Two Wheels, Very Different Odds
Roulette is one of the most recognizable casino games in the world. The spinning wheel, the bouncing ball, the anticipation as it settles into a pocket — it's an experience unlike any other at the casino floor. But not all roulette wheels are created equal. The version you play has a direct, measurable impact on your odds of winning.
The two most common versions are European roulette and American roulette. On the surface they look similar, but one structural difference changes everything: the number of zeros on the wheel.
The Wheels Side by Side
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Number of pockets | 37 (0–36) | 38 (0, 00, 1–36) |
| Zero pockets | 1 (single zero) | 2 (single + double zero) |
| House edge | ~2.7% | ~5.26% |
| Best bet (even money) | ~48.6% win chance | ~47.4% win chance |
| En Prison / La Partage rule | Sometimes available | Rarely available |
Why the Double Zero Matters So Much
The double zero (00) pocket on American roulette wheels is the single biggest factor separating the two games. It adds an extra losing outcome without adding any payouts. The casino pays all bets as if there are 36 pockets, while there are actually 38 — that gap is the house edge.
A house edge of 5.26% means the casino expects to keep about $5.26 for every $100 wagered over time. European roulette's 2.7% edge roughly halves that figure. Over a long session — or a lifetime of play — this difference compounds significantly.
Special Rules That Reduce the House Edge Further
La Partage
Found at some European roulette tables (especially in French casinos), the La Partage rule returns half your even-money bet if the ball lands on zero. This effectively cuts the house edge on even-money bets from 2.7% to about 1.35% — making it one of the best bets in the entire casino.
En Prison
Similar to La Partage but slightly different: instead of returning half your stake, your even-money bet is "imprisoned" on the table. If you win the next spin, you get your full bet back (no winnings). If you lose, the casino takes it. The long-run house edge impact is roughly the same as La Partage.
American roulette rarely features either of these rules, though some casinos offer a variant called "Surrender" that works similarly on even-money bets.
The Five-Number Bet: Avoid It
American roulette has one bet type not found in European roulette: the five-number bet (covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3). This bet carries a house edge of about 7.89% — the worst of any standard roulette bet. There is no strategic reason to place it.
Which Version Should You Play?
The answer is almost always European roulette, when given the choice. The mathematics are clear:
- Lower house edge means your money lasts longer on average.
- La Partage and En Prison rules can reduce the edge even further.
- The same betting options are available — columns, dozens, streets, corners, splits, and straight-up numbers.
American roulette only makes sense if European tables aren't available, or if a particular casino offers significantly better table minimums that fit your bankroll better.
Roulette Is Still a Negative-Expectation Game
It's important to be clear: even European roulette has a house edge. No betting system — Martingale, Fibonacci, D'Alembert — changes the underlying math. These systems alter how you distribute your bets, not the probability of each spin. Roulette is entertainment, and choosing the better version simply means your entertainment budget goes further.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between European and American roulette is one of the simplest and most impactful decisions a new player can make. Always look for the single-zero wheel, seek out La Partage rules where possible, and avoid the five-number bet entirely. Small choices like these, made consistently, are what define a smarter player.