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 Wheel Layout: The One Pocket Difference
The layout of the numbers is different, but the true impact lies in the number of zeroes in play.
A European Roulette wheel features 37 pockets in total: the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single green zero (0).
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.
Therefore, simply by choosing the wheel with two zeroes, you are doubling your chances of losing an even-money bet.
The Statistical Advantage: 2.7% vs. 5.26%
The house edge is the built-in percentage of your bet that the casino expects to keep over the long term.
The payout ratio is identical, regardless of which continent the game is named after.
However, on a European wheel, the true odds of hitting that number are 36 to 1 (because there are 37 total pockets).
Despite the worse odds, the American game still only pays 35 to 1, significantly short-changing the player.
A 5.26% edge will drain your bankroll twice as fast as the European version, offering you zero additional benefits.
French Roulette: The Best Rules Available
While European Roulette is excellent, a specific variant called French Roulette offers even better terms for the player.
These rules significantly reduce the sting of losing a 50/50 bet to the casino's built-in advantage.
Under the "La Partage" rule, if you make an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, you receive half your bet back.
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.
Quick Reference: Which Game is Best?
The American Wheel: Features a double zero. Terrible odds (5.26%). Avoid playing this version entirely. The European Wheel: Features only one zero. A fair 2.70% edge. The most common good table available. 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.
Why American Roulette is a Trap
Game AspectEuropean LayoutAmerican Layout Total NumbersThirty-SevenThirty-Eight Straight Up Payout35:135:1 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.