European vs American Roulette: Key Differences
Choosing between European and American roulette is the single most important decision a roulette player makes. The difference is one pocket on the wheel — but that pocket costs you an extra 2.56% house edge every spin. Over a long session, this adds up to a significant real-money difference.
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The Core Difference: One vs Two Zero Pockets
European roulette has 37 pockets: numbers 1–36 plus a single zero (0).
American roulette has 38 pockets: numbers 1–36 plus zero (0) and double zero (00).
This single extra pocket changes the house edge dramatically:
- European roulette house edge: 1/37 = 2.70%
- American roulette house edge: 2/38 = 5.26%
For every £100 you wager, you lose £2.70 on average at European roulette and £5.26 at American roulette. The double zero pocket nearly doubles the casino's mathematical advantage.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is a full breakdown of the differences:
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel pockets | 37 (0 + 1–36) | 38 (0 + 00 + 1–36) |
| House edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Best even-money edge | 1.35% (with La Partage) | 5.26% |
| Five-number bet | Not available | 6 + 0 + 00 = 7.89% house edge |
| Wheel sequence | Different from American | Different from European |
| La Partage rule | Available (French roulette) | Not available |
| En Prison rule | Available (French roulette) | Not available |
| Where played | Europe, most online casinos | USA casinos, some online |
The Five-Number Bet: Worst Bet in Roulette
American roulette has one unique bet with no European equivalent: the Five-Number Bet (also called the Basket or Top Line bet). This covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 — paying 6:1.
The house edge on this bet is 7.89% — the highest of any standard roulette bet. It exists only because of the double zero and should never be placed. Even basic American roulette bets at 5.26% are significantly better.
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French Roulette: Even Better Than European
French roulette uses a European wheel (single zero) but adds two player-friendly rules:
La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) receive half their stake back. This reduces the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35%.
En Prison: If the ball lands on zero, even-money bets are 'imprisoned' — they stay on the table for the next spin. If they win the next spin, the stake is returned in full. If they lose, the casino keeps it. This also effectively reduces the house edge to 1.35%.
French roulette is the best version of roulette for players — the 1.35% house edge on even-money bets is one of the lowest edges in any casino game.
Which to Play: Priority Order
Based purely on house edge, the correct choice order is:
1. French roulette (La Partage or En Prison): 1.35% house edge on even-money bets — best available.
2. European roulette: 2.70% house edge — standard choice when French isn't available.
3. American roulette: 5.26% house edge — only play if European/French is not available.
Online casinos almost always offer European and French roulette. Land-based casinos in the US predominantly offer American. If you're at a US casino with both versions, choose European every time.
For a live dealer-specific comparison of European, French, and American roulette options available online, see Live Casino Guides' European vs American live roulette guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is European roulette always better than American?
Yes — European roulette's 2.70% house edge is always better than American's 5.26%. French roulette with La Partage (1.35%) is even better. Never choose American when European is available.
What is the La Partage rule?
A French roulette rule that returns half your stake on even-money bets when the ball lands on zero. It reduces the effective house edge from 2.70% to 1.35% on those bets.
Are the payouts different between European and American?
No — the payouts for each bet type are identical. The difference is only in the wheel layout (zero pockets) and therefore the house edge.
Why does American roulette exist if European is better for players?
American casinos historically introduced the double zero to increase profits. The tradition persisted in the US. European casinos operated under more competitive conditions, maintaining single-zero wheels.
Can I play European roulette in a US casino?
Sometimes — high-end US casinos may offer single-zero roulette in premium areas. Online casinos available to US players usually offer both versions. Always check before playing.
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