American vs European Roulette: What’s the Difference?

The American vs European roulette discussion exists because of the addition of an extra compartment to the classic wheel. The pocket differentiates the two famous table game variants, influencing winning odds, payouts, and long-term gameplay results. Therefore, before choosing which to play, it’s important to know the details that set them apart.

This casino guide compares the American and European roulette variations, showing you their similarities and differences. Be sure to try out all variations of roulette at our site!

American vs European Roulette: Rules, Odds & Wheel Layout

The difference between European and American roulette​ is a real thing. Both are staple variants of the wheel game and have identical gameplay steps, but their wheels differ.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the two roulette wheels and how they differ.

Roulette Bet Types & Payouts (Quick Overview)

Both American and European Roulette use the same bet types, but the probabilities change slightly because of the number of pockets. Here’s a quick summary:

Inside Bets (Higher Risk, Higher Payouts)

• Straight-Up (1 number): 35:1

• Split (2 numbers): 17:1

• Street (3 numbers): 11:1

• Corner (4 numbers): 8:1

• Line (6 numbers): 5:1

Outside Bets (Lower Risk, Lower Payouts)

• Red/Black: 1:1

• Odd/Even: 1:1

• High/Low: 1:1

• Dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36): 2:1

• Columns: 2:1

Key Note:
Payouts stay the same across both wheel types,
but European Roulette gives slightly better odds because it has fewer pockets.

European Wheel (Single Zero – 37 Pockets)

European roulette has 37 pockets (1-36 plus a green 0). The numbers on the wheel are: 0 – 32 – 15 – 19 – 4 – 21 – 2 – 25 – 17 – 34 – 6 – 27 – 13 – 36 – 11 – 30 – 8 – 23 – 10 – 5
24 – 16 – 33 – 1 – 20 – 14 – 31 – 9 – 22 – 18 – 29 – 7 – 28 – 12 – 35 – 3 – 26.

The single 0 gives this variant a low house edge and allows some rules to apply exclusively to specific wagers, distinguishing it from how American roulette works.

American Wheel (Double Zero – 38 Pockets)

In the US, the standard American roulette wheel has 38 pockets (1-36 plus double green 00). The numbers on the wheel are: 0 – 28 – 9 – 26 – 30 – 11 – 7 – 20 – 32 – 17 – 5 – 22 – 34 – 15 – 3 – 24 – 36 – 13 – 1 – 00
27 – 10 – 25 – 29 – 12 – 8 – 19 – 31 – 18 – 6 – 21 – 33 – 16 – 4 – 23 – 35 – 14 – 2.

The inclusion of the double zero (00) opens up more wagering choices but increases the house edge. This is why European roulette is better.

American vs European Roulette Table Layout

Table layout is another segment of the American roulette wheel vs European comparison. The single-zero vs double-zero wheel numbers are as follows:

Placement of Zeros and Grid Differences

Both American and European roulette tables feature a 3×12 number grid. At the top of the grid is the “0” (in European) or “0” and “00” (in American). Aside from this, both versions have the same columns, dozens, and overall betting structure.

The Five-Number Bet (American Only)

American roulette offers a unique option: the five-number or “top line” wager, covering 0-00-1-2-3, pays 6:1. But it shoots the house edge to 7.89%, making it riskier than the other standard bets.

Odds and House Advantage

The single and double zero pockets on the roulette wheel affect house edge and payout odds.

European Roulette’s 2.70% House Edge

The single-zero green pocket on the European roulette wheel gives it a theoretical house edge of 2.70%. This means, mathematically, you can lose $2.70 for every $100 bet you place. Straight-up bets pay 35:1 (1/37 odds) and even-money bets like Red/Black offer a 48.65% win chance.

American Roulette’s 5.26% House Edge

The Double zeros double the house edge on the American roulette wheel, thus giving the casino a 2x edge (5.26%). Players can lose almost twice as much as on the European wheel. However, the straight-up bet still pays 35:1, but the odds are 1/38, and the winning chance drops to 47.37% for an even-money bet.

Rules Differences

European roulette vs American rules are not so different.

Shared Rules

American and European roulette share similar gameplay, betting options (inside and outside bets), and identical payouts, except for the Top Line bet. However, as mentioned, there are some peculiar rules to European roulette.

La Partage / En Prison (European)

In European roulette, the optional La Partage or En Prison rules let you recover half or all of your even-money bets and reduce the house edge to 1.35%.

If the La Partage rules apply, go with your wager and your ball lands on pocket 0. You lose only 50% of your bet. If you go for the En prison rule, your bet is locked up (imprisoned), and you can spin again. If you win, you get 100% of your wager, but none if you lose.

Choosing the Best Roulette Variant

Your choice of roulette game depends on availability and your gaming objective. European roulette is preferred because of its low house edge, while American roulette offers more volatility and a faster play style.

Winning Strategies for Roulette Games

American roulette volatility is high. Do not raise it by placing the Top Line bet. Instead, focus on simpler bets, especially as a beginner. In both variants, roulette outside bets, particularly even-money wagers, are more beneficial. The La Partage rules further reduce the house edge of European roulette to 1.35%. However, in both games, bankroll management is vital.

So, Which Is Better?

American vs. European roulette: which is better? European roulette is considered the best due to its lower house edge and favorable bet rules, but American roulette offers higher volatility because of the double zero. As a takeaway, always match your roulette game to your budget and gameplay goals.

FAQs

What’s the main difference between American and European roulette?

American roulette displays 0 and 00, but European roulette has only a single 0.

Which version of roulette has better odds?

European roulette offers better odds, with a low house edge of 2.70%.

Why does the American roulette wheel have a 00?

The 00 was added historically by U.S. casinos to increase the house advantage.

Should I play American or European roulette?

For odds, choose European roulette if available. But if you want bigger payouts, play American roulette.