European Roulette vs American Roulette: Which Wheel Gives You the Best Odds?
Welcome to the ultimate guide to the world’s most iconic casino game. Roulette is a classic game of chance, spinning its way into the hearts of players for centuries. But did you know that not all roulette wheels are created equal? A single, seemingly small difference in the wheel’s design dramatically changes your odds of winning. If you want to make the smartest choice every time you play, you’ve come to the right place. In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about European and American roulette, revealing why one version gives you a clear statistical advantage.
The Core Difference at a Glance: Quick Facts Table
For those who want the answer right away, this table summarizes the crucial differences. The numbers don’t lie—one game is clearly the superior choice for players.
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Pockets | 37 (1-36, plus a single 0) | 38 (1-36, plus 0 and 00) |
| House Edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Return to Player (RTP) | 97.30% | 94.74% |
| Player Odds | Significantly Better | Significantly Worse |
| Best For | Smart players, beginners, and online play | Primarily found in land-based US casinos |
How to Play Roulette: A 5-Step Beginner’s Guide
Never played before? No problem. A round of roulette is simple and exciting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started on either version of the game.
- Choose a Roulette Table: When playing online, you’ll see different game lobbies. Look for tables specifically labelled “European Roulette” or “French Roulette” for the best odds.
- Buy Your Chips: In an online casino, you simply select your desired chip denomination. At a land-based casino, you’ll exchange cash for unique-colored chips from the dealer.
- Place Your Bets: Click (or physically place) your chips on the numbers or sections of the betting layout you want to wager on. You can make multiple bets on a single spin.
- The Dealer Spins the Wheel: The dealer will spin the wheel and launch the ball. Shortly after, they will announce “no more bets.” Now, you just watch in anticipation!
- The Payout: Once the ball lands in a numbered pocket, the dealer places a marker on the winning number on the layout. Losing bets are cleared, and winning bets are paid out according to the payout table.
Game Rules Explained: Why One Zero Makes All the Difference
This is the most critical section to understand. The difference between the two games comes down to a single pocket on the wheel, but its impact on the house edge—the casino’s built-in mathematical advantage—is massive.
The European Wheel (Single Zero)
The European roulette wheel features 37 pockets. These include numbers 1 through 36 (split between red and black) and a single green ‘0’ pocket. That single zero is the source of the casino’s advantage. When you bet on Red/Black or Odd/Even, a ‘0’ result means you lose. This gives the house its edge.
- Calculation: With one “losing” pocket (the 0) for even-money bets out of 37 total pockets, the house edge is calculated as 1/37, which equals 2.70%.
The American Wheel (Double Zero)
The American wheel adds an extra pocket, bringing the total to 38. It has numbers 1-36, a green ‘0’, and a second green ’00’ pocket. Critically, the payouts for winning bets remain the same as in European roulette. You’re just adding another losing outcome without any extra reward.
- Calculation: With two “losing” pockets (the 0 and 00) for even-money bets out of 38 total pockets, the house edge is calculated as 2/38, which equals 5.26%. This is nearly double the house edge of the European version!
Roulette Betting Options: Inside vs. Outside Bets
Understanding the different bets is key to enjoying the game. They are grouped into two categories: Inside Bets (on specific numbers) and Outside Bets (on groups of numbers).
Inside Bets (Higher Payout, Lower Odds)
| Bet Name | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | Bet on a single number | 35:1 |
| Split | Bet on the line between two adjacent numbers | 17:1 |
| Street | Bet on a row of three numbers | 11:1 |
| Corner (Square) | Bet on the corner where four numbers meet | 8:1 |
| Six Line | Bet on the line between two adjacent rows of three numbers | 5:1 |
Outside Bets (Lower Payout, Higher Odds)
| Bet Name | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Red/Black | Bet on the color of the winning number | 1:1 |
| Odd/Even | Bet on whether the number is odd or even | 1:1 |
| High/Low | Bet on the group of numbers 1-18 or 19-36 | 1:1 |
| Dozens | Bet on one of three groups: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36 | 2:1 |
| Columns | Bet on one of the three vertical columns on the layout | 2:1 |
Roulette Odds and Payouts Compared
This table clearly demonstrates how your probability of winning changes between the two games, even though the payout for a win is identical. This is the proof: you have a better chance of winning any bet in European Roulette.
| Bet Type | European Roulette Winning Chance | American Roulette Winning Chance | Payout (Same for Both) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 2.70% (1 in 37) | 2.63% (1 in 38) | 35:1 |
| Split | 5.41% (2 in 37) | 5.26% (2 in 38) | 17:1 |
| Red/Black | 48.65% (18 in 37) | 47.37% (18 in 38) | 1:1 |
| Dozens | 32.43% (12 in 37) | 31.58% (12 in 38) | 2:1 |
Popular Roulette Strategies and Player Tips
Disclaimer: No betting system can ever overcome the house edge or guarantee a win. These strategies are designed to manage your play and bankroll, not to magically predict outcomes. Use them for fun and structure, not as a promise of profit.
Common Roulette Betting Systems
- The Martingale System: The most famous (and risky) strategy. You double your bet after every loss. A win recoups all previous losses plus one unit of profit. It requires a very large bankroll.
- The Reverse Martingale (Paroli): You double your bet after every win, aiming to capitalize on a winning streak. You set a limit (e.g., three wins in a row) and then reset.
- The D’Alembert System: A safer progression. You increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win.
- The Fibonacci System: Your bet size follows the famous Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…). You move one step forward in the sequence after a loss and two steps back after a win.
Essential Tips for Smarter Play
- Always Choose European Roulette: This is the most important tip. By making this one choice, you instantly cut the casino’s advantage in half.
- Play Outside Bets for More Frequent Wins: Bets like Red/Black or Odd/Even offer nearly a 50% chance of winning and are great for managing your bankroll over a longer session.
- Understand the Gambler’s Fallacy: The wheel has no memory. If black has hit 10 times in a row, the chance of the next spin being red is still exactly 48.65%. The odds never change.
- Try a Demo Mode First: Before betting real money, use the free-to-play versions offered by online casinos to get comfortable with the game layout and betting process.
Important Game Variations You Should Know
- French Roulette: This is the gold standard. It uses a European wheel and adds player-friendly rules. “La Partage” gives you half your even-money bet back if the ball lands on zero. This simple rule cuts the house edge on those bets to a tiny 1.35%. If you can find it, play it!
- Live Dealer Roulette: Get the real casino experience from home. A real human dealer spins a physical wheel, and the action is streamed to your device in high-definition. It’s immersive and transparent.
- Lightning Roulette: An exciting online variant from Evolution Gaming that adds random multipliers (from 50x to 500x) to certain “Straight Up” numbers on each spin, offering huge payout potential.
- Multi-Wheel Roulette: An online-only version where you can place bets on the outcome of multiple roulette wheels at the same time, increasing the action.
Best Online Casinos to Play European Roulette in 2025
Ready to play? We’ve selected top-tier online casinos known for their excellent selection of roulette games, especially the player-friendly European and French versions.
| Online Casino | Why It’s Great for Roulette | Available Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Spin Palace | Excellent Live Dealer European & French Roulette selection from top providers. | 100% Match Bonus up to $400 |
| Roulette Royale | Specializes in roulette, offering French Roulette with the La Partage rule as standard. | Welcome Package + 50 Free Spins on Roulette Games |
| Vegas Grand | Low minimum bets ideal for beginners and a great mobile app for playing on the go. | 200% Welcome Bonus + Weekly Cashback |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Playing American Roulette: We can’t say it enough. Choosing the American wheel is the single biggest mistake a roulette player can make from a probability standpoint.
- Chasing Losses: Trying to win back lost money by making bigger, riskier bets is a recipe for disaster. Stick to your budget.
- Ignoring Bankroll Management: Playing without a set budget and a loss limit for your session is irresponsible and can lead to overspending.
- Believing in “Due” Numbers: Falling for the Gambler’s Fallacy will not help you win. Every spin is an independent event.
Smart Bankroll Management
Playing smart is about managing your money effectively. Follow these simple rules to stay in control and enjoy the game responsibly.
- Set a Strict Session Budget: Decide exactly how much you are willing to lose before you start playing, and stop immediately when you reach that limit.
- Know When to Walk Away: Set a win goal as well as a loss limit. Cashing out when you’re ahead is the hallmark of a disciplined player.
– Use a Unit Betting System: Divide your bankroll into “units” (e.g., 1-2% of your total). This keeps your bet sizes consistent and protects you from big losses.
Playing Roulette on Mobile
The modern roulette experience is perfectly suited for mobile devices. Top software providers like NetEnt, Playtech, and Evolution Gaming design their games with a mobile-first approach. This means intuitive touch controls, clear layouts, and seamless performance whether you’re playing in a mobile browser or through a dedicated casino app. You can enjoy all your favorite roulette variations on your phone or tablet without any loss of quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is American or European roulette better?
European roulette is unequivocally better for the player. Its house edge is only 2.70%, compared to the much higher 5.26% in American roulette. This means you are statistically likely to lose less money over time when playing the European version.
Are the odds better on European roulette?
Yes, absolutely. The odds of winning any individual bet are better on European roulette. For example, your chance of winning a bet on Red is 48.65% in European roulette, but only 47.37% in American roulette, all because the American wheel has an extra ’00’ pocket.
What is the difference between American roulette and French roulette?
American roulette has 38 pockets (with a 0 and 00). French roulette has 37 pockets (like European) but adds special rules like “La Partage” or “En Prison.” These rules return half of an even-money bet if the ball lands on zero, which slashes the house edge on those bets to just 1.35%. This makes French roulette the best version of all for the player.
Which roulette system is the best?
There is no “best” roulette system that can guarantee a win or beat the casino’s house edge. Systems like the Martingale or Fibonacci are betting strategies used to manage your bankroll and add structure to your play, but they do not change the mathematical odds of the game. The single best strategy is always to choose the game with the lowest house edge (French or European roulette) and practice smart bankroll management.
Responsible Gambling Reminder: Roulette is a game of chance and should be played for entertainment purposes only. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. Set limits, play responsibly, and know when to stop. If you feel you may have a gambling problem, please seek help from a professional organization.
