations helps players make smarter choices about which game to play, whether they’re at online casinos or brick-and-mortar establishments. The differences extend beyond just the extra zero, affecting everything from specific betting options to long-term winning potential.
What Is European Roulette?
European roulette features a single zero wheel with 37 numbered pockets and offers unique betting rules like La Partage and En Prison that reduce the house edge. Players can access special call bets including Voisins du Zero that cover specific wheel sections.
Wheel Layout in European Roulette
The European roulette wheel contains 37 pockets numbered 0 through 36. The single green zero sits between red 32 and black 15 on the wheel.
Numbers 1-36 alternate between red and black colors. The zero pocket remains green to distinguish it from other numbers.
The wheel layout follows a specific sequence: 0-32-15-19-4-21-2-25-17-34-6-27-13-36-11-30-8-23-10-5-24-16-33-1-20-14-31-9-22-18-29-7-28-12-35-3-26. This arrangement ensures numbers are distributed evenly across the wheel.
European wheels spin in the same direction as American wheels. The ball travels in the opposite direction before settling into a pocket.
Betting Options Unique to European Roulette
European roulette offers several betting options not found in other roulette variants. Call bets allow players to wager on specific wheel sections by announcing their bet to the dealer.
Orphelins covers eight numbers split into two wheel sections. Players need five chips to complete this bet.
Tiers du Cylindre covers 12 numbers opposite the zero using six chips. This bet includes numbers 27-33-16-24-5-10-23-8-30-11-36-13.
Finales bets cover all numbers ending in the same digit. Finale 0 includes numbers 0, 10, 20, and 30.
Neighbors bets cover a chosen number plus the two numbers on each side of it on the wheel. Players announce “17 and neighbors” to bet on five consecutive wheel numbers.
Special Rules: La Partage and En Prison
La Partage rule applies when the ball lands on zero during even-money bets. Players lose only half their stake instead of the entire bet.
This rule reduces the house edge from 2.70% to 1.35% on red/black, odd/even, and high/low bets. La Partage makes European roulette more favorable for players.
En Prison offers an alternative to La Partage at some casinos. When zero hits on even-money bets, the wager stays “in prison” for the next spin.
If the imprisoned bet wins on the following spin, players get their original stake back without winnings. If it loses, the casino takes the bet.
Players can choose between La Partage and En Prison when both rules are available. La Partage provides immediate resolution while En Prison offers a second chance.
Voisins du Zero and Other Call Bets
Voisins du Zero covers 17 numbers around the zero on the roulette wheel. This bet requires nine chips and includes numbers 22-18-29-7-28-12-35-3-26-0-32-15-19-4-21-2-25.
The bet splits into multiple wager types. Two chips go on the 0-2-3 trio, one chip on the 4-7 split, one chip on 12-15, one chip on 18-21, one chip on 19-22, two chips on 25-26-28-29 corner, and one chip on 32-35.
Zero Spiel covers seven numbers closest to zero using four chips. Numbers include 12-35-3-26-0-32-15.
Jeu Zero uses three chips to cover 0-3-12-15 with splits and a straight bet. This smaller version of Voisins du Zero covers fewer numbers.
Call bets require players to announce their wager verbally. Dealers place the chips in the designated racetrack section of the betting layout.
What Is American Roulette?
American roulette stands out among roulette variants due to its distinctive double zero design and 38-pocket wheel structure. This version creates unique betting opportunities while affecting odds differently than other types of roulette.
Double Zero and 00 Pocket Explained
American roulette features both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00) pocket on its wheel. These two green pockets distinguish it from other roulette variants.
The double zero pocket sits directly opposite the single zero on the wheel. Both zero pockets are colored green to separate them from the red and black numbered pockets.
When the ball lands on either zero pocket, all outside bets lose. This includes bets on red/black, odd/even, and high/low numbers.
The presence of both zero pockets increases the house advantage. Players face worse odds compared to single-zero roulette games.
Some casinos allow special bets that include the 00 pocket. These bets typically offer lower payouts due to the increased winning chances.
Wheel Structure in American Roulette
The American roulette wheel contains 38 total pockets arranged in a specific pattern. Numbers 1 through 36 occupy most positions, with 0 and 00 filling the remaining spots.
Pocket Distribution:
- 18 red pockets (odd numbers 1-9, even numbers 10-18, odd numbers 19-27, even numbers 28-36)
- 18 black pockets (even numbers 2-10, odd numbers 11-17, even numbers 20-26, odd numbers 29-35)
- 2 green pockets (0 and 00)
The wheel alternates between red and black pockets for most numbers. However, the sequence differs from European wheels due to the additional 00 pocket.
Zero and double zero sit opposite each other on the wheel. This placement ensures even spacing between the green pockets during spins.
Unique Bets in American Roulette
American roulette offers several betting options that include the 00 pocket. The “Top Line” or “Basket” bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3.
This five-number bet pays 6:1 but carries the worst odds on the table. The house edge reaches 7.89% for this specific wager.
Players can make a straight bet on the 00 pocket alone. This bet pays 35:1, matching the payout for any single number bet.
Some tables allow “0 and 00” split bets. This wager covers both zero pockets and pays 17:1 if either number hits.
Corner bets can include zero pockets in certain combinations. These bets typically involve 0, 00, 1, 2 or 0, 00, 2, 3 groupings.
Typical Betting Table and Payouts
The American roulette table displays all 38 numbers in three columns of twelve numbers each. Zero and double zero appear at the top of the layout.
Standard Payout Structure:
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Bet | 1 | 35:1 | 5.26% |
| Split Bet | 2 | 17:1 | 5.26% |
| Street Bet | 3 | 11:1 | 5.26% |
| Corner Bet | 4 | 8:1 | 5.26% |
| Top Line | 5 (0,00,1,2,3) | 6:1 | 7.89% |
Outside bets maintain the same structure as other roulette variants. Red/black, odd/even, and high/low bets all pay 1:1.
Column and dozen bets pay 2:1 when successful. These bets cover twelve numbers each but lose when either zero pocket hits.
The betting minimums and maximums vary by casino. Most tables display these limits clearly on posted signs near the wheel.
European vs American Roulette: Fundamental Differences
The core differences between European and American roulette stem from wheel design and pocket configuration. These variations directly affect the house edge, betting options, and overall game mechanics that players encounter.
Zeroes: Single vs Double
European roulette features 37 pockets with numbers 0 through 36. The wheel contains only one green zero pocket.
American roulette has 38 pockets numbered 0 through 36, plus an additional 00 pocket. This double zero creates the main distinction between the two variants.
The extra 00 pocket in American roulette increases the house edge to 5.26%. European roulette maintains a lower house edge of 2.70% due to its single zero.
This difference means players lose money faster in American roulette. For every $100 wagered, the house keeps $5.26 in American roulette versus $2.70 in European roulette.
Wheel Numbering and Layout
Both roulette variants use the same number sequence from 0 to 36. However, the physical arrangement differs significantly.
European roulette wheels place numbers in this order: 0-32-15-19-4-21-2-25-17-34-6-27-13-36-11-30-8-23-10-5-24-16-33-1-20-14-31-9-22-18-29-7-28-12-35-3-26.
American roulette wheels arrange numbers as: 0-28-9-26-30-11-7-20-32-17-5-22-34-15-3-24-36-13-1-00-27-10-25-29-12-8-19-31-18-6-21-33-16-4-23-35-14-2.
The double zero sits directly opposite the single zero on American wheels. This positioning affects ball distribution patterns during play.
Impact on Payouts and Bet Types
Both games offer identical payout structures for winning bets. Single numbers pay 35:1, while even-money bets pay 1:1.
The key difference lies in winning probabilities. European roulette gives players better odds on all bet types due to fewer total pockets.
Even-money bets win 18 out of 37 spins in European roulette (48.65% chance). American roulette reduces this to 18 out of 38 spins (47.37% chance).
Some European roulette tables include special rules like “La Partage” or “En Prison.” These rules return half the stake or allow another spin when the ball lands on zero for even-money bets.
House Edge and RTP Comparison
European roulette offers a 2.70% house edge compared to American roulette’s 5.26% edge, creating a significant difference in player returns. Special rules like La Partage and En Prison can further reduce the house advantage on specific bets.
Standard House Edge in Both Variants
European roulette maintains a house edge of 2.70% due to its single zero pocket among 37 total numbers. This gives the casino a mathematical advantage on every spin while keeping odds relatively favorable for players.
American roulette features a much higher house edge of 5.26% because it includes both single zero and double zero pockets. The extra zero creates 38 total pockets instead of 37.
The difference comes from the additional green pocket in American roulette. Both variants pay identical amounts for winning bets, but American roulette has worse odds of hitting any specific number or bet type.
This makes European roulette significantly better for players from a mathematical standpoint. The gap between 2.70% and 5.26% represents nearly double the house advantage in the American version.
Influence of Special Rules on House Edge
Some European roulette tables offer La Partage and En Prison rules that further reduce the house edge. These rules only apply to even-money bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low.
La Partage returns half the player’s bet when the ball lands on zero. This reduces the house edge to approximately 1.35% on affected bets.
En Prison allows players to keep their bet “imprisoned” for the next spin when zero hits. If the next spin wins, the original bet is returned without additional winnings.
These special rules are rarely found in American roulette. The double zero makes such player-friendly rules less common in the American variant.
Return to Player (RTP) Rates
European roulette provides an RTP of 97.3%, meaning players can expect to receive back $97.30 for every $100 wagered over many spins. This rate applies to all standard bets on European tables.
American roulette offers an RTP of 94.74% across all standard bets. Players receive approximately $94.74 back for every $100 wagered over extended play.
The 2.56% difference in RTP makes European roulette one of the better casino games for player returns. Most slot machines and many table games offer lower RTPs than European roulette.
When La Partage or En Prison rules are active, the RTP on even-money bets can reach 98.65% in European roulette. This creates some of the most favorable odds available in casino games.
Odds, Winning Chances, and Common Bets
The mathematical foundation of roulette creates clear differences in winning chances between European and American variants. European roulette offers better odds across all bet types due to its single zero, while American roulette’s double zero increases the house advantage.
Probability of Winning Bets
European roulette provides superior winning chances because it has 37 total pockets compared to American roulette’s 38 pockets. This single pocket difference impacts every bet on the table.
Inside Bets:
- Straight bet: 2.7% chance (European) vs 2.6% chance (American)
- Split bet: 5.4% chance (European) vs 5.3% chance (American)
- Corner bet: 10.8% chance (European) vs 10.5% chance (American)
Outside Bets:
- Red/Black: 48.65% chance (European) vs 47.37% chance (American)
- Dozen bets: 32.43% chance (European) vs 31.58% chance (American)
- Column bets: 32.43% chance (European) vs 31.58% chance (American)
The house edge remains at 2.7% for European roulette and 5.26% for American roulette across most bets. This means players lose less money over time when playing European roulette.
Straight Bet Odds in Each Variant
A straight bet on any single number pays 35:1 in both variants. However, the true odds differ significantly between the two games.
In European roulette, players have a 1 in 37 chance of winning a straight bet. The true odds are 36:1 against winning, but the casino pays only 35:1, creating the house edge.
American roulette gives players a 1 in 38 chance of winning. The true odds are 37:1 against winning, but the payout remains 35:1.
Expected Value Comparison:
- European straight bet: -2.7% expected return
- American straight bet: -5.26% expected return
This difference compounds over multiple spins. A player betting $100 per spin can expect to lose $2.70 per spin in European roulette versus $5.26 in American roulette.
Differences in Even Money Bets
Even money bets show the clearest advantage of European roulette. These bets include red/black, odd/even, and high/low wagers.
European roulette gives players 18 winning numbers out of 37 total pockets for even money bets. This creates a 48.65% winning probability.
American roulette provides the same 18 winning numbers but out of 38 total pockets. Players face a 47.37% winning probability.
The extra zero in American roulette reduces winning chances by 1.28 percentage points. Over 100 spins, this translates to roughly one additional loss.
French Roulette Advantage: Some European casinos offer French roulette with special rules. The “La Partage” rule returns half the bet when zero hits on even money wagers. This reduces the house edge to just 1.35% on these bets.
Roulette in Online and Land-Based Casinos
Both online and physical casinos offer American and European roulette, though availability varies by location and platform. Digital casinos typically provide more roulette variants than their land-based counterparts.
Availability of Roulette Types Online
Online casinos feature both American and European roulette as standard offerings. Most platforms allow players to access multiple types of roulette from a single account.
European roulette dominates online selections due to its lower house edge. Players can find this variant on virtually every gambling website.
American roulette appears less frequently but remains available on major platforms. Some sites specifically cater to US players who prefer the double-zero format.
Online platforms offer several advantages for roulette players:
- 24/7 availability without travel requirements
- Lower minimum bets than land-based casinos
- Free play options for practice
- Multiple tables running simultaneously
Digital formats also provide detailed game statistics. Players can track their betting patterns and results more easily than in physical venues.
Experience at Land-Based Casinos
Physical casinos offer a more social roulette experience. The atmosphere includes the sound of spinning wheels and chips clicking on tables.
European casinos primarily feature European roulette with single-zero wheels. French roulette with special rules like “La Partage” appears in upscale establishments.
American casinos focus heavily on American roulette. The double-zero format generates higher profits for casino operators.
Land-based venues typically employ professional dealers called croupiers. These staff members manage the game pace and handle all betting procedures.
Table limits vary significantly between venues. High-end casinos offer VIP roulette rooms with elevated betting minimums and maximums.
The social aspect remains a key draw. Players can interact with dealers and other gamblers during gameplay.
Roulette Variants in Digital Formats
Online casinos expand beyond traditional American and European formats. Digital platforms host numerous roulette variants that rarely appear in physical venues.
Popular online roulette variations include:
- Lightning Roulette with multiplied payouts
- Speed Roulette for faster gameplay
- Multi-wheel Roulette with several wheels spinning simultaneously
- Live dealer Roulette combining online convenience with real dealers
Live dealer games bridge the gap between online and land-based experiences. Real croupiers operate physical wheels while players bet through their devices.
Mobile-optimized versions allow roulette play on smartphones and tablets. These formats maintain full functionality while adapting to smaller screens.
Some platforms offer mini-roulette with fewer numbers or progressive roulette with growing jackpots. These casino games create unique experiences unavailable in traditional venues.
Digital innovation continues expanding roulette possibilities. Virtual reality roulette and augmented reality features represent the newest developments in online gambling technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players often have specific questions about wheel layouts, house edges, and betting strategies when choosing between these two roulette variants. The differences in casino availability and payout structures also influence player decisions.
What is the difference in the wheel layout between European and American Roulette?
European roulette wheels have 37 pockets numbered 0 through 36. The single green zero pocket sits between red and black numbers.
American roulette wheels contain 38 pockets with numbers 0 through 36 plus an additional 00 pocket. Both zero pockets are green and positioned opposite each other on the wheel.
The extra double zero pocket is the main visual difference between the two wheel types. This additional pocket changes the spacing and arrangement of all other numbers on the American wheel.
How does the house edge compare between European and American Roulette games?
European roulette has a house edge of 2.7% due to its single zero pocket. This means the casino advantage is lower for players.
American roulette carries a house edge of 5.26% because of the additional double zero pocket. The extra pocket nearly doubles the casino’s mathematical advantage.
Players lose money at a slower rate on European wheels. The difference becomes more noticeable during longer playing sessions.
What are the main differences in betting strategies for European and American Roulette?
Most betting strategies work on both roulette types, but they perform better on European wheels due to the lower house edge. Popular systems like Martingale or Fibonacci lose money more slowly on single-zero wheels.
Some players adjust their bet sizes when switching between variants. They might bet smaller amounts on American roulette to account for the higher house edge.
The En Prison and La Partage rules available on some European tables provide additional advantages for even-money bets. These rules can reduce the house edge to 1.35% on specific wagers.
Can players find European Roulette tables in Las Vegas casinos?
European roulette tables exist in Las Vegas but are much less common than American tables. Most major casinos on the Strip offer at least one European roulette table.
These tables typically have higher minimum bets than their American counterparts. Players might need to bet $25 or more per spin compared to $5 minimums on American tables.
Some casinos place European roulette tables in high-limit gaming areas. Players should call ahead or ask floor staff about table locations and betting limits.
What are the payout differences for bets in European versus American Roulette?
Both roulette variants pay identical amounts for winning bets. A straight-up number bet pays 35 to 1 in both games.
Red or black bets pay even money in both versions. Corner bets, splits, and dozens all have the same payout ratios regardless of wheel type.
The difference lies in winning frequency, not payout amounts. Players win slightly more often on European wheels because there are fewer total pockets.
Why might players prefer European Roulette over American Roulette?
The lower house edge of 2.7% gives players better long-term odds compared to the 5.26% edge in American roulette. This means slower money loss over time.
European roulette offers better value for the same entertainment time. Players can expect their bankroll to last longer during gaming sessions.
Some European tables include favorable rules like La Partage or En Prison. These rules can cut the house edge in half on even-money bets, making them even more attractive to players.
