Differences between American and European roulette

The most striking physical difference is the number of pockets on the wheel.

• European Roulette: Features 37 pockets, numbered 1 to 36, plus a single green “0”.

• American Roulette: Features 38 pockets, numbered 1 to 36, a green “0”, and an additional green “00” (double zero) [3].

While one extra pocket might seem insignificant, it changes the sequence of numbers on the entire wheel. In the American version, numbers that differ by one are often placed almost opposite each other [3].

The addition of the “00” in American roulette is not for aesthetic variety; it is a tool to increase the casino’s profit. Understanding this is vital for reducing the house edge during your session.

• European House Edge: 2.70%.
• American House Edge: 5.26% [1].

When you place an even-money bet (like Red/Black), your chance of winning on a European wheel is 48.6%. On an American wheel, that probability drops to 47.37% because there are two losing green pockets instead of one [4]. Over hours of play, this discrepancy leads to significantly higher losses on American tables.

American roulette offers a unique wager called the “Five-Number Bet” (covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3). Professional players and community discussions on Reddit frequently warn against this. It carries a house edge of 7.89%, making it statistically the worst bet in the game. Because European roulette lacks the double zero, this bet does not exist, sparing players from this high-margin trap.

European roulette often includes favorable rules that are rarely found on American tables [1]:

• La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, players who made even-money bets receive half their wager back. This reduces the house edge to a mere 1.35%.
• En Prison: If the ball lands on zero, your even-money bet is “locked in” for the next spin. If you win the next spin, you get your original bet back in full.

These rules effectively act as a “safety net,” allowing for better risk and reward management.

European tables often feature a “Racetrack” layout next to the main betting grid. This allows for “Announced” or “Call” bets based on specific sections of the wheel [3]:

• Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero): Covers 17 numbers near the zero.

• Tiers du Cylindre: Covers the third of the wheel opposite the zero.

• Orphelins: Covers the remaining 8 numbers.

American roulette rarely supports these bets because the wheel sequence is optimized differently.

Action Plan

1. Seek the Single Zero: Always choose a European table if both are available. There is no strategic advantage to playing American roulette.
2. Check for La Partage: If playing in a high-limit room or a European-style casino, confirm if La Partage is active. Only play even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even) to take advantage of the 1.35% edge.
3. Avoid the Basket Bet: If you must play American roulette, never place the “Five-Number Bet” (0, 00, 1, 2, 3).
4. Go Digital: If your local brick-and-mortar casino only offers American roulette, check reputable online platforms which almost always provide European variants with lower minimums.

While the “double zero” of American roulette adds a layer of history rooted in early 19th-century gambling dens, the European version is objectively superior for the player’s bankroll.