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 Impact of the Double Zero
A European roulette wheel features 37 pockets in total: the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0).
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
The Mathematics of the Two Wheels
Conversely, the American wheel's extra double zero pushes the house edge up to a massive 5.26%.
Statistically, for every $100 you wager, you expect to lose $2.70 on European and $5.26 on American.
Special European Roulette Rules
The "En Prison" rule "imprisons" your bet for the next spin if the zero hits, giving you a second chance.
This makes French roulette one of the most mathematically favorable table games on the entire casino floor.
TypeLong Term Loss per $100Player ValueSingle Zero$2.70ExcellentDouble Zero$5.26Terrible
The conclusion is incredibly simple: you should always seek out and exclusively play European or French roulette.
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The Difference Between European and American Roulette
Ellie Reuter edited this page 2026-08-04 07:15:24 -04:00