Roulette is one of the most popular casino games in the world, and players often come across two main versions: European roulette and American roulette. At first glance, both versions look similar, but some key differences affect the odds, house edge, and overall playing experience. This guide will compare these two variations to help you decide which is better and why most players prefer European roulette over its American counterpart.
Key Differences Between European and American Roulette
While European and American roulette look alike, key differences impact gameplay and winning chances. From the number of pockets to the house edge and special rules, these variations influence strategy. Here’s a breakdown of the main distinctions.
1. The Extra Pocket on the Wheel
The most noticeable difference between European and American roulette is the number of pockets on the wheel. European roulette has 37 pockets, numbered 0 to 36, while American roulette has 38 pockets, including an extra 00. This additional green pocket in American roulette increases the house edge, making it harder for players to win.
2. House Edge Comparison
The house edge is the percentage of all bets that the casino expects to keep over time. European roulette has a lower house edge of 2.7%, while American roulette has a higher house edge of 5.26%. The difference comes from the extra 00 pocket in American roulette, which reduces the player’s chances of winning. However, if the En Prison or La Partage rule applies in European roulette, the house edge on even-money bets is reduced to 1.35%.
3. The Order of Numbers on the Wheel
Although both roulette versions follow the same basic structure, the numbers are arranged differently on the wheel. The sequence of numbers in European and American roulette is unique to each version, but this difference does not impact gameplay significantly. However, for experienced players, the layout of numbers can influence betting strategies.
4. Special Rules in European Roulette
European roulette includes optional rules like En Prison and La Partage, which can reduce the house edge even further. These rules apply only to even-money bets, lowering the house edge to 1.35%, while other bets retain the standard 2.7% house edge. The En Prison rule allows players to recover their even-money bets if the ball lands on 0, while the La Partage rule gives players back half of their stake on even-money bets when the ball lands on 0. These rules lower the house edge to 1.35%, making European roulette the best choice for strategic players.
5. Unique Bets in Each Version
European roulette offers Call Bets, allowing players to bet on specific wheel sections. These include Voisins du Zero, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins, providing additional betting options. While these bets are most commonly associated with European roulette, they can also be found in some high-stakes American roulette games.
On the other hand, American roulette has the Five-Number Bet, covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. However, this bet has a high house edge of 7.89%, making it the worst bet in American roulette
Which Version Offers Better Winning Chances?
If you want to increase your chances of winning, European roulette is the winner. With its lower house edge and additional rules favouring players, it provides better odds than American roulette. The probability of winning on various bets is higher in European roulette, making it the preferred choice for both beginners and experienced players.
Why Do Some Players Still Choose American Roulette?
Despite its higher house edge, some players still enjoy American roulette for a few reasons:
- Availability: Some land-based casinos, especially in the US, offer both American and European roulette, but American roulette is more commonly found in standard gaming areas. European roulette is often reserved for high-limit or VIP sections.
- Added Challenge: Some players enjoy the extra difficulty of American roulette and see it as a more exciting challenge.
European vs. American Roulette – Probability of Winning
The table below shows the probability of winning for different bet types in both versions of roulette.
| Bet Type | European Roulette | American Roulette |
| Even (Red/Black) | 48.6% | 47.4% |
| Column | 32.4% | 31.6% |
| Dozen | 32.4% | 31.6% |
| Six Line | 16.2% | 15.8% |
| Corner | 10.8% | 10.5% |
| Street | 8.1% | 7.9% |
| Split | 5.4% | 5.3% |
| Straight (Single Number) | 2.7% | 2.6% |
As you can see, European roulette offers slightly better-winning chances across all bet types, reinforcing why it is the better option for most players.
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Conclusion
If you choose between European and American roulette, always choose the European version. The lower house edge, better-winning odds, and additional player-friendly rules make it the superior choice. If you’re playing at a land-based casino with only American roulette, it’s still exciting, but you should be aware of the increased house edge.
