Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.
Choosing the wrong version of roulette is the most common and costly mistake new players make.
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
Because the European wheel has only one zero, the house edge is a very reasonable 2.70%.
There is absolutely no mathematical justification for ever choosing to play American roulette if European is available.
The En Prison and La Partage Rules
The "En Prison" rule "imprisons" your bet for the next spin if the zero hits, giving you a second chance.
American roulette essentially never offers these rules, further cementing its status as the inferior option.
GameWheel NumbersEdge with La PartageFrench371.35%American38N/A
Online casinos almost always offer both, so be vigilant and always click on the European wheel.
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The Difference Between European and American Roulette
Del Rapp edited this page 2026-08-04 13:54:43 -05:00