Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.
European and American roulette may look nearly identical to the untrained eye, but the math differs wildly.
The Extra Green Zero
A European roulette wheel features 37 pockets in total: the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0).
While the payouts remain exactly the same, your odds of hitting a specific number decrease on the American wheel.
European wheel has 37 total pocketsAmerican wheel has 38 total pocketsBoth versions pay 35 to 1 on a single number bet
Why the House Edge Matters
With a house edge of 2.70%, European roulette is relatively fair compared to many other casino games.
Statistically, for every $100 you wager, you expect to lose $2.70 on European and $5.26 on American.
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.
This makes French roulette one of the most mathematically favorable table games on the entire casino floor.
VersionZero PocketsHouse EdgeEuropeanOne (0)2.70%AmericanTwo (0, 00)5.26%
Playing American roulette is a mathematical mistake that unnecessarily drains your bankroll twice as fast.
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The Difference Between European and American Roulette
deliav6844552 edited this page 2026-08-06 09:37:31 -04:00