When people search for “European vs American roulette,” they’re usually looking for a clear, practical answer: what changes between the two wheels, how the odds shift, and which version gives players the best value for their bets. The good news is that the differences are straightforward, and once you know them, you can make faster, more confident choices at the table on online roulette sites.
This guide breaks down the most searchable contrasts: the single zero vs double zero, pocket counts, typical house edge figures, common rule variations like La Partage and En Prison, and what those details mean for your strategy and bankroll.
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Quick comparison: European vs American roulette at a glance
If you want the fastest summary, focus on the zero(s). That single design choice drives the pocket count and (most importantly) the house edge.
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel pockets | 37 pockets | 38 pockets |
| Zero pockets | 0 | 0 and 00 |
| Typical house edge | ≈ 2.70% | ≈ 5.26% |
| Common special rules | La Partage/En Prison (often in some casinos) | Usually none (rules vary by venue) |
| Best known for | Better value per spin for many bet types | Classic casino feel; more zero pockets increase the house advantage |
The core difference: single zero (European) vs double zero (American)
The defining feature is the wheel layout:
- European roulette has numbers 1 to 36 plus a single 0, for 37 total pockets.
- American roulette has numbers 1 to 36 plus 0 and 00, for 38 total pockets.
That extra 00 pocket is not just a cosmetic change. It increases the share of outcomes that are “non-numbered” zeros and typically shifts the long-run math in the casino’s favor.
House edge explained: ≈ 2.70% vs ≈ 5.26%
Many players compare roulette versions by the house edge (also called the house advantage). This figure represents the casino’s average expected profit as a percentage of each wager over a large number of spins, assuming standard payouts.
European roulette house edge (single zero)
With 37 pockets and standard payouts, the European wheel’s typical house edge is about 2.70% across common bets.
Example logic (simplified): a 1-to-1 outside bet (like red/black) wins 18 times and loses 19 times out of 37 (because of the single zero). That built-in imbalance supports the casino advantage.
American roulette house edge (double zero)
With 38 pockets, American roulette typically has a house edge around 5.26%. The extra 00 means there are more losing outcomes on bets like red/black, even/odd, and high/low.
Example logic (simplified): on a red/black bet you still have 18 winning pockets, but now you have 20 losing pockets out of 38 (the opposite color plus 0 and 00).
Why this matters for players
When the house edge is lower, a bankroll typically lasts longer on average, and your results can feel less “compressed” by the zero(s) over time. This is one reason European roulette is often the go-to choice for value-focused players.
Betting table and payouts: what changes (and what usually stays the same)
Most roulette tables share the same core structure (inside bets on specific numbers and outside bets like red/black). The key point is that payouts are usually the same between European and American roulette, even though the odds change because of the extra pocket.
Common roulette bets and standard payouts
| Bet type | Typical payout | What you’re betting on |
|---|---|---|
| Straight up | 35 to 1 | One number (e.g., 17) |
| Split | 17 to 1 | Two adjacent numbers |
| Street | 11 to 1 | Three numbers in a row |
| Corner | 8 to 1 | Four-number block |
| Six line | 5 to 1 | Six numbers (two adjacent rows) |
| Dozen / Column | 2 to 1 | 12 numbers |
| Red/Black, Even/Odd, High/Low | 1 to 1 | 18 numbers (excluding zero pockets) |
Because the payouts typically don’t improve to compensate for the extra 00, American roulette ends up offering less favorable expected value for the same-looking bets.
Special rules that can improve value: La Partage and En Prison
One of the biggest positive differentiators for European roulette is that some casinos apply rules that soften the impact of the 0 on certain bets. These rules are most commonly tied to even-money outside bets (red/black, even/odd, high/low).
La Partage (often reduces the house edge on even-money bets)
La Partage usually means that if you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on 0, you only lose half your stake (the other half is returned).
Why players like it: it can significantly improve the long-run value of even-money bets on a European wheel, because the zero outcome becomes less punishing.
En Prison (a “second chance” style rule on even-money bets)
En Prison typically means that if you make an even-money bet and the ball lands on 0, your stake is “imprisoned” for the next spin instead of being lost immediately.
- If your bet wins on the next spin, you generally get your stake back (without additional winnings).
- If it loses, the stake is lost.
Why players like it: it can also reduce the effective disadvantage on even-money bets compared with standard European rules, while keeping gameplay simple.
Important: Rule availability varies by casino and table. If you are choosing between multiple European roulette tables, checking for La Partage or En Prison can be a practical way to find a better-value game.
Odds and strategy implications (without the hype)
Roulette is a game of fixed probabilities. No betting system can change the underlying math of the wheel. What you can do is choose the version and bet types that align best with your goals, risk comfort, and play style.
1) Bankroll longevity and cost per spin
Because European roulette typically has a lower house edge than American roulette, it often delivers better “time on table” for the same bankroll, especially if you enjoy frequent, smaller wins via outside bets.
2) Outside bets vs inside bets
- Outside bets (like red/black) have a higher hit rate, which many players find more engaging and steady.
- Inside bets (like straight-up numbers) have lower hit rates but larger payouts, which can appeal to players who prefer occasional big hits.
The wheel version affects both, but the difference is often felt most clearly on high-frequency outside betting, where zeros appear regularly over long sessions.
3) American roulette requires extra selectivity
If American roulette is the only option available, you can still enjoy the game. The most practical “strategy” is simply to manage session length and bet sizing thoughtfully, knowing the double zero typically increases the long-run cost of play.
4) European roulette is the default value pick
When you have a choice, many players prefer European roulette because its single-zero structure generally offers more favorable odds, and some tables add rules like La Partage or En Prison that can improve value further on even-money bets.
European vs American roulette: which one should you choose?
Your best choice depends on what you value most: odds, atmosphere, or familiarity. Here are practical, player-friendly guidelines.
Choose European roulette if you want:
- Lower house edge (typically ≈ 2.70%).
- A wheel with 37 pockets (single zero).
- The possibility of player-friendly rules like La Partage or En Prison on certain tables.
- A strong all-around option for both beginners and regular players who prioritize value.
Choose American roulette if you want:
- The classic double-zero roulette format with 38 pockets.
- A familiar style commonly found in many casinos.
- To play even when European roulette is not available, while going in with clear expectations about the typical ≈ 5.26% house edge.
Common search questions (FAQ)
Is European roulette better than American roulette?
From an odds perspective, European roulette is typically better for players because the single-zero wheel generally produces a lower house edge (≈ 2.70%) than American roulette (≈ 5.26%), assuming standard payouts.
Why does the American roulette wheel have 00?
The additional 00 creates an extra pocket, which increases the total outcomes from 37 to 38. With standard payouts staying the same, that extra pocket typically increases the casino’s advantage.
Do European and American roulette have different payouts?
Most of the time, payouts are the same (for example, 35 to 1 for a straight-up bet). The key difference is the probability of winning because American roulette adds a 00 pocket.
What are La Partage and En Prison?
They are rules sometimes found on European roulette tables that apply mainly to even-money outside bets when the result is 0. They can reduce the effective disadvantage of those bets compared with standard European rules.
Does any betting system overcome the house edge?
No betting system changes the wheel’s probability or the built-in house advantage. What players can do is choose lower-edge game variants (often European roulette), select bet types that match their risk preferences, and manage bankroll responsibly.
Takeaway: the zero(s) make the difference
If you remember just one thing, make it this: European roulette has one zero; American roulette has two. That single design difference leads to 37 vs 38 pockets and typically a much more favorable house edge in European roulette (≈ 2.70%) than American roulette (≈ 5.26%).
For players who like to get the most value from each spin, European roulette is often the first choice, and tables with La Partage or En Prison can make even-money bets feel even more rewarding.
