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European vs. American Roulette Explained
geraldowhz437 edited this page 2026-08-04 12:19:52 -04:00


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
The American wheel, however, has 38 pockets: numbers 1 through 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00).

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 Comparing the House Edge
With a house edge of 2.70%, European roulette is relatively fair compared to many other casino games.

This means you will lose money almost twice as fast playing the American version over the long term.
Special European Roulette Rules
Some European, and particularly French, roulette tables offer player-friendly rules called "La Partage" or "En Prison."

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.