European vs American Roulette: What’s the Difference?

Several versions of roulette are available, each with unique features that distinguish them from one another. Among the most prominent are European and American Roulette, found in most real money casinos. While they share the same basic principles, their differences significantly impact the odds for winning. Understanding how the seemingly small difference between the two affects the overall odds of each game is crucial for maximising your chances of winning.

Overview of European Roulette

European Roulette is a one of the most popular variations of roulette and has gained widespread popularity across Europe (as the name would suggest), but also other parts of the world such as Asia and even the United States.

The basic rules of European Roulette involve placing bets on the betting table before the dealer, known as the croupier, spins the wheel in one direction and rolls a small ball in the opposite direction.

You can continue to place bets until the croupier announces “no more bets.” The ball eventually lands in one of the numbered pockets, determining the winning number.

Utilising a wheel which contains 37 numbered pockets, ranging from 1 to 36 (split equally between red and black), plus a single zero (0) —  you place your bets on a table that mirrors the numbers on the wheel, with additional options for betting on combinations of numbers, such as odd or even, red or black, and other various groupings.

The layout of the European Roulette betting table is straightforward, with numbers arranged in three columns of 12 rows each. Inside bets are individual numbers or combinations of numbers, while outside bets are red/black, odd/even, and high/low (1-18 or 19-36). Here’s a run-down of what you can bet on and the associated odds.

BET TYPES FOR EUROPEAN ROULETTE (WITH ODDS AND RETURNS)

INSIDE BETS:

Bet on individual numbers or small groups of numbers within the grid for higher payouts but lower chances of winning.

OUTSIDE BETS:

Bet on broader categories such as colours, odd/even, or groups of numbers for lower payouts but higher chances of winning.

SPECIAL BETS:

Cover specific sections of the wheel (like Voisins or Orphelins) for unique betting opportunities and various payouts.

*Odds rounded up to closest decimal point.

The IMPORTANCE OF THE GREEN ZERO(S) AND HOW THEY IMPACT HOUSE EDGE

One of the key features of the European Roulette wheel is its single zero (0). This is what sets it apart from the American Roulette wheel, which includes both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00).

The zeroes are significant because they directly impacts the house edge. We’ll go into this further on in the article, but as you can see from the above — the simple fact there’s a difference between the payout and the odds should give you a quick idea on how the casino makes their money with roulette.

Since the house edge is calculated based on the number of zeroes on the wheel, European Roulette is more favourable to players than American Roulette.

With a single zero, versus zero (0) and double zero (00) in the American version, there is a total house edge of 2.7% instead of 5.26%.

Overview of American Roulette

American Roulette is commonly found in both land-based and online casinos. The American Roulette wheel contains 38 numbered pockets, ranging from 1 to 36, alongside a single zero (0) and a double zero (00).

The numbers are alternately coloured red and black, with the single zero and double zero both coloured green. This structure significantly impacts the game’s odds and the house edge.

The basic rules of American Roulette are the same as the European version. You place your bets on a table that displays the numbers and various betting options.

Once bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and rolls a small ball in the opposite direction. You can continue to place bets until the croupier signals that no more bets are allowed. The result of the game round is decided by which pocket the ball lands in.

A defining feature of American Roulette is the presence of both the single zero (0) and the double zero (00) on the wheel. Let’s take a look at how this impacts the odds:

BET TYPES FOR AMERICAN ROULETTE (WITH ODDS AND RETURNS)

INSIDE BETS:

OUTSIDE BETS:

SPECIAL BETS:

This addition of the double zero is the primary difference between American and European Roulette. The double zero increases the total number of pockets on the wheel from 37 in European Roulette to 38 in American Roulette. This additional zero significantly raises the house edge, making it 5.26%.

The American Roulette betting table layout reflects the inclusion of the double zero. The numbers are arranged in three columns with 12 rows each, but with the single zero and double zero positioned at the top of the table.

You can place various bets, including inside bets on individual numbers or small groups, and outside bets on larger groupings.

Additionally, American Roulette allows for a special type of bet known as the ‘Five-Number Bet’ or ‘Top Line Bet,’ which includes 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. However, this bet is the worst one you can make, as it has a house edge of 7.89%.

The inclusion of the double zero in American Roulette make it a less advantageous compared to European Roulette.

Key Differences Between European and American Roulette

European and American Roulette are both considered to be classic roulette games. Both games share the same basic rules, but there are key differences that impact your experience, the odds, and best strategies.

Number of Pockets on the Wheel

The most notable differences between European and American Roulette is the number of pockets on the wheel. European Roulette features 37 pockets, numbered from 1 to 36, plus a single zero (0). In contrast, American Roulette includes an additional pocket for a double zero (00), bringing the total to 38 pockets. This seemingly minor variation has significant implications for gameplay and the overall odds of winning.

House Edge and Impact on Player Odds

The house edge is a critical factor that differentiates the two versions of roulette. In European Roulette, the presence of just one zero results in a house edge of 2.7%. This relatively low house edge makes European Roulette more favourable to players.
In American Roulette, having both a single zero and a double zero increases the house edge to 5.26%. This higher house edge means you’re less likely to win. For example, in a straight-up bet on a single number, European Roulette offers a probability of 1 in 37, while American Roulette offers 1 in 38.

Strategy Considerations

In European Roulette, the lower house edge makes inside bets more appealing. In American Roulette, the increased house edge requires more caution.

Outside bets like red or black, odd or even, offer nearly 50/50 odds, and these bets, while using a roulette strategy for even-money bets, are your recommended. Bets like the ‘Five-Number Bet’ (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) in American Roulette should be avoided.

Popularity and Availability in Casinos Worldwide

The European Roulette version is the most popular one, in most countries and regions – including in Australia. The American Roulette version is, not surprisingly, most commonly found in the US, where it’s considered to be the standard version. However, you can find a good selection of both versions in any good casino games section, along with other roulette types. Other versions of roulette have different rules, but they (almost) always use either the European or the American wheel.

Which Version Should You Play?

When deciding between European and American Roulette, you should consider the house edge: European Roulette, with its 37 pockets and single zero, offers a lower house edge of 2.7%.

In contrast, American Roulette, with 38 pockets due to the addition of the double zero, has a higher house edge of 5.26%. In other words, winning is more likely in the European version.

Besides the house edge, the two versions of roulette are played the same way. The rules are the same, the payouts for various bets are the same, and typically, the betting limits are also the same. Therefore, there’s basically no reason to choose the American version, if you’re at a casino where both are offered.

If you’re looking to try something different than European Roulette, we can recommend the French version. In this game, the European wheel is used, but the house edge is only 1.35% due to the La Partage or En Prison rules.

With this, playing an outside bet will see half your bet returned, or held in place for another round, if the ball lands on zero.

Conclusion

European Roulette has 37 pockets, including a single zero, resulting in a lower house edge of 2.7%. American Roulette, on the other hand, features an additional double zero, increasing the pockets to 38 and the house edge to 5.26%.

Understanding these differences is crucial to ensure you play the game version offering the best chances to win long-term. Regional availability can influence the decision, as European Roulette is more common in Europe, Asia, and Australia, whereas American Roulette is widely found in North America. Online, you’ll find both versions, so you can easily pick the one you prefer.

You are encouraged to try both versions to determine which suits you the best. By experiencing each game, you can better understand how the difference in the wheel impacts your gameplay. As always, make sure you play using a strategy, to make the most of your bankroll.