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.
The difference between the two games comes down to a single, tiny pocket on the wheel, but the mathematical impact is massive.
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 layout of the numbers is different, but the true impact lies in the number of zeroes in play.
A European Roulette wheel features 37 pockets in total: the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single green zero (0).
When the game was brought to America, casino owners greedily added a second green pocket, the double zero (00), to increase their profits.
This seemingly minor architectural change is the sole reason why one game is vastly superior to the other.
Therefore, simply by choosing the wheel with two zeroes, you are doubling your chances of losing an even-money bet.
The Math: Comparing the House Edge
To truly understand why the American version is inferior, we must look at the mathematical House Edge.
If you hit a single number on either wheel, the dealer will hand you 35 chips for every 1 chip you bet.
A 2.70% edge means you will lose an average of $2.70 for every $100 you wager; this is considered a fair casino game.
This massive discrepancy causes the house edge on an American Roulette wheel to skyrocket to a brutal 5.26%.
A 5.26% edge will drain your bankroll twice as fast as the European version, offering you zero additional benefits.
French Roulette: The Best Rules Available
If you want the absolute best odds possible, you should look specifically for French Roulette tables.
These rules significantly reduce the sting of losing a 50/50 bet to the casino's built-in advantage.
Under the "La Partage" rule, if you make an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, you receive half your bet back.
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.
Comparison of Roulette Variants
American Roulette: 38 pockets (0 and 00). House edge is 5.26%. The worst option available. The European Wheel: Features only one zero. A fair 2.70% edge. The most common good table available. 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.
Why American Roulette is a Trap
StatisticThe Fair WheelThe Greedy Wheel Total NumbersThirty-SevenThirty-Eight Win RatioFixed at 35 unitsFixed at 35 units Chance of SuccessBetterWorse Casino Profit MarginFair (2.7%)Predatory (5.26%)
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.