Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.
European and American roulette may look nearly identical to the untrained eye, but the math differs wildly.
The Impact of the Double Zero
A European roulette wheel features 37 pockets in total: the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0).
While the payouts remain exactly the same, your odds of hitting a specific number decrease on the American wheel.
The extra number changes all probability calculationsThe betting layout is slightly larger on the American tableEuropean tables often use a different chip system
The Mathematics of the Two Wheels
Because the European wheel has only one zero, the house edge is a very reasonable 2.70%.
This means you will lose money almost twice as fast playing the American version over the long term.
Special European Roulette Rules
The "En Prison" rule "imprisons" your bet for the next spin if the zero hits, giving you a second chance.
This makes French roulette one of the most mathematically favorable table games on the entire casino floor.
VersionZero PocketsHouse EdgeEuropeanOne (0)2.70%AmericanTwo (0, 00)5.26%
Online casinos almost always offer both, so be vigilant and always click on the European wheel.
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The Difference Between European and American Roulette
Sidney Bevan edited this page 2026-07-28 22:17:33 +02:00