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 Difference is in the Zeros
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.
- 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
Why the House Edge Matters
Conversely, the American wheel's extra double zero pushes the house edge up to a massive 5.26%.
Statistically, for every $100 you wager, you expect to lose $2.70 on European and $5.26 on American.
The En Prison and La Partage Rules
The "La Partage" rule dictates that if the ball lands on zero, you only lose half of your even-money bet.
This makes French roulette one of the most mathematically favorable table games on the entire casino floor.
| Version | Zero Pockets | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| European | One (0) | 2.70% |
| American | Two (0, 00) | 5.26% |
Playing American roulette is a mathematical mistake that unnecessarily drains your bankroll twice as fast.