American Vs. European Roulette: What Are The Differences?

If you like playing table games and have been exploring your options, you might have encountered a selection of roulettes. Online casinos usually feature a variety of roulette games, including American and European roulette. So, what sets them apart? If you want to learn more about roulettes and the differences between these variations, keep reading as we’ll explore in depth these two variations.

Wheels

When discussing differences, the wheels should be the first thing you notice. Although it might seem trivial, the differences between the two wheels can significantly impact your gameplay and results.

American Roulette Wheel

There are 38 total pockets on an American roulette wheel. Numbers 1 through 36 are found in red and black slots. The remaining two pockets are green, one labeled with a single 0 (0), and another with a double 0 (00).

European Roulette Wheel

In European roulette, you’ll see 36 numbers in red or black slots. However, there’s only one green, zero pocket. The order of the numbers in the pocket is also different than the American roulette wheel, but they won’t significantly change how you play the game.

RTP and House Edge

All casino players would agree that RTP matters regardless of their game. This is why the differences in the availability of the zero pocket(s) are significant for roulette players, as they affect the house edge and RTP.

European roulette typically gives the casino a 2.3% edge. On the contrary, the American version has an average house edge of 5.26%. But why is the house edge between the two versions significantly different?

European Roulette House Edge

Playing a European roulette game means betting on which pocket the ball will land in after the wheel stops spinning. Each number offers odds of 35/1, so a successful bet means you’ll get your stake back. Meanwhile, the house takes 2.7%, bringing the RTP to 97.3% on average.

American Roulette House Edge

The rule of the game is the same: you’re betting on which pocket the ball will land in after the wheel stops. Each pocket still offers odds of 35/1 and will return your stake if you’re guessing correctly.

However, due to the extra green pocket on the wheel, you have less chance of hitting a successful bet. This is why the house edge is bigger, with 5.26%, bringing the RTP down to an average of 94.74%. Although these RTPs are theoretical returns that don’t promise a certain winning percentage, they still affect your chances of winning.

The Five-Number Bet

There aren’t too many rule differences when we compare the US and the European versions. In American roulette, you can place a special bet called the five-number or basket bet. This betting option allows players to simultaneously cover the wheel’s first five numbers (0, 00, 1, 2, and 3).

It’s a betting option, so it won’t affect the gameplay significantly if you decide not to make a five-number bet. Some players prefer having more ways to bet, even if the odds aren’t the best. This particular bet has a higher house edge of 7.89%. So, most players tend to avoid this type of bet because of the low odds.

American Roulette Pros and Cons

Many roulette players love the US version. It’s mainly due to the double-zero pocket that affects their odds of winning.

Each of these bets pays the exact amount you wagered. So, if you have a successful round, you’d double your bet. However, if you lose, you lose your full bet. This is where the double zero comes into play, giving the house a slight advantage. Most bets don’t cover the zero, so when it hits, the house wins.

Compared to the European roulette wheel, which only contains one green pocket, you can win an even-money bet of roughly 48.65%. As there are two green pockets on the American roulette wheel, it lowers your chances to approximately 47.37%. It may not seem like a significant difference, but when played over time, that small edge helps the house stay ahead of you.

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European Roulette Pros and Cons

Many new players decide to play the European version instead of the US one after comparing. This happens mainly due to the single zero in the European roulette wheel that slightly increases their chance of success. On top of that, the French roulette has an extra twist that gives players more control than the US version, which relies completely on luck.

French roulette’s rules can significantly impact players’ winning chances. In French roulette, players who make an outside bet and land the ball on zero can choose to take “la partage” and save half of their bet. Another option is to pick “en prison” to obtain the chance to win it all.

Choosing “en prison” means players’ bets will be locked (like its name, which means “in prison”), while the player makes another same bet. If they’re successful on this second try, they can win their “en prison” bet but will have to forfeit it if their second try isn’t successful.

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Which Version Should You Play?

Most online casinos will feature both versions, so you can test the two and see which one you like better. However, the European roulette offers a higher chance due to the lower house edge when considering the potential success in the long run. You can also use the French roulette rules to get a second chance after a losing bet.

Both versions offer a unique excitement. Although the European version offers a lower house edge, some players prefer the US roulette. If you want to explore your options, browse our roulette collection and see if the wheel spins in your favor.