Roulette is the undisputed symbol of the casino floor, an elegant game of chance that has captivated players for centuries.
While the basic rules are identical, there is a fundamental difference between the European and American versions of the game.
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 entire difference between European and American Roulette boils down to the green pockets on the wheel.
The classic European version is the original game, utilizing a wheel with 36 red and black numbers and exactly one green zero.
The American layout increases the total number of pockets to 38, changing the entire mathematical structure of the game.
Adding one extra slot to the wheel drastically alters the probabilities without changing the payouts.
The zeroes are the casino's primary source of profit on even-money bets; the American wheel doubles the casino's advantage.
The Math: Comparing the House Edge
To truly understand why the American version is inferior, we must look at the mathematical House Edge.
If you hit a single number on either wheel, the dealer will hand you 35 chips for every 1 chip you bet.
Because the payout (35 to 1) is only slightly lower than the true odds (36 to 1), the house edge is a very reasonable 2.70%.
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
If you want the absolute best odds possible, you should look specifically for French Roulette tables.
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.
The "En Prison" rule is similar; if the zero hits, your bet is "imprisoned" and left on the table for the next spin.
Unfortunately, French Roulette tables are rare in physical casinos outside of Europe, but they are easy to find online.
The Three Main Roulette Games
- American Roulette: 38 pockets (0 and 00). House edge is 5.26%. The worst option available.
- Single Zero Roulette: Excellent odds for a table game. This should be your default choice.
- French Roulette: 37 pockets with La Partage rule. House edge is 1.35% on even-money bets. The absolute best choice.
- Live Dealer: Always check if the live stream is using an American or European wheel before sitting down.
- The Math: The only true strategy is picking the wheel with the lowest built-in casino advantage.
Odds and Payouts Breakdown
| Statistic | The Fair Wheel | The Greedy Wheel |
|---|---|---|
| Total Pockets | 37 (1-36 + 0) | 38 (1-36 + 0 + 00) |
| Straight Up Payout | 35:1 | 35:1 |
| True Odds of Winning | 36 to 1 Against | 37 to 1 Against |
| House Edge | 2.70% | 5.26% (Nearly Double) |
Playing the American version is essentially volunteering to give the casino double the money for the exact same entertainment.
Vegas casinos know the American wheel is a trap, which is why they force low-stakes players to use the double-zero tables.
Always inspect the digital wheel or the live dealer's layout before you place your first chip.
Good luck at the tables, and may the ball always avoid the green pockets when you need it most.
