European vs. American Roulette: Which is Better?

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

Sitting down at the wrong Roulette table is one of the most common and expensive mistakes a novice player can make.

Understanding this distinction is the absolute most important strategy you can learn before placing your chips on the felt.

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 entire difference between European and American Roulette boils down to the green pockets on the wheel.

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

An American Roulette wheel features 38 pockets: the numbers 1 through 36, a single zero (0), and an extra double zero (00).

Adding one extra slot to the wheel drastically alters the probabilities without changing the payouts.

Therefore, simply by choosing the wheel with two zeroes, you are doubling your chances of losing an even-money bet.

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).

On an American wheel, the true odds of hitting your number jump to 37 to 1 (because of the 38 total pockets).

By simply playing the American version, you are giving the casino nearly double the statistical advantage for absolutely no extra reward.

Taking it a Step Further: The French 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.

Instead of losing your entire wager to the zero, the casino returns 50% of your stake as a consolation.

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

• 
  
• The American Wheel: Features a double zero. Terrible odds (5.26%). Avoid playing this version entirely.
  
• Single Zero Roulette: Excellent odds for a table game. This should be your default choice.
  
• French Roulette: 37 pockets with La Partage rule. House edge is 1.35% on even-money bets. The absolute best choice.
  
• Mini Roulette: Often found online, features only 13 numbers. Avoid it, as the house edge is usually worse.
  
• Betting Systems: Remember that the Martingale system fails equally on all three variations due to the zeroes.
  

The House Edge Explained Mathematically

There is absolutely no logical reason a player should ever choose to play American Roulette.

Vegas casinos know the American wheel is a trap, which is why they force low-stakes players to use the double-zero tables.

If you see a green 00 pocket, immediately close the game and find a European or French table instead.

Respect the math, demand the single zero, and enjoy the elegant thrill of classic European Roulette.