Roulette is one of the most iconic and visually thrilling games available on any casino floor.
Understanding the difference between the American and European variations is the most crucial strategy in the game.
The Green Zero: The House's Secret Weapon
The European roulette wheel features 37 slots in total: numbers 1 through 36, plus a single green zero.
That extra double zero on the American wheel might look harmless, but it drastically increases the operator's profit margin.
- The payouts for hitting a single number are exactly the same (35 to 1) on both wheels
- Because the payouts are identical but the American wheel has an extra number, your odds of winning decrease
- You are taking on more risk for the exact same potential reward when playing the American version
Advanced European Roulette Rules
If you can find a French roulette table, you will encounter the best possible odds for this specific game.
These rules effectively cut the house edge in half again, dropping it to a phenomenally low 1.35% on outside bets.
| Game Type | Special Rules? | House Edge (Even-Money Bets) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard European | No | 2.70% |
| French (La Partage) | Yes (Half-back on Zero) | 1.35% |
If you have the option, you should absolutely never sit down at an American roulette table.