European and American Roulette offer two distinct variants, each with different wheel configurations, house edges, and strategic implications. The primary difference is that the American Roulette wheel has an additional double-zero pocket, increasing the house advantage from 2.7% to 5.26%.
Understanding European Roulette, American Roulette, and how these structural differences affect optimal play is critical to long-term profitability across both variants.
What Is European Roulette?
European Roulette is the classic variant, featuring 37 numbered pockets: 1-36 plus a single zero. This configuration gives European Roulette a 2.7% house edge on most bets, making it significantly more favorable to players than its American counterpart.
European Roulette Wheel
The European Roulette wheel displays numbers in a specific non-sequential pattern around the wheel. This arrangement ensures that high and low numbers, odd and even numbers, and red and black pockets distribute evenly. Players exploring different variants often compare options at the best online casinos, where multiple roulette versions offer strategic variety.
The single zero pocket is green, distinct from the red and black number pockets. This single-zero configuration differentiates European roulette from American roulette and reduces the house edge.
European Roulette Table
The European Roulette table features a betting layout accommodating inside bets (straight, split, street, corner, line) and outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, columns). The table displays numbers 1-36 in a 3×12 grid plus the zero position.
Some Euro Roulette tables include French betting terms and special rules like La Partage or En Prison, lowering the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35%.
What Is American Roulette?
American Roulette features 38 numbered pockets: 1-36 plus a single zero and a double zero. The extra pocket pushes the house advantage to 5.26% on most bets, nearly doubling the casino’s edge compared to European Roulette.
American Roulette Wheel
The American Roulette wheel arranges numbers differently from European wheels. The roulette wheel used in American casinos includes both green zero (0) and double-zero (00) pockets, positioned opposite each other.
The US Roulette wheel maintains the same physical size as European wheels but accommodates the extra pocket. This double-zero configuration creates the fundamental difference between American and European Roulette.
American Roulette Table Layout
American Roulette tables mirror European layouts for inside and outside bets, but add a betting position for the double-zero. The table includes a Five Number bet (0-00-1-2-3) unique to American Roulette, carrying an exceptionally poor 7.89% house edge that strategic players avoid.
Difference Between American and European Roulette
The difference between American and European Roulette encompasses more than wheel configuration, affecting house edge, available bets, and strategic implications.
House Edge Comparison
European Roulette: 2.7% house edge on standard bets. With La Partage or En Prison rules, even-money bets only face a 1.35% house edge.
American Roulette: 5.26% house edge on standard bets. The Five Number bet increases to 7.89% house edge.
This house edge differential means European Roulette returns approximately $97.30 per $100 wagered over the long term, while American Roulette returns only $94.74. Over the long term, this difference accumulates significantly.
Number of Pockets
European Roulette wheels contain 37 pockets (0-36). American wheels contain 38 pockets (0, 00, 1-36). This single additional pocket creates the entire house edge differential.
The additional pocket reduces the single-number win probability from 1/37 to 1/38 while keeping payouts fixed at 35-to-1, creating the entire house-edge gap between the two variants.
Betting Options and Rules
European Roulette offers traditional betting options, plus the option to use French rules (La Partage, En Prison), which lowers the house edge on even-money bets. Players comparing payout structures often evaluate high payout casinos where favorable roulette variants maximize return percentages.
American Roulette provides identical betting options except for the Five Number bet (0-00-1-2-3). This bet carries such poor expected value that knowledgeable players never place it.
European Roulette Casino Advantages
European Roulette casino games provide several player advantages over American variants:
Lower House Edge: The 2.7% house edge versus 5.26% creates substantial long-term value differences.
Better Odds on All Bets: Every bet type offers superior expected value in European Roulette due to the single-zero configuration.
Special Rules Availability: La Partage and En Prison rules potentially reduce the house edge to 1.35% on even-money bets.
Higher RTP: Return-to-player percentages exceed American Roulette by approximately 2.5%, accumulating significantly over time.
Euro Roulette vs. American Roulette Strategy
The strategy differences between Euro Roulette and American Roulette stem primarily from differences in house edge rather than from tactical betting approaches.
Bankroll Management
European Roulette’s lower house edge allows smaller bankrolls for equivalent play. A player targeting a four-hour session at $10 minimums typically needs 15–20% less bankroll than in American Roulette due to reduced expected losses.
European Roulette Bankroll: Approximately $300-400 for 4 hours at $10 minimums
American Roulette Bankroll: Approximately $350-475 for equivalent play
Optimal Bet Selection
Both variants favor outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) for recreational players due to their lower variance. However, house edges remain constant across bet types within each variant.
European Roulette Optimal Bets:
- Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) with La Partage or En Prison rules
- Standard outside bets without special rules
- Any bet type carries a 2.7% house edge without special rules
American Roulette Optimal Bets:
- Even-money outside bets
- Dozens of column bets
- Avoid Five Number bet (7.89% house edge)
Those interested in learning more about European Roulette strategy and optimal play often explore comprehensive resources for deeper insights into the variant.
System Effectiveness
Betting systems (Martingale, Fibonacci, D’Alembert) function identically across both variants but lose money faster in American Roulette due to the increased house edge. No betting system overcomes the mathematical house advantage.
Systems create different risk-reward profiles but cannot generate positive expected value. The lower European Roulette house edge simply reduces losses when employing any system.
Roulette Wheel European vs. American: Physical Differences
Beyond the obvious double-zero addition, the European and American roulette wheels differ, particularly when comparing a roulette wheel American casinos use versus European layouts.
Number Arrangement
European Roulette wheels are arranged to ensure an even distribution of high/low, odd/even, and red/black around the wheel. Consecutive numbers rarely appear adjacent.
American wheels use a different number sequence but maintain similar distribution principles. The 0 and 00 pockets position opposite each other.
Wheel Construction
Professional casino wheels maintain identical construction standards across variants: precision-balanced, tested for bias, and manufactured to exacting specifications. The physical quality differences prove negligible; the mathematical configuration differences dominate strategic considerations.
Pocket Size
Adding a 38th pocket to American wheels slightly reduces the dimensions of individual pockets compared to 37-pocket European wheels. This difference remains imperceptible during normal play.
European Roulette Wheels in Different Markets
European Roulette wheels dominate in European casinos, where they represent the standard variant. American Roulette appears rarely in European gaming establishments due to player preference for superior odds.
Conversely, American Roulette wheels predominate in United States casinos, though many now offer European Roulette tables responding to educated player demand. Players prioritizing game integrity often evaluate secure sites where verified RNG systems ensure fair outcomes across all roulette variants.
Online casinos typically offer both variants, allowing players to choose based on their preferred house edge. Smart players consistently select European Roulette when available, accepting American Roulette only when European variants remain unavailable.
Difference Between European Roulette and American Roulette: Summary Table
|
Feature |
European Roulette |
American Roulette |
|
Total Pockets |
37 (0-36) |
38 (0, 00, 1-36) |
|
House Edge |
2.7% (1.35% with special rules) |
5.26% (7.89% on Five Number) |
|
Zero Pockets |
1 (Single Zero) |
2 (Zero and Double Zero) |
|
Special Rules |
La Partage, En Prison possible |
Generally unavailable |
|
RTP |
97.30% |
94.74% |
|
Expected Loss per $100 |
$2.70 |
$5.26 |
|
Optimal for Players |
Yes |
No |
Variant Availability and Selection
Players should prioritize European Roulette whenever both variants appear available. The mathematical advantage proves substantial and accumulates significantly over extended sessions.
Online Casino Selection
Online platforms frequently offer both variants. Disciplined players select European Roulette exclusively, reserving American Roulette for situations where European options are unavailable.
Live Dealer Considerations
Live dealer roulette streams real wheels and dealers, providing an authentic casino atmosphere. European Roulette dominates live dealer offerings in international markets.
Mobile Roulette
Mobile casino apps offer the same house edge as desktop versions. Players should verify the variant type before playing.
Common Misconceptions
Several misconceptions surround European vs. American Roulette:
Myth: American Roulette Spins Faster
Reality: Spin speed depends on dealer/RNG configuration, not variant type.
Myth: Betting Systems Work Better on European Roulette
Reality: Systems lose on both variants; European simply loses more slowly.
Myth: American Roulette Pays Better
Reality: Payouts remain identical; American offers worse odds of winning.
Myth: Wheel Bias Exists
Reality: Modern roulette wheels and online RNGs undergo independent testing to eliminate bias; organizations such as eCOGRA audit and certify fairness in casino games, making persistent wheel bias extremely unlikely
Choosing the Right Variant
Smart players choose European Roulette whenever available. European Roulette provides superior expected value on every bet type.
When to Play European Roulette:
- Whenever available
- All online casino sessions
- Any casino offering both variants
When to Play American Roulette:
- Only when European Roulette is unavailable
- When specific table minimums/maximums suit the bankroll
The mathematical advantage European Roulette offers makes variant selection one of the most important decisions players face.
Maximizing Value in Both Variants
Regardless of the variant selected, several principles maximize value:
Bankroll Management: Establish loss limits appropriate to table minimums and expected playing duration.
Bet Selection: Focus on outside bets for lower variance, or inside bets for higher potential returns.
Special Rules: Seek out European Roulette tables that offer La Partage or En Prison rules.
Avoid Bad Bets: Never place the Five Number bet in American Roulette.
Understand Probability: Recognize that each spin remains independent.
European vs American Roulette: Making the Right Choice
A mathematical analysis shows that European Roulette offers a clear advantage over European variants. The difference between European and American Roulette creates nearly a 2.5% house-edge gap, translating to substantially different expected values over time.
Players seeking an optimal roulette experience should prioritize European Roulette tables, accept lower house edges, and potentially access special rules that further reduce the house advantage. While American Roulette remains playable and entertaining, it cannot match European Roulette’s mathematical value proposition.
Understanding these differences, applying appropriate bankroll management, and selecting favorable variant positions for players for the best possible outcomes in this classic casino game.
Please play responsibly. 21+, T&Cs apply.
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