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The single biggest difference between European and American roulette lies in one small but crucial detail: the number of zeros on the wheel. European roulette features a single zero, while American roulette adds a double zero. This seemingly minor variation shifts the odds, the house edge and even the rhythm of play. For players, understanding these differences can determine which version better suits their strategy and risk tolerance.
Roulette originated in 18th-century France, evolving from older wheel-based games like “Roly-Poly” and “Biribi.” By the 19th century, the single-zero format had become standard across Europe. When roulette reached North America, casinos added a second zero to increase the house edge—a change that transformed gameplay economics.
At RocketPlay and other regulated online casinos licensed in Malta or the UK, both versions coexist, appealing to distinct audiences. European roulette remains more common in global markets, while the American variant dominates land-based venues in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
At first glance, both roulette wheels appear identical—black and red pockets, numbers from 1 to 36 and a green zero (or two). However, closer inspection reveals distinct design variations that influence outcomes and betting strategies.
|
Feature |
European Roulette |
American Roulette |
|
Total Pockets |
37 (1–36 + single zero) |
38 (1–36 + single zero + double zero) |
|
House Edge |
2.70% |
5.26% |
|
Wheel Order |
Alternating sequence for balance |
Slightly different sequence |
|
Table Layout |
Single zero at top |
Double zero added, wider table |
|
Common Location |
Europe, online casinos |
United States, Macau |
The addition of a double zero changes the odds on every bet, increasing the house’s long-term advantage.
For example, a straight-up number bet in European roulette pays 35:1 with a true winning probability of 1 in 37. In American roulette, the same payout remains 35:1, but the probability drops to 1 in 38. That difference adds up over time—especially in longer sessions or high-stake games.
The single-zero wheel’s lower house edge makes European roulette mathematically superior. The 2.70% edge arises from one losing zero pocket, whereas the 5.26% edge in American roulette stems from both zero and double zero pockets acting as losing outcomes.
Here’s how that affects common bet types:
|
Bet Type |
Payout |
Probability (European) |
House Edge (European) |
Probability (American) |
House Edge (American) |
|
Straight (1 number) |
35:1 |
2.70% |
2.70% |
2.63% |
5.26% |
|
Red/Black |
1:1 |
48.64% |
2.70% |
47.37% |
5.26% |
|
Even/Odd |
1:1 |
48.64% |
2.70% |
47.37% |
5.26% |
|
Dozen |
2:1 |
32.43% |
2.70% |
31.58% |
5.26% |
The table illustrates that American roulette effectively doubles the house’s advantage without offering any compensating increase in payout. Over hundreds of spins, this statistical difference can have a significant effect on a player’s bankroll.
European roulette sometimes incorporates player-friendly features absent from American tables. The En Prison and La Partage rules both apply when the ball lands on zero during even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low).
La Partage: The player loses only half the wager when zero appears.
En Prison: The bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin; if it wins, the player recovers the stake.
Both rules cut the house edge on even-money bets from 2.70% to approximately 1.35%, making European roulette among the most statistically favourable casino games available.
American roulette rarely offers these options, maintaining the full edge of over 5%.
Strategic players adjust their approach depending on the wheel type. The presence of the double zero changes expected value calculations across all bets.
In European roulette, strategies like the Martingale (doubling after each loss) or D’Alembert (incremental increase/decrease) are slightly more sustainable due to the lower house edge. In American roulette, such systems require larger bankrolls to offset increased risk.
Online variants often include adjustable betting systems, history tracking and visual heat maps that display hot and cold numbers. These digital tools enhance understanding of probability trends, although every spin remains governed by a random number generator or live wheel.
European players generally favour slower, lower-risk styles, focusing on outside bets like red/black or dozen bets. American players tend to embrace higher-risk strategies, often placing multiple inside bets simultaneously to amplify excitement.
This cultural divide mirrors the markets themselves: European casinos emphasise long-term play and statistical balance, while American venues prioritise dynamic, entertainment-driven sessions.
Beyond numbers, the physical design of roulette wheels and tables also differs between versions. European wheels are manufactured with a single-zero pocket positioned opposite the number 5, maintaining perfect alternation of colour and number distribution.
American wheels place the double zero opposite the single zero, disrupting this balance slightly. Some professional players argue that European wheels’ symmetry creates smoother spin randomness, although modern manufacturing standards ensure fairness across both versions.
In live casino studios, providers like Evolution Gaming or Pragmatic Play Live use European-style wheels for most global streams. These games broadcast from high-definition studios in Malta or Latvia, delivering authentic casino presentation through multiple camera angles and interactive interfaces.
Online casinos frequently offer both versions, sometimes alongside innovative hybrids. For example, Double Ball Roulette features two balls in play, doubling potential payouts, while Lightning Roulette introduces random multipliers up to 500x.
Despite added features, the underlying difference—single zero versus double zero—continues to shape player expectations and long-term performance.
Some European operators further improve odds by adding “La Partage” functionality to online tables. In this configuration, even-money wagers automatically trigger half-loss refunds when the ball hits zero, reducing volatility.
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