Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.
Understanding the subtle differences between the wheels is crucial for maximizing your chances of winning.
The Impact of the Double Zero
The single most important difference between the two games lies entirely in the number of green zero pockets.
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.
This means you will lose money almost twice as fast playing the American version over the long term.
Lowering the Edge Even Further
Some European, and particularly French, roulette tables offer player-friendly rules called "La Partage" or "En Prison."
If these special rules are in effect, the house edge on even-money bets drops to an incredible 1.35%.
TypeLong Term Loss per $100Player ValueSingle Zero$2.70ExcellentDouble Zero$5.26Terrible
Playing American roulette is a mathematical mistake that unnecessarily drains your bankroll twice as fast.
1
The Difference Between European and American Roulette
Jillian Briseno edited this page 2026-08-07 13:19:57 +00:00