Roulette is one of the most iconic and visually thrilling games available on any casino floor.
The variation you decide to play has a massive impact on your mathematical chances of walking away a winner.
The Green Zero: The House's Secret Weapon
On a European table, the presence of the single zero is what prevents the even-money bets from being perfectly 50/50.
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
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.
| Roulette Variation | Number of Zeros | House Edge (Standard Bets) |
|---|---|---|
| American | Two (0, 00) | 5.26% |
| European | One (0) | 2.70% |
If you have the option, you should absolutely never sit down at an American roulette table.