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.
We will break down the wheel layouts, the odds, and the house edge associated with each variant.
The Zeroes: What Separates the Two Games
Visually, the two tables look almost identical, but a closer inspection of the wheel reveals a critical design change.
A European Roulette wheel features 37 pockets in total: the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single green zero (0).
An American Roulette wheel features 38 pockets: the numbers 1 through 36, a single zero (0), and an extra double zero (00).
Adding one extra slot to the wheel drastically alters the probabilities without changing the payouts.
The zeroes are the casino's primary source of profit on even-money bets; the American wheel doubles the casino's advantage.
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.
If you hit a single number on either wheel, the dealer will hand you 35 chips for every 1 chip you bet.
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%.
Mathematically speaking, playing American Roulette when a European table is available is a completely irrational decision.
French Roulette: The Best Rules Available
French Roulette uses the same single-zero wheel as the European version but includes special player-friendly rules.
These special rules—La Partage and En Prison—apply to even-money bets like Red/Black or Odd/Even.
Instead of losing your entire wager to the zero, the casino returns 50% of your stake as a consolation.
The "En Prison" rule is similar; if the zero hits, your bet is "imprisoned" and left on the table for the next spin.
Unfortunately, French Roulette tables are rare in physical casinos outside of Europe, but they are easy to find online.
Quick Reference: Which Game is Best?
The American Wheel: Features a double zero. Terrible odds (5.26%). Avoid playing this version entirely. European Roulette: 37 pockets (single 0). House edge is 2.70%. The standard, fair version of the game. French Roulette: 37 pockets with La Partage rule. House edge is 1.35% on even-money bets. The absolute best choice. Live Dealer: Always check if the live stream is using an American or European wheel before sitting down. The Math: The only true strategy is picking the wheel with the lowest built-in casino advantage.
Odds and Payouts Breakdown
FeatureEuropean Roulette (Single 0)American Roulette (Double 00) Total NumbersThirty-SevenThirty-Eight Straight Up Payout35:135:1 True Odds of Winning36 to 1 Against37 to 1 Against Expected Loss per $100$2.70$5.26
The debate between European and American Roulette is not a matter of preference; it is a matter of mathematics.
In physical casinos in the US, finding a European table often requires betting in the high-limit VIP rooms.
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.