Roulette is a staple of the casino experience, offering high suspense on every spin. However, when you enter a casino lobby, you must choose between two main versions. These two variants are European and American roulette, and their differences are critical. Learning how these variants differ is the most important decision you will make at the table. In this article, we will analyze the pocket layouts and odds of both European and American games.
The most important difference between the two games is the design of the roulette wheel. European Roulette features 37 pockets, including numbers 1 to 36 and a single green zero (0). In contrast, the American wheel holds 38 pockets, adding a double zero (00) next to the single zero. While this double zero space looks harmless, it has a massive impact on the house advantage. The presence of the double zero makes it harder to land any number or color bet on the American wheel.
To keep these differences clear in your mind, compare these three key parameters:
To visualize how these differences affect your payout odds and probability, check the table:
| Game Feature | European Roulette | Double Zero Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket Count | 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 and green 0) | 38 |
| Average House Advantage | Exactly 2.70% | 5.26% (with 7.89% on the five-number basket bet) |
| Straight Up Odds | 35 to 1 (2.70% win chance) | Pays 35 to 1 (Winning probability: 2.63%) |
| Even Money Bet Odds (Red/Black) | 48.60% | 47.37% winning probability (Pays 1 to 1) |
Due to the lower house edge, European tables are much friendlier to your bankroll over time. A house edge of 2.70% means the casino expects to keep $2.70 of every $100 you wager. The American game’s 5.26% edge means your bankroll will drop significantly faster on average. This difference might look small in a single spin, but over a session, it adds up quickly. Choosing the single-zero wheel is the easiest way to give yourself better winning odds.
Ultimately, the single green zero makes European roulette the superior variant for players. Always seek out European or French roulette tables when browsing online casino (mr-bet2.com) lobbies. Keep your wagers modest, stick to low-risk outside bets, and play on licensed websites.
No listing found.
We sincerely thank the following national sponsors for their sponsorship support of this site!
Compare listings
Compare