European vs American Roulette Guides

At first glance, European and American roulette seem identical. Both feature a wheel, a ball, and a betting table. However, a single digit on the wheel creates a massive difference in the odds and the long-term profitability for the player. Choosing the wrong version can significantly increase the house edge.

The European Roulette Layout

European roulette is widely considered the better choice for players. It features a single green zero (0). Because there is only one zero, the house edge on most bets is 2.7%. This makes it a more fair game and allows strategies to perform more consistently over time. Many professional players exclusively seek out European tables to maximize their edge.

The American Roulette Layout

American roulette introduces a second green zero—the double zero (00). While it may seem like a small addition, it nearly doubles the house edge to 5.26%. This means that over a long session, the player is likely to lose money twice as fast as they would on a European wheel. This makes American roulette significantly more challenging for those using a mathematical approach to roulette betting.

Comparison Summary

• House Edge: European (2.7%) vs. American (5.26%).
• Zeroes: One (0) vs. Two (0, 00).
• Payouts: Generally the same, but the probability of winning is lower in American roulette.
• Special Rules: European roulette sometimes features the 'En Prison' or 'La Partage' rules, which further reduce the house edge.

For beginners who are unsure which version to start with, we suggest reading our beginner guide to roulette basics to get comfortable with the game before choosing a specific wheel variant.