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 Impact of the Double Zero
A European roulette wheel features 37 pockets in total: the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0).
The addition of the 00 pocket effectively doubles the casino's built-in mathematical advantage over the player.
The extra number changes all probability calculationsThe betting layout is slightly larger on the American tableEuropean tables often use a different chip system
Comparing the House Edge
With a house edge of 2.70%, European roulette is relatively fair compared to many other casino games.
There is absolutely no mathematical justification for ever choosing to play American roulette if European is available.
Special European Roulette Rules
The "En Prison" rule "imprisons" your bet for the next spin if the zero hits, giving you a second chance.
American roulette essentially never offers these rules, further cementing its status as the inferior option.
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
Barrett Albritton edited this page 2026-08-06 12:06:31 +00:00