Two Wheels, One Big Difference
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games in the world, and at first glance, European and American versions look nearly identical. Both feature a spinning wheel, a ball, and a betting layout. But a single extra pocket on the American wheel creates a mathematically significant difference that every player should understand before placing a bet.
The Key Structural Difference
The fundamental distinction is the number of pockets on the wheel:
- European Roulette: 37 pockets — numbers 1–36 plus a single zero (0).
- American Roulette: 38 pockets — numbers 1–36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00).
That extra double-zero pocket in the American version isn't a cosmetic change — it has a direct and measurable impact on the house edge.
House Edge Comparison
| Version | Pockets | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| European Roulette | 37 | 2.70% |
| American Roulette | 38 | 5.26% |
| French Roulette (La Partage) | 37 | 1.35% (on even-money bets) |
The American version's house edge is nearly double that of the European version. Over time, this means players lose their bankroll roughly twice as fast on the American wheel, all else being equal.
Betting Options: What's Different?
Most bet types are identical across both versions. However, American roulette has one additional bet not found in European:
- Five-Number Bet (Basket Bet): Covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. This bet carries a house edge of approximately 7.89% — the worst bet on the entire American roulette table and one to avoid entirely.
Common Bets Available in Both Versions
- Straight Up: Single number — pays 35:1.
- Split: Two adjacent numbers — pays 17:1.
- Street: Three numbers in a row — pays 11:1.
- Corner: Four numbers — pays 8:1.
- Even-money bets: Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low — pays 1:1.
French Roulette: The Best Version?
If you encounter French roulette, it uses the same single-zero wheel as European, but adds special rules:
- La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, players get half their even-money stake back, reducing the house edge to just 1.35%.
- En Prison: Even-money bets are "imprisoned" for one additional spin if zero hits, effectively producing the same odds as La Partage.
French roulette with La Partage offers the best odds for players among all mainstream roulette variants.
Wheel Layout and Number Sequence
The physical arrangement of numbers around the wheel also differs. European wheels follow a specific sequence designed to balance high/low and odd/even numbers around the wheel. American wheels use a different arrangement. Neither layout affects the odds, but European wheel sequences are the basis for some advanced betting strategies targeting specific wheel sectors.
Which Should You Play?
The answer is straightforward from a mathematical perspective:
- First choice: French Roulette with La Partage or En Prison (lowest house edge).
- Second choice: European Roulette (single zero, 2.70% edge).
- Third choice: American Roulette (only if it's the only option available).
Unless you have a specific reason to play the American version — such as a promotional offer that offsets the edge — the European wheel is always the smarter choice.
Final Thoughts
Roulette is a game of chance, and no strategy can overcome the house edge entirely. But understanding the differences between variants lets you make informed decisions about where to place your bets. Always opt for the version with the lowest house edge — your bankroll will last longer and you'll get more entertainment for your money.