Roulette is one of the most iconic and visually thrilling games available on any casino floor.
Knowing which wheel to choose is the single most important decision a roulette player will ever make.
The Extra Number That Changes Everything
The European roulette wheel features 37 slots in total: numbers 1 through 36, plus a single green zero.
The American wheel, however, features 38 slots: numbers 1 through 36, a single zero, AND a double zero (00).
- The single zero is the only reason the casino makes a profit on Red/Black or Odd/Even wagers
- Adding a second zero effectively doubles the speed at which you will statistically lose your bankroll
- The visual layout of the numbers on the wheel itself is also completely different between the two versions
Why French Roulette is Even Better
In addition to the better wheel layout, some European (often called French) tables offer incredibly favorable special rules.
Under the 'La Partage' rule, if you make an even-money bet (like Red or Black) and the ball lands on zero, you only lose half your bet.
| Game Type | Special Rules? | House Edge (Even-Money Bets) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard European | No | 2.70% |
| French (La Partage) | Yes (Half-back on Zero) | 1.35% |
By simply choosing the European wheel, you instantly double your expected mathematical longevity at the casino.