If you want to lose less when playing roulette, pick European Roulette. It has better odds, fewer pockets, and a lower house edge. The difference sounds small, but it changes how fast the casino drains your balance. American Roulette has an extra number, and that single detail increases the house edge by nearly double. This article gives you everything you need to understand the gap between the two versions. If you’re playing for real money, these facts matter.
Basic Roulette Rules
The game is simple. There’s a spinning wheel with numbered pockets and a betting layout. Players place bets before the wheel spins. A small ball is dropped onto the spinning wheel. It lands in one of the numbered pockets. If it matches your bet, you win.
There are two main types of bets:
- Inside bets go on specific numbers or small groups.
- Outside bets go on larger categories like red/black, odd/even, or ranges.
Each type of bet has fixed odds and a fixed payout. The house edge is built into those odds. You cannot change it with strategy. You can only choose better versions of the game and avoid bad bets.
European Roulette uses numbers 0–36. American Roulette adds a 00.
All versions use the same base rules. What changes is the number of pockets, the payouts, and the house edge.
Number of Pockets
European Roulette has 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero (0).
American Roulette has 38 pockets: numbers 1 to 36, a zero (0), and a double zero (00).
That extra double zero changes the odds. It increases the chance that any spin will land outside your bet. This directly raises the house edge, meaning the casino earns more and you lose faster.
Krawędź domu
European Roulette has a house edge of 2.7%. That means for every $100 you bet, the casino expects to keep $2.70 in the long run.
American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That’s almost double. For the same $100, the casino keeps $5.26.
This difference applies to every bet, every spin. It adds up over time. If you want to survive longer at the table, always pick the lower edge.
Odds on Popular Bets
In European Roulette, the chance of winning an even-money bet like red or black is 48.65%.
In American Roulette, the same bet has a win chance of 47.37%.
For a straight-up bet (a single number), the odds in European Roulette are 1 in 37. In American, they’re 1 in 38.
The payouts are the same in both versions, but the probabilities are worse in the American game. That means you get paid the same for a lower chance of success.
| Bet Type | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Even-money bets | 48.65% chance to win | 47.37% chance to win |
| Single number | 1 in 37 chance | 1 in 38 chance |
| Top Line bet | Not available | 13.16% chance to win (worst) |
| House edge overall | 2.7% | 5.26% |
| House edge on Top Line | — | 7.89% |
Inside Bets
Inside bets cover specific numbers or small number groups. They pay more but win less often.
- Straight Up: Bet on one number. Pays 35:1.
- Split: Bet on two numbers next to each other. Pays 17:1.
- Street: Bet on a row of three numbers. Pays 11:1.
- Corner: Bet on a square of four numbers. Pays 8:1.
- Six Line: Bet on two rows (six numbers). Pays 5:1.
- Top Line (only in American Roulette): Bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Pays 6:1.
The Top Line bet in American Roulette is the worst on the board. It has a house edge of 7.89%. Never use it.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger sections of the table. They pay less but win more often.
- Red or Black: Pays 1:1. Covers 18 numbers.
- Odd or Even: Pays 1:1. Covers 18 numbers.
- High or Low: Pays 1:1. Covers 1–18 or 19–36.
- Dozen: Pays 2:1. Covers 12 numbers.
- Column: Pays 2:1. Covers one of the three vertical columns.
These bets are the best choice for longer play. In European Roulette, they get even better if special rules are active.
Special Rules in European Roulette
Some European Roulette tables have extra rules that reduce your losses on even-money bets.
La Partage
If the ball lands on zero, you get back half of your bet on red/black, odd/even, or high/low. This drops the house edge on those bets to 1.35%.
En Prison
If the ball lands on zero, your even-money bet gets “imprisoned” for the next spin. A win on that spin returns your full bet. A loss means the entire bet is forfeited.
Both rules are only found in European Roulette. American tables never use them.
Table Layout Differences
The layout of numbers is similar, but not identical. The American wheel places 0 and 00 opposite each other. The European wheel only has one zero and balances the rest of the numbers differently.
This can affect visual patterns and wheel tracking for some advanced players. But for most players, the key is the presence or absence of the double zero.
Crypto Roulette Is Usually American
Most online crypto roulette games use the American layout. That means they include a double zero and a 5.26% house edge.
Even if the game looks modern or claims to be “provably fair,” the math still works against you. Always check the wheel. If you see both 0 and 00, you’re playing a worse version.
Some kasyna kryptowalutowe don’t show odds clearly. Others mix rules from both versions. Don’t guess. Confirm the layout before you bet real money.
Why Casinos Use the American Version
It’s more profitable. That’s it.
An extra 2.5% edge might not sound like much, but over thousands of spins and millions in wagers, it makes a big difference for the house.
Most land-based casinos in the United States only offer the American version. European and online casinos are more likely to give you a choice.
If you’re playing online, you have no excuse. Pick the version with the better odds.
Best Bets to Use
In European Roulette, the best bets are even-money bets like red/black or odd/even—especially if the table uses La Partage or En Prison. That gives you the lowest house edge possible: 1.35%.
In American Roulette, there are no special rules. The best you can do is stick with even-money bets and avoid the Top Line. But even then, you’re playing with a higher edge.
Worst Bets to Avoid
In both versions, betting on single numbers is risky. But in American Roulette, the Top Line bet is the worst of all. It covers five numbers—0, 00, 1, 2, and 3—but gives a weak payout and a house edge of 7.89%.
That’s worse than any slot machine. Skip it.
Also avoid betting strategies that involve chasing losses or betting on patterns. The wheel has no memory. Every spin is independent.
Pros and Cons of European Roulette
Zalety
- Lower house edge (2.7%)
- Even lower edge on even-money bets with special rules (1.35%)
- Better long-term value
- Better odds on every bet
Wady
- Harder to find in US casinos
- Sometimes slower pace due to rule complexity
Pros and Cons of American Roulette
Zalety
- Easier to find in the US
- Fast, simple rules
- More betting options
Wady
- Higher house edge (5.26%)
- No special rules to reduce losses
- Worse odds on every bet
What to Look for Before You Bet
- Count the pockets. If you see both 0 and 00, it’s the American version.
- Look for a sign or rules card. If La Partage or En Prison is active, you’re at a better table.
- Check the betting layout. Avoid the Top Line if it’s listed.
- If you’re playing online, open the help or info section. It should list the number of pockets and rule variants.
Choose the Version That Keeps More of Your Money
Roulette is a slow game with steady losses over time. Your goal is to lose less and stretch your session.
European Roulette does that. American Roulette doesn’t.
Don’t waste money on bad odds just because the table is closer. Take a few seconds to look at the layout. It can save you hundreds in the long run.
If you’re playing online or in a region that offers both, the choice is easy. Play European Roulette. Always.
