Why the Type of Roulette Matters
Many players sit down at a roulette table without thinking about which version they're playing. This is a costly oversight. The type of roulette wheel you play on directly affects the house edge — and therefore how much, on average, you can expect to lose over time. Understanding the differences between European and American Roulette is one of the simplest ways to play smarter.
The Core Difference: The Wheel
The most fundamental difference between the two versions lies in the wheel itself:
- European Roulette has 37 pockets: numbers 1–36 plus a single zero (0).
- American Roulette has 38 pockets: numbers 1–36 plus a single zero (0) and a double zero (00).
That extra double-zero pocket in American Roulette might seem minor, but it has a significant impact on the house edge.
House Edge Comparison
| Version | Pockets | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| European Roulette | 37 | 2.70% |
| American Roulette | 38 | 5.26% |
The American version's house edge is roughly double that of European Roulette. This means, over many spins, you can expect to lose more money per bet on an American wheel.
Betting Options: Are They the Same?
Most betting options are identical between the two versions. However, American Roulette has one additional bet:
- Five-Number Bet (Basket Bet): A bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. This bet carries a house edge of 7.89% — the worst bet in roulette — and is unique to American Roulette. It's best avoided entirely.
Inside and Outside Bets (Both Versions)
Inside Bets
- Straight Up: Single number. Pays 35:1.
- Split: Two adjacent numbers. Pays 17:1.
- Street: Three numbers in a row. Pays 11:1.
- Corner: Four numbers in a square. Pays 8:1.
- Line: Six numbers across two rows. Pays 5:1.
Outside Bets
- Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1–18/19–36: Each pays 1:1 (even money).
- Dozens and Columns: Cover 12 numbers. Pay 2:1.
French Roulette: A Third Option Worth Knowing
French Roulette shares the same 37-pocket wheel as European Roulette but includes two additional rules that further reduce the house edge on even-money bets:
- La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, you recover half your even-money bet.
- En Prison: Your even-money bet is "imprisoned" for the next spin rather than lost immediately when zero hits.
With La Partage, the house edge on even-money bets drops to just 1.35% — making French Roulette the most player-friendly version available.
Which Version Should You Play?
The answer is straightforward: if you have the choice, always prefer European Roulette over American Roulette. The lower house edge gives you better long-term value. If French Roulette is available, even better — particularly for even-money bets.
Many online casinos offer all three versions, so take a moment to check the game type before placing your first bet.
Key Takeaways
- American Roulette has an extra "00" pocket that nearly doubles the house edge.
- Always choose European Roulette over American when possible.
- Avoid the Five-Number Bet in American Roulette — it has the worst odds on the table.
- French Roulette offers the best odds for even-money bets.