Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.
Understanding the subtle differences between the wheels is crucial for maximizing your chances of winning.
The Difference is in the Zeros
The American wheel, however, has 38 pockets: numbers 1 through 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00).
While the payouts remain exactly the same, your odds of hitting a specific number decrease on the American wheel.
- The extra number changes all probability calculations
- The betting layout is slightly larger on the American table
- European tables often use a different chip system
Comparing the House Edge
Because the European wheel has only one zero, the house edge is a very reasonable 2.70%.
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 "La Partage" rule dictates that if the ball lands on zero, you only lose half of your even-money bet.
If these special rules are in effect, the house edge on even-money bets drops to an incredible 1.35%.
| Type | Long Term Loss per $100 | Player Value |
|---|---|---|
| Single Zero | $2.70 | Excellent |
| Double Zero | $5.26 | Terrible |
The conclusion is incredibly simple: you should always seek out and exclusively play European or French roulette.