Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.
European and American roulette may look nearly identical to the untrained eye, but the math differs wildly.
The Difference is in the Zeros
The American wheel, however, has 38 pockets: numbers 1 through 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00).
While the payouts remain exactly the same, your odds of hitting a specific number decrease on the American wheel.
The extra number changes all probability calculationsThe betting layout is slightly larger on the American tableEuropean tables often use a different chip system
Why the House Edge Matters
Conversely, the American wheel's extra double zero pushes the house edge up to a massive 5.26%.
There is absolutely no mathematical justification for ever choosing to play American roulette if European is available.
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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The Difference Between European and American Roulette
Colette Simpkins edited this page 2026-08-03 08:39:01 -05:00