European Roulette vs. American Roulette: What’s the Difference?

Roulette, the iconic casino game that has thrilled gamblers for generations, originated in 18th century France. Its name, meaning “little wheel” in French, perfectly captures the essence of this game of chance. As roulette’s popularity surged worldwide, it branched into two primary variants: European Roulette and American Roulette. Today, players can easily play European roulette online, experiencing the classic version from the comfort of their homes. While these two variations share core elements, they also possess distinct features that can substantially affect a player’s strategy, enjoyment, and likelihood of winning. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone looking to maximize their roulette experience, whether at a physical casino or in the digital realm.

Wheel and Table Layout

The most noticeable difference between European and American roulette lies in the wheel and table layout. The European roulette wheel contains 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36. The single zero (0) is colored green, while the other numbers alternate between red and black. In contrast, the American roulette wheel features 38 pockets, including an additional double zero (00) pocket, also colored green.

This extra pocket on the American wheel might seem like a minor change, but it has a substantial impact on the game. The sequence of numbers also differs between the two variants, with the European wheel following a more random pattern compared to the American wheel’s more structured arrangement.

The table layouts reflect these wheel differences. Both versions feature similar betting areas for inside and outside bets, but the American table includes an additional betting area for the double zero. European tables often have a racetrack-shaped betting area for announced bets, which is less common on American tables.

House Edge and Odds

The addition of the double zero in American roulette significantly affects the house edge – the casino’s statistical advantage over players. In European roulette, the house edge is 2.7%, while in American roulette, it jumps to 5.26%. This means that, on average, players lose $2.70 for every $100 bet on European roulette, compared to $5.26 on American roulette.

This difference in house edge directly impacts the odds of winning for players. For example, the probability of winning a straight-up bet (betting on a single number) in European roulette is 1 in 37 (2.70%), while in American roulette, it’s 1 in 38 (2.63%). Although this might seem like a small difference, it adds up over time and affects all types of bets.

Let’s compare the odds for some common bets:

• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: European: 48.65% chance of winning American: 47.37% chance of winning
• Dozen or Column bets: European: 32.4% chance of winning American: 31.58% chance of winning
• Single number bet: European: 2.70% chance of winning American: 2.63% chance of winning

These differences consistently favor the European version, making it more attractive to players seeking better odds.

Betting Options and Rules

Both European and American roulette offer a wide range of betting options, including inside bets (on specific numbers or small groups of numbers) and outside bets (on larger groups of numbers, colors, or odd/even). However, American roulette features a unique bet called the “Five Number Bet” or “Basket Bet,” which covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. This bet has the highest house edge of any roulette bet at 7.89%, making it generally unfavorable for players.

European roulette often includes additional rules that can benefit players. The “La Partage” rule allows players to recover half their stake on even-money bets if the ball lands on zero. A variation of this, the “En Prison” rule, gives players a chance to recover their entire stake on even-money bets if zero comes up. These rules further reduce the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35% in European roulette. American roulette typically doesn’t offer these player-friendly rules.

Popularity and Which to Choose

The popularity of each variant often depends on geographical location. European roulette is more common in Europe, Asia, and Africa, while American roulette dominates in North and South America. However, with the rise of online casinos, players worldwide now have access to both versions.

When choosing between European and American roulette, consider the following factors:

• Odds: European roulette offers better odds and a lower house edge.
• Familiarity: Some players may be more comfortable with the version they’ve played most often.
• Availability: Depending on your location or chosen casino, one version might be more readily available.
• Betting options: If you enjoy the Five Number Bet, you’ll need to play American roulette.

For most players, European roulette is the better choice due to its more favorable odds. However, some may prefer the added excitement of the double zero in American roulette or simply enjoy the tradition associated with it, particularly in the United States.

In the final analysis

While European and American roulette share many similarities, the key differences – particularly in wheel layout and house edge – can significantly impact your gaming experience. European roulette generally offers better odds for players, but both versions continue to captivate gamblers worldwide. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference, availability, and your gambling strategy.