European or American Roulette: Which Version Should You Play?

Roulette is the undisputed symbol of the casino floor, an elegant game of chance that has captivated players for centuries.

While the basic rules are identical, there is a fundamental difference between the European and American versions of the game.

One version offers a fair game of chance, while the other is heavily stacked in favor of the casino.

In this article, we will compare European and American Roulette to definitively answer which version is better.

Understanding the Physical Difference on the Wheel

The layout of the numbers is different, but the true impact lies in the number of zeroes in play.

A European Roulette wheel features 37 pockets in total: the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single green zero (0).

When the game was brought to America, casino owners greedily added a second green pocket, the double zero (00), to increase their profits.

That extra double zero pocket might seem insignificant, but it completely destroys the player's odds.

The zeroes are the casino's primary source of profit on even-money bets; the American wheel doubles the casino's advantage.

The Statistical Advantage: 2.7% vs. 5.26%

To truly understand why the American version is inferior, we must look at the mathematical House Edge.

The payout ratio is identical, regardless of which continent the game is named after.

However, on a European wheel, the true odds of hitting that number are 36 to 1 (because there are 37 total pockets).

Despite the worse odds, the American game still only pays 35 to 1, significantly short-changing the player.

A 5.26% edge will drain your bankroll twice as fast as the European version, offering you zero additional benefits.

La Partage and En Prison Rules

While European Roulette is excellent, a specific variant called French Roulette offers even better terms for the player.

The French variations are designed to protect players when the dreaded green zero actually hits.

This simple rule effectively cuts the house edge on even-money bets in half, down to an incredibly low 1.35%.

If your bet wins on the subsequent spin, you get your original stake back (without profit); if it loses, the casino takes it.

Unfortunately, French Roulette tables are rare in physical casinos outside of Europe, but they are easy to find online.

The Three Main Roulette Games

• 
  
• Double Zero Roulette: High house edge, fast bankroll drain. Never play this if other options exist.
  
• The European Wheel: Features only one zero. A fair 2.70% edge. The most common good table available.
  
• French Rules: Cuts the house edge to 1.35%. Always play this online if the casino offers it.
  
• Live Dealer: Always check if the live stream is using an American or European wheel before sitting down.
  
• The Math: The only true strategy is picking the wheel with the lowest built-in casino advantage.
  

The House Edge Explained Mathematically

Playing the American version is essentially volunteering to give the casino double the money for the exact same entertainment.

However, online casinos offer both versions to all players, giving you the power to choose the better odds.

By simply selecting the correct thumbnail in the casino lobby, you instantly double your chances of keeping your bankroll.

Gamble smart, protect your funds, and never surrender an unnecessary advantage to the house.