Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.
Choosing the wrong version of roulette is the most common and costly mistake new players make.
The Difference is in the Zeros
The single most important difference between the two games lies entirely in the number of green zero pockets.
The addition of the 00 pocket effectively doubles the casino's built-in mathematical advantage over the player.
- European wheel has 37 total pockets
- American wheel has 38 total pockets
- Both versions pay 35 to 1 on a single number bet
Why the House Edge Matters
Conversely, the American wheel's extra double zero pushes the house edge up to a massive 5.26%.
There is absolutely no mathematical justification for ever choosing to play American roulette if European is available.
Lowering the Edge Even Further
The "En Prison" rule "imprisons" your bet for the next spin if the zero hits, giving you a second chance.
American roulette essentially never offers these rules, further cementing its status as the inferior option.
| Version | Zero Pockets | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| European | One (0) | 2.70% |
| American | Two (0, 00) | 5.26% |
The conclusion is incredibly simple: you should always seek out and exclusively play European or French roulette.
