Roulette is the undisputed symbol of the casino floor, an elegant game of chance that has captivated players for centuries.
Sitting down at the wrong Roulette table is one of the most common and expensive mistakes a novice player can make.
Understanding this distinction is the absolute most important strategy you can learn before placing your chips on the felt.
In this article, we will compare European and American Roulette to definitively answer which version is better.
Understanding the Physical Difference on the Wheel
The entire difference between European and American Roulette boils down to the green pockets on the wheel.
A European Roulette wheel features 37 pockets in total: the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single green zero (0).
When the game was brought to America, casino owners greedily added a second green pocket, the double zero (00), to increase their profits.
This seemingly minor architectural change is the sole reason why one game is vastly superior to the other.
When you bet on black, you lose if the ball lands on a green zero; in the American version, there are twice as many ways to lose.
Why the House Edge Matters in Roulette
To truly understand why the American version is inferior, we must look at the mathematical House Edge.
In both games, a winning bet on a single number pays out at 35 to 1.
A 2.70% edge means you will lose an average of $2.70 for every $100 you wager; this is considered a fair casino game.
Despite the worse odds, the American game still only pays 35 to 1, significantly short-changing the player.
By simply playing the American version, you are giving the casino nearly double the statistical advantage for absolutely no extra reward.
Taking it a Step Further: The French Rules
If you want the absolute best odds possible, you should look specifically for French Roulette tables.
These rules significantly reduce the sting of losing a 50/50 bet to the casino's built-in advantage.
This simple rule effectively cuts the house edge on even-money bets in half, down to an incredibly low 1.35%.
The "En Prison" rule is similar; if the zero hits, your bet is "imprisoned" and left on the table for the next spin.
Unfortunately, French Roulette tables are rare in physical casinos outside of Europe, but they are easy to find online.
Quick Reference: Which Game is Best?
American Roulette: 38 pockets (0 and 00). House edge is 5.26%. The worst option available. European Roulette: 37 pockets (single 0). House edge is 2.70%. The standard, fair version of the game. French Rules: Cuts the house edge to 1.35%. Always play this online if the casino offers it. Novelty Games: Multi-wheel or lightning roulette alter the payouts; always check the RTP before playing variants. Strategy: No betting system can overcome the 2.70% or 5.26% house edge over the long term.
Odds and Payouts Breakdown
StatisticThe Fair WheelThe Greedy Wheel Total Pockets37 (1-36 + 0)38 (1-36 + 0 + 00) Win RatioFixed at 35 unitsFixed at 35 units True Odds of Winning36 to 1 Against37 to 1 Against House Edge2.70%5.26% (Nearly Double)
There is absolutely no logical reason a player should ever choose to play American Roulette.
However, online casinos offer both versions to all players, giving you the power to choose the better odds.
If you see a green 00 pocket, immediately close the game and find a European or French table instead.
Good luck at the tables, and may the ball always avoid the green pockets when you need it most.