Roulette is one of the most popular casino games, with its distinct spinning wheel and the thrill of watching the ball bounce around, heading toward one of the numbered pockets. Whether you’re playing online or in a brick-and-mortar casino, you’ll likely encounter two major versions of this game: European and American roulette. While both versions are similar in many ways, they each have their own unique features that can affect your odds, strategies, and overall gaming experience. In this article, we’ll dive into the key differences between European and American roulette, helping you understand which one might suit you better.
The Basics of Roulette: A Quick Overview
Roulette is a thrilling casino game that has captured the attention of players worldwide. The game is played with a spinning wheel that contains numbered pockets, each of which is either red, black, or green. The objective is simple: players place bets on where they believe the ball will land after the wheel spins. The ball is released onto the spinning wheel, and it bounces around, eventually coming to rest in one of the numbered pockets. Depending on where the ball lands, players win or lose their bets.
In European roulette, the wheel features 37 pockets. These include the numbers 1 to 36, alternating between red and black, and a single green pocket marked with the number 0. The game is designed so that players can place a variety of bets, such as betting on a specific number, a group of numbers, or even broader options like red or black. This version of the game offers a house edge of around 2.7%, meaning the casino has a slight advantage over players in the long run.
On the other hand, American roulette features 38 pockets. It includes the numbers 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). The addition of the double zero is the key difference that sets American roulette apart from its European counterpart. This extra pocket increases the house edge, giving the casino a higher statistical advantage. The inclusion of the double zero means there are more possible outcomes, which reduces the odds of winning for players. Both versions of the game offer similar betting options, but the presence of the double zero makes American roulette a bit less favorable in terms of overall odds.
The Number of Slots: European vs. American Roulette
One of the most striking differences between European and American roulette is the number of pockets (or slots) on the roulette wheel. This difference plays a significant role in determining the odds of winning, the house edge, and ultimately, your chances of success while playing. Let’s break down the details for both versions of the game.
European Roulette: 37 Slots
European roulette is played with a wheel that contains 37 pockets. These include:
- Numbers 1 to 36, alternating between red and black.
- A single zero (0), which is green.
The inclusion of only one zero is a crucial factor because it reduces the house edge compared to American roulette. This slight but significant difference makes European roulette more favorable to players. Let’s take a closer look at how this affects the game:
| Feature | European Roulette |
| Number of Slots | 37 (numbers 1-36, plus 0) |
| Zero Pocket | Single zero (0) |
| Odds of Hitting a Number | 1 in 37 |
| House Edge | 2.7% |
Why It Matters: With only 37 pockets, the odds of landing on any specific number in European roulette are 1 in 37. This relatively favorable odds structure contributes to the lower house edge (2.7%) in European roulette. As a result, players have a slightly better chance of winning in the long run.
American Roulette: 38 Slots
American roulette, in contrast, has 38 pockets on the wheel. These include:
- Numbers 1 to 36, alternating between red and black.
- A single zero (0), which is green.
- A double zero (00), which is also green.
The addition of the double zero is what distinguishes American roulette from its European counterpart. While it adds more complexity and excitement to the game, it also increases the house edge. Here’s how the numbers break down for American roulette:
| Feature | American Roulette |
| Number of Slots | 38 (numbers 1-36, plus 0 and 00) |
| Zero Pocket | Single zero (0) and double zero (00) |
| Odds of Hitting a Number | 1 in 38 |
| House Edge | 5.26% |
Why It Matters: In American roulette, the odds of hitting a specific number are 1 in 38, slightly less favorable than in European roulette. This additional pocket (the double zero) increases the total number of outcomes, making it harder for players to win. As a result, the house edge in American roulette is 5.26%, significantly higher than the 2.7% house edge in European roulette.
Impact on the Game: Why the Number of Slots Matters
The number of slots on the roulette wheel directly influences the probability of winning on any given spin. The fewer pockets there are, the higher your chances of winning, since there are fewer potential outcomes. Let’s illustrate this with a quick example:
| Roulette Version | Number of Pockets | Odds of Winning on a Single Number | House Edge |
| European Roulette | 37 | 1 in 37 | 2.7% |
| American Roulette | 38 | 1 in 38 | 5.26% |
The House Edge: Why It Matters for Your Chances
The house edge is one of the most important concepts to understand when playing roulette, as it represents the casino’s statistical advantage over players. In simpler terms, it’s the difference between the actual odds of a particular outcome happening and the odds the casino offers on that outcome. The house edge ensures that, over time, the casino will always have an advantage, making it more likely that players will lose money in the long run. In roulette, this advantage is primarily determined by the number of pockets on the wheel, specifically the zero or zeros, which favor the house.
In European roulette, the house edge is relatively low, sitting at around 2.7%. This is because the wheel only has a single zero, which means there are 37 pockets (numbers 1 to 36, plus the single zero). The presence of just one zero reduces the overall number of potential outcomes, giving players a slightly better chance of winning. For example, if a player bets $100 in European roulette, the expected loss over the long term is just $2.70. While this may still seem like a small percentage, it’s significantly better than many other casino games, making European roulette a more player-friendly option in terms of odds.
The Zero: Single vs. Double Zero
The zero (or zeros) in roulette plays a crucial role in the game’s odds and house edge.
European Roulette: Single Zero (0)
- There’s only one zero on the wheel, which is considered the “house” number. If the ball lands on zero, all outside bets (such as red/black, odd/even) lose, while inside bets are usually paid out at a reduced rate.
American Roulette: Single Zero (0) and Double Zero (00)
- In American roulette, the extra double zero (00) further increases the house edge. This is because the presence of the additional number means there are more possible outcomes, making it less likely for a player to win on outside bets.
Why does the zero matter? In both versions, the zero(s) are considered “house numbers,” meaning that they don’t belong to either the red or black, odd or even groups. The more zeros on the wheel, the harder it becomes for players to win, as it reduces the chances of landing on a number within the 1-36 range.
The Wheel Layout: Visual Differences
| Feature | European Roulette Wheel | American Roulette Wheel | Number Arrangement | Key Difference |
| Total Pockets | 37 | 38 | Numbers 1-36, plus 0 | The addition of a double zero |
| Zero(s) on the Wheel | Single zero (0) | Single zero (0) and double zero (00) | Alternating red and black | Double zero is directly opposite single zero |
| Colors | Red and black alternating, with green 0 | Red and black alternating, with green 0 and 00 | Random pattern of colors | Double zero adds another green pocket |
| Arrangement of Numbers | Numbers placed in a seemingly random order | Similar random order, but with 00 added | Designed for unpredictability | 00 affects the balance of numbers |
| Visual Impact | Easier to spot the single zero (0) | Clearer distinction due to extra 00 | Harder to predict outcomes | More distinct with 38 pockets |
European Roulette Wheel Layout
The European roulette wheel consists of 37 pockets, with numbers 1 to 36 and a single green zero (0). The numbers are arranged in a seemingly random order, alternating between red and black. This random placement is designed to prevent players from making predictions based on the wheel’s appearance. The green pocket for zero stands out, but it does not significantly impact the overall balance of the wheel.
American Roulette Wheel Layout
The American roulette wheel has 38 pockets, which includes the numbers 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). The layout is similar to the European wheel, but the inclusion of the double zero adds an additional green pocket. The double zero is placed directly opposite the single zero on the wheel, visually differentiating American roulette from the European version.
Betting Options: Are There Differences?
Both European and American roulette offer a wide array of betting options, allowing players to choose between inside bets and outside bets. However, while the types of bets available are essentially the same, the presence of the additional double zero in American roulette can have a subtle but significant impact on the odds and the house edge. Let’s dive into the specifics of the betting options in both versions of the game.
European Roulette Betting Options
In European roulette, players can place both inside bets and outside bets, each offering different levels of risk and reward. The inside bets include options like:
- Straight Up: A bet on a single number.
- Split: A bet on two adjacent numbers.
- Street: A bet on three numbers in a row.
- Corner: A bet on four numbers that meet at a corner.
- Six Line: A bet covering two adjacent streets (six numbers in total).
The outside bets in European roulette include:
- Red/Black: A bet on whether the ball will land on a red or black pocket.
- Odd/Even: A bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even.
- Low/High: A bet on whether the winning number will fall between 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high).
- Dozens: A bet on one of three groups of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36).
- Columns: A bet on one of the three vertical columns of numbers on the layout.
The key benefit of European roulette is that the single zero pocket allows for a broader range of betting strategies. The presence of just one zero reduces the house edge, making the odds more favorable overall. This means that the payout structure remains the same, but your chances of winning increase slightly compared to American roulette, as the odds are better aligned with the true probability of the game.
Roulette in Online Casinos: European vs. American
When it comes to playing roulette online, most major online casinos offer both European and American versions of the game. However, many players prefer European roulette due to its more favorable odds. The key difference in odds between the two versions, driven by the presence of the extra double zero in American roulette, makes European roulette a more attractive option for those seeking a better chance of winning. In online casinos, you’ll find that both games have similar digital interfaces, with a spinning wheel, a betting table, and various interactive features designed to mimic the experience of playing in a physical casino.
The software used to simulate roulette online is generally similar for both versions, featuring a virtual roulette wheel and a corresponding betting table. Whether you’re playing European or American roulette, you’ll likely encounter a digital wheel where the ball spins and lands on one of the numbered pockets. The game layout is usually intuitive, with players able to easily place their bets on a grid or by clicking directly on the digital wheel. Despite these similarities, the house edge varies significantly between the two versions, making it crucial for players to understand which version they are playing to make informed decisions about their bets and strategies.
While the mechanics of the game may be similar in both versions, it’s essential to check which version of roulette you’re playing before placing your bets. Online casinos often display the game’s version clearly, either in the game’s title or in the information section. Understanding which version you’re playing helps you adjust your strategy accordingly. For instance, players in European roulette may lean toward betting strategies that take advantage of the slightly more favorable odds, while those playing American roulette should be aware that the added double zero slightly reduces their chances of winning, and they may want to alter their betting strategies to account for the higher house edge. Knowing this difference ensures that players can make better decisions while enjoying the game.
