European or American Roulette: Which Version Should You Play?
Roulette is the undisputed symbol of the casino floor, an elegant game of chance that has captivated players for centuries.
Sitting down at the wrong Roulette table is one of the most common and expensive mistakes a novice player can make.
One version offers a fair game of chance, while the other is heavily stacked in favor of the casino.
In this article, we will compare European and American Roulette to definitively answer which version is better.
The Zeroes: What Separates the Two Games
The layout of the numbers is different, but the true impact lies in the number of zeroes in play.
The classic European version is the original game, utilizing a wheel with 36 red and black numbers and exactly one green zero.
When the game was brought to America, casino owners greedily added a second green pocket, the double zero (00), to increase their profits.
Adding one extra slot to the wheel drastically alters the probabilities without changing the payouts.
When you bet on black, you lose if the ball lands on a green zero; in the American version, there are twice as many ways to lose.
The Math: Comparing the House Edge
The house edge is the built-in percentage of your bet that the casino expects to keep over the long term.
In both games, a winning bet on a single number pays out at 35 to 1.
A 2.70% edge means you will lose an average of $2.70 for every $100 you wager; this is considered a fair casino game.
This massive discrepancy causes the house edge on an American Roulette wheel to skyrocket to a brutal 5.26%.
By simply playing the American version, you are giving the casino nearly double the statistical advantage for absolutely no extra reward.
La Partage and En Prison Rules
French Roulette uses the same single-zero wheel as the European version but includes special player-friendly rules.
The French variations are designed to protect players when the dreaded green zero actually hits.
This simple rule effectively cuts the house edge on even-money bets in half, down to an incredibly low 1.35%.
If your bet wins on the subsequent spin, you get your original stake back (without profit); if it loses, the casino takes it.
Unfortunately, French Roulette tables are rare in physical casinos outside of Europe, but they are easy to find online.
Comparison of Roulette Variants
The American Wheel: Features a double zero. Terrible odds (5.26%). Avoid playing this version entirely. Single Zero Roulette: Excellent odds for a table game. This should be your default choice. French Rules: Cuts the house edge to 1.35%. Always play this online if the casino offers it. Novelty Games: Multi-wheel or lightning roulette alter the payouts; always check the RTP before playing variants. The Math: The only true strategy is picking the wheel with the lowest built-in casino advantage.
Odds and Payouts Breakdown
Game AspectEuropean LayoutAmerican Layout Total Pockets37 (1-36 + 0)38 (1-36 + 0 + 00) Payout for Single Number35 to 135 to 1 (Identical) True Odds of Winning36 to 1 Against37 to 1 Against House Edge2.70%5.26% (Nearly Double)
There is absolutely no logical reason a player should ever choose to play American Roulette.
However, online casinos offer both versions to all players, giving you the power to choose the better odds.
By simply selecting the correct thumbnail in the casino lobby, you instantly double your chances of keeping your bankroll.
Respect the math, demand the single zero, and enjoy the elegant thrill of classic European Roulette.