Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.
Understanding the subtle differences between the wheels is crucial for maximizing your chances of winning.
The Difference is in the Zeros
A European roulette wheel features 37 pockets in total: the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0).
The addition of the 00 pocket effectively doubles the casino's built-in mathematical advantage over the player.
European wheel has 37 total pocketsAmerican wheel has 38 total pocketsBoth versions pay 35 to 1 on a single number bet
The Mathematics of the Two Wheels
Conversely, the American wheel's extra double zero pushes the house edge up to a massive 5.26%.
This means you will lose money almost twice as fast playing the American version over the long term.
Lowering the Edge Even Further
The "La Partage" rule dictates that if the ball lands on zero, you only lose half of your even-money bet.
This makes French roulette one of the most mathematically favorable table games on the entire casino floor.
VersionZero PocketsHouse EdgeEuropeanOne (0)2.70%AmericanTwo (0, 00)5.26%
Playing American roulette is a mathematical mistake that unnecessarily drains your bankroll twice as fast.
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European vs. American Roulette Explained
Alvin Le Grand edited this page 2026-08-04 21:51:55 -05:00