Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.
Choosing the wrong version of roulette is the most common and costly mistake new players make.
The Extra Green Zero
The single most important difference between the two games lies entirely in the number of green zero pockets.
The addition of the 00 pocket effectively doubles the casino's built-in mathematical advantage over the player.
European wheel has 37 total pocketsAmerican wheel has 38 total pocketsBoth versions pay 35 to 1 on a single number bet
The Mathematics of the Two Wheels
With a house edge of 2.70%, European roulette is relatively fair compared to many other casino games.
This means you will lose money almost twice as fast playing the American version over the long term.
Special European Roulette Rules
Some European, and particularly French, roulette tables offer player-friendly rules called "La Partage" or "En Prison."
American roulette essentially never offers these rules, further cementing its status as the inferior option.
GameWheel NumbersEdge with La PartageFrench371.35%American38N/A
Playing American roulette is a mathematical mistake that unnecessarily drains your bankroll twice as fast.
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The Difference Between European and American Roulette
mattdiamond321 edited this page 2026-08-07 18:55:26 +02:00