American and European roulette deliver the same timeless casino experience: choose where you think the ball will land, place a wager, and watch the wheel decide the result. Both versions offer the familiar mix of number bets, color bets, odd-or-even wagers, and high-paying inside bets. They also use the same standard payout range, from 1:1 on even-money bets to 35:1 on a straight-up number.
The important difference is found on the wheel itself. European roulette has one zero pocket, while American roulette has both 0 and 00. That additional pocket has a major effect on the mathematical value of every standard bet. For players who want more favorable long-term odds without changing the basic online roulette game, European roulette is generally the stronger option.
This guide explains how American and European roulette compare, how the extra double zero changes the house edge, what special European rules can improve value further, and how to make an informed choice before placing a bet.
American and European Roulette at a Glance
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Number of pockets | 37 | 38 |
| Green pockets | 0 | 0 and 00 |
| Number range | 0 to 36 | 0, 00, and 1 to 36 |
| Standard house edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Theoretical RTP | About 97.30% | About 94.74% |
| Standard payout range | 1:1 to 35:1 | 1:1 to 35:1 |
| Special zero rules | May offer La Partage or En Prison | Usually not offered |
| Five-number bet | Not available | Available, but high house edge |
Despite these differences, the objective remains identical. Players predict an outcome or group of outcomes, and a win is paid according to the type of bet selected. The wheel design does not change the excitement of each spin, but it does change how often standard bets can win over a large number of rounds.
Wheel Design: 37 Pockets vs. 38 Pockets
European roulette wheel layout
A European roulette wheel contains 37 pockets: the numbers 1 through 36 plus a single green 0. The numbered pockets are split evenly between 18 red numbers and 18 black numbers. There are also 18 odd numbers and 18 even numbers, as well as three dozens and three columns.
Because there is only one green zero, an even-money bet such as red, black, odd, even, high, or low wins on 18 of the wheel’s 37 possible outcomes. The remaining 19 outcomes include the opposing group of 18 numbers plus the zero.
American roulette wheel layout
An American roulette wheel contains 38 pockets: 1 through 36, a green 0, and a green 00. Like the European wheel, it has 18 red and 18 black numbers. However, the second green pocket creates one additional losing outcome for most bets.
For example, a wager on red still covers 18 winning numbers. On an American wheel, though, it loses when the ball lands on any black number, 0, or 00. That means the same bet faces 20 losing outcomes instead of 19.
The extra pocket may appear small, but it affects every standard wager. Since payouts remain largely the same between the two versions, the American wheel’s added 00 is the main reason its house edge is almost twice as high.
Why European Roulette Has Better Standard Odds
The house edge is the mathematical advantage built into a casino game. It represents the average percentage of each wager that the casino expects to retain over a very large number of bets. It does not predict what will happen during an individual spin, but it is a useful way to compare games with identical or similar payouts.
In standard European roulette, the house edge is approximately 2.70%. In standard American roulette, it is approximately 5.26%. This difference comes entirely from the double-zero pocket.
European roulette RTP
European roulette has a theoretical return to player, or RTP, of approximately 97.30% on standard bets. In simple terms, for every $100 wagered over an extremely large sample of spins, the theoretical average return is about $97.30, with $2.70 representing the house advantage.
American roulette RTP
American roulette has a theoretical RTP of approximately 94.74% on standard bets. Over a very large amount of betting activity, this corresponds to a theoretical average return of about $94.74 for every $100 wagered.
These figures are long-run mathematical averages, not guarantees. Roulette remains a game of chance, and every spin is independent. Still, when two games offer the same core betting choices and standard payouts, the version with the lower house edge gives players a more efficient entertainment value over time.
Identical Payouts, Different Probabilities
One of roulette’s most important features is that American and European tables usually offer the same standard payouts. A successful straight-up bet on one number pays 35:1 in either version, while an even-money bet pays 1:1 in either version.
The payouts do not increase to compensate for the American wheel’s additional pocket. As a result, the American version offers lower winning probabilities for standard bets while keeping the same payout schedule.
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Typical Payout | European Win Probability | American Win Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight-up | 1 | 35:1 | 1 in 37 | 1 in 38 |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 | 2 in 37 | 2 in 38 |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 | 3 in 37 | 3 in 38 |
| Corner | 4 | 8:1 | 4 in 37 | 4 in 38 |
| Dozen or column | 12 | 2:1 | 12 in 37 | 12 in 38 |
| Red/black, odd/even, high/low | 18 | 1:1 | 18 in 37 | 18 in 38 |
For players who enjoy a particular bet pattern, this comparison is especially helpful. A favorite wager on red, a dozen, a column, or a single lucky number works in both games. Choosing the European table simply means that the same wager is exposed to one fewer losing pocket.
European Roulette Rules That Can Improve Value Further
Some European roulette tables offer special rules for even-money bets when the ball lands on zero. These rules are not universal, so players should check the table rules before wagering. When available, they can lower the house edge on qualifying bets beyond the standard 2.70%.
La Partage
La Partage means “the sharing.” When a player makes an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, half of the wager is returned. For example, if a $10 bet on black loses because the ball lands on 0, the player receives $5 back.
With La Partage, the house edge on eligible even-money bets falls to approximately 1.35%. This makes red/black, odd/even, and high/low wagers particularly appealing for players seeking one of roulette’s most favorable standard rule sets.
En Prison
En Prison means “in prison.” When zero appears after an even-money bet, the original stake is held for the next spin rather than immediately lost. If the relevant even-money outcome wins on the next spin, the original stake is returned without an additional profit. If it loses, the stake is lost.
Under the usual En Prison treatment, the effective house edge on qualifying even-money bets is also approximately 1.35%. The exact procedure can vary slightly by casino, so reviewing the posted rules is always a smart step.
Call Bets and Traditional European Wheel Bets
European roulette is also known for its traditional call bets, sometimes called announced bets. These wagers cover sections of the wheel rather than simple geometric shapes on the betting layout. At a live table, a player may announce the desired wheel section and the dealer places the chips accordingly. Digital tables often present these bets as clearly labeled options.
Call bets can add variety for players who enjoy wheel-based coverage. They do not remove the standard house edge, but they make it easier to wager on recognizable groups of numbers around the European wheel.
Common European call bets
- Voisins du Zéro: Covers the large wheel section neighboring zero, traditionally using multiple split, corner, trio, and straight-up placements.
- Jeu Zéro: Covers a smaller group of numbers close to zero on the wheel.
- Le Tiers du Cylindre: Covers the wheel section opposite the zero area, often called the “third of the wheel.”
- Orphelins: Covers the numbers left outside the Voisins du Zéro and Tiers sections.
These bets are most closely associated with French and European roulette layouts. They are a useful option for players who prefer a wheel-sector strategy rather than selecting individual inside bets one at a time.
The American Roulette Five-Number Bet
American roulette has a distinctive wager that does not exist in European roulette: the five-number bet. It covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. On many layouts, it is placed near the top of the betting grid where these numbers meet.
Although the bet covers five pockets, it pays only 6:1. That payout creates a house edge of approximately 7.89%, which is higher than the standard American roulette house edge of 5.26%.
Players who want to make informed decisions can treat the five-number bet as a useful reminder to look beyond the number of spots covered. A wager’s value depends on both its probability of winning and its payout. In American roulette, standard bets are generally more efficient than the five-number option, even though all outcomes remain random.
Which Roulette Version Is Best for Different Players?
For players focused on stronger mathematical value
European roulette is the clear choice when both versions are available. Its single-zero design lowers the standard house edge from 5.26% to 2.70%, while preserving the familiar roulette betting menu and payout structure.
If a European table also offers La Partage or En Prison, even-money bettors can access an effective house edge of around 1.35%. That is a meaningful improvement for players who enjoy bets on red or black, odd or even, and high or low numbers.
For players who enjoy traditional wheel bets
European roulette is also a natural fit for players interested in call bets such as Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins. These bets bring a classic French-style dimension to the game and create convenient ways to cover sections of the wheel.
For players at casinos offering only American roulette
American roulette can still be enjoyable and easy to understand. The betting layout, standard payouts, and pace of play are familiar to roulette fans worldwide. If it is the only available version, knowing the wheel’s 0 and 00 structure helps players set clear expectations and select bets with confidence.
At an American table, avoiding the five-number bet is generally the most value-conscious approach because it carries the game’s highest commonly available house edge.
Do Betting Systems Change the House Edge?
Popular roulette systems include the Martingale, Fibonacci, D’Alembert, and flat-betting approaches. These methods can change how a player structures wagers, manages session funds, or responds to wins and losses. They do not, however, change the mathematical house edge of the wheel.
Every roulette spin is independent. A sequence of red results does not make black more likely on the next spin, and a run of losses does not guarantee a future win. This is why choosing a lower-edge wheel is more meaningful than relying on a progression system to overcome the game’s built-in probabilities.
A practical approach is to choose a game with favorable rules, decide on an entertainment budget before starting, use wager sizes that suit that budget, and view outcomes as uncertain. European roulette supports this approach especially well because it offers a more player-friendly starting point.
How to Choose a Roulette Table
- Check the number of zero pockets. A wheel with only 0 is European roulette; a wheel with 0 and 00 is American roulette.
- Compare the listed house edge or RTP. European roulette typically offers about 97.30% RTP, compared with about 94.74% for standard American roulette.
- Look for La Partage or En Prison. These rules can improve eligible even-money bets to a 1.35% house edge.
- Review special bet rules. In American roulette, be aware that the five-number bet has a 7.89% house edge.
- Choose bets that match your preferred experience. Inside bets offer larger payouts with lower hit rates, while outside bets offer more frequent wins with smaller payouts.
- Set a clear budget. Roulette is chance-based entertainment, so responsible limits help keep the experience enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is European roulette always better than American roulette?
From a standard mathematical perspective, European roulette is more favorable because it has one zero pocket instead of two. Its 2.70% house edge is lower than the 5.26% edge on standard American roulette bets. European roulette with La Partage or En Prison is even more favorable for qualifying even-money bets.
Are payouts higher in American roulette because it has worse odds?
No. Standard roulette payouts are generally the same in both versions. A straight-up number bet pays 35:1, an even-money bet pays 1:1, and a dozen or column pays 2:1 on both wheel types. The extra 00 pocket lowers winning probabilities without increasing standard payouts.
What is the best bet in European roulette?
When La Partage or En Prison is available, qualifying even-money bets have the lowest house edge at approximately 1.35%. Without those rules, all standard European roulette bets carry the same 2.70% house edge, so the best choice depends on whether a player prefers frequent smaller wins or less frequent larger payouts.
Why is the American roulette five-number bet considered less favorable?
The five-number bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 and pays 6:1. Its payout does not fully reflect the probability of winning on a 38-pocket wheel, resulting in a house edge of approximately 7.89%.
Can a betting system guarantee roulette profits?
No. Betting systems do not alter the independent nature of spins or eliminate the house edge. They can help organize stake sizes, but they cannot guarantee a profit. Selecting a lower-edge European wheel is the more effective way to improve the game’s underlying value.
Final Verdict: European Roulette Offers the Better-Value Spin
American and European roulette share the same compelling format, broad range of bets, and recognizable payout schedule. Both can provide an exciting casino experience for players who enjoy predicting numbers, colors, and wheel sections.
When the choice is available, European roulette offers the stronger overall value. Its single-zero wheel provides a 2.70% house edge and an RTP of approximately 97.30%, compared with the 5.26% house edge and roughly 94.74% RTP of standard American roulette. European tables that include La Partage or En Prison create an even better opportunity for players who prefer even-money wagers.
The takeaway is simple: the two games may look similar, but one extra pocket makes a substantial difference. Choosing a single-zero European wheel lets players enjoy classic roulette with more favorable conditions, more traditional betting options, and a better long-term mathematical outlook.
