European vs American Roulette: What’s the Difference?
Roulette is one of the most recognizable casino games in the world. Its spinning wheel, numbered pockets, and variety of betting options attract both beginners and experienced players. However, not every roulette game follows exactly the same format.
Two of the most popular versions are European roulette and American roulette. Although they look similar and share many rules, one important difference significantly affects the mathematical odds.
Understanding how these roulette variations work can help players make informed decisions before placing their bets.
What Is European Roulette?
European roulette is a traditional version of the game featuring a wheel with 37 numbered pockets. These include numbers 1 through 36 and a single green zero.
The numbered pockets alternate between red and black, while zero is green.
Players can place different types of bets, including:
Straight-up bets on individual numbers.
Red or black bets.
Odd or even bets.
High or low number bets.
Dozens and columns.
Split, street, corner, and six-line bets.
European roulette has a standard house edge of approximately 2.70%, making it mathematically more favorable than the standard American version.
The game is widely available at traditional casinos and online gaming platforms.
What Is American Roulette?
American roulette follows almost identical gameplay mechanics but introduces one additional pocket.
Instead of 37 numbers, the American wheel contains 38 pockets:
Numbers 1 through 36.
One green zero (0).
One green double zero (00).
This additional double-zero pocket changes the probability of winning bets without increasing the standard payouts.
As a result, American roulette has a house edge of approximately 5.26%.
Although the difference may appear small, it has a considerable impact on the expected outcome over many rounds.
European vs American Roulette: Main Differences
The easiest way to compare these roulette variations is to examine their fundamental characteristics.
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Total pockets | 37 | 38 |
| Green pockets | One (0) | Two (0 and 00) |
| House edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| RTP | 97.30% | 94.74% |
| Straight-up payout | 35:1 | 35:1 |
| Red/black payout | 1:1 | 1:1 |
| Chance of a straight-up win | 2.70% | 2.63% |
| Typical wheel layout | Single-zero layout | Double-zero layout |
The most important distinction is the number of green pockets. European roulette has only one zero, while American roulette has two.
That difference changes the probabilities associated with every standard wager.
How Does the House Edge Affect Roulette?
The house edge represents the casino’s mathematical advantage over players across a large number of bets.
In European roulette, the standard house edge is calculated using 37 pockets.
In American roulette, the additional double-zero pocket increases the number of possible outcomes to 38.
Consider a simple example.
A player places a €10 straight-up bet on number 17.
If the ball lands on that number, the payout is 35:1 in both versions. However, the chance of winning differs:
European roulette: 1 in 37.
American roulette: 1 in 38.
This means that the same wager offers a slightly higher probability of success on a European wheel.
Over 1,000 spins with €10 wagered per spin, the theoretical expected losses would be approximately €270 in European roulette and €526 in American roulette.
These figures are mathematical averages, not predictions of individual gaming sessions. Actual results can vary considerably.
Are Betting Options Different?
Most betting options are identical in European and American roulette.
Both versions allow players to place inside and outside bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets focus on specific numbers or small groups of numbers.
Examples include straight-up, split, street, corner, and six-line bets.
A straight-up bet pays 35:1, while a split bet pays 17:1.
Inside bets generally offer larger potential payouts but lower probabilities of winning.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and usually provide more frequent, smaller wins.
Common examples include:
Red or black.
Odd or even.
Numbers 1–18 or 19–36.
Dozens.
Columns.
For example, a red bet covers 18 numbers in both roulette versions.
However, European roulette offers an 18-in-37 chance of winning, compared with 18-in-38 in American roulette.
The payout remains 1:1 in both cases.
American roulette also commonly offers a five-number basket bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Its house edge is approximately 7.89%, higher than the standard American roulette house edge.
What About La Partage and En Prison Rules?
Some single-zero roulette tables feature additional rules that can reduce the house edge on even-money bets.
Two notable examples are La Partage and En Prison, most commonly associated with French roulette.
La Partage allows players to recover half of an even-money wager when the ball lands on zero.
En Prison generally allows an even-money bet to remain on the table for the next spin when zero appears, subject to the game’s specific rules.
Under the conventional versions of these rules, the effective house edge on qualifying even-money bets can fall to approximately 1.35%.
However, players should check the rules of the particular table. These features are not automatically included in every European roulette game.
Which Roulette Version Is Better for Beginners?
For beginners comparing standard roulette versions, European roulette is generally the more favorable option mathematically.
Its single-zero wheel provides a lower house edge, while the rules and betting options remain relatively straightforward.
American roulette offers a similar gaming experience, but the additional double zero increases the casino’s advantage.
Beginners may find it useful to understand the betting layout, read the paytable, and practice with a demonstration version before wagering real money.
It is also important to establish a budget and avoid increasing wagers in an attempt to recover previous losses.
No roulette betting strategy can eliminate the house edge or guarantee consistent winnings.
Can You Play European and American Roulette Online?
Both variations are available at many online casinos, including RNG-based and live-dealer formats.
RNG roulette uses software to generate game outcomes, while live roulette broadcasts gameplay from a physical table operated by a dealer.
Before choosing a roulette game, players should check its rules, minimum and maximum betting limits, wheel format, and displayed RTP.
At WildTornado Casino, players can explore the available casino game categories and review individual game information to find suitable options. Availability of particular roulette variations may vary.
Final Thoughts: European or American Roulette?
European and American roulette share the same basic concept, betting structure, and most payout values.
However, the difference between a single-zero wheel and a double-zero wheel has a direct effect on the game’s mathematical advantage.
European roulette offers a standard house edge of 2.70%, compared with 5.26% for American roulette.
For players choosing between otherwise equivalent tables, European roulette provides better theoretical odds.
Regardless of the version, roulette remains a game of chance. Every spin is independent, outcomes cannot be reliably predicted, and responsible bankroll management is essential.
Author
I am the Director of a company that specializes in providing a range of services including marketing analytics, web design, email marketing, content creation, and graphic design. With over 13 years of experience in analytics and marketing, I have successfully managed teams and developed strategies that cater to various client needs. My role involves overseeing projects, ensuring quality service delivery, and driving business growth through effective marketing solutions.
I am the Director of a company that specializes in providing a range of services including marketing analytics, web design, email marketing, content creation, and graphic design. With over 13 years of experience in analytics and marketing, I have successfully managed teams and developed strategies that cater to various client needs. My role involves overseeing projects, ensuring quality service delivery, and driving business growth through effective marketing solutions.
