The Two Most Popular Roulette Variants
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games in the world, and at most casinos — online or land-based — you'll encounter two main versions: European Roulette and American Roulette. While they share the same core gameplay, one key structural difference between them has a significant impact on your odds.
The Core Difference: The Wheel
The most important distinction between the two versions is the number of pockets on the wheel:
- European Roulette: 37 pockets — numbers 1–36 plus a single green zero (0).
- American Roulette: 38 pockets — numbers 1–36 plus a single zero (0) and a double zero (00).
That extra double-zero pocket in American roulette increases the house edge from 2.7% (European) to 5.26% (American). For every $100 wagered, the expected loss is roughly $2.70 on a European table vs. $5.26 on an American one — nearly double.
Bet Types: What's the Same
Both versions offer the same core betting options:
Inside Bets
- Straight Up: Bet on a single number. Pays 35:1.
- Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers. Pays 17:1.
- Street: Bet on three numbers in a row. Pays 11:1.
- Corner: Bet on four numbers forming a square. Pays 8:1.
- Line: Bet on six numbers across two rows. Pays 5:1.
Outside Bets
- Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1–18/19–36: Near 50/50 bets. Pays 1:1 (even money).
- Dozens: Bet on 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36. Pays 2:1.
- Columns: Bet on a column of 12 numbers. Pays 2:1.
What American Roulette Adds (and Why It Hurts)
American roulette includes one additional bet: the Five-Number Bet (also called the "Basket Bet"), which covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. This bet carries the worst house edge on the table at 7.89% — almost three times the European wheel's baseline. It should be avoided entirely.
European Exclusive: La Partage and En Prison
Some European roulette tables offer special rules that further reduce the house edge on even-money bets:
- La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, you get half your even-money bet back. This halves the house edge to just 1.35% on those bets.
- En Prison: If the ball lands on zero, your even-money bet is "imprisoned" for the next spin. If it wins, you get your stake back (but no profit). This also effectively halves the house edge to ~1.35%.
Neither rule is available in standard American roulette.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Pockets | 37 (single zero) | 38 (single + double zero) |
| House Edge | ~2.7% | ~5.26% |
| Five-Number Bet | No | Yes (7.89% edge — avoid) |
| La Partage / En Prison | Sometimes available | Not available |
| Best Even-Money Edge | 1.35% (with La Partage) | 5.26% |
Which Version Should You Play?
The answer is clear: European roulette is the better choice for players in virtually every scenario. The lower house edge means your bankroll lasts longer for the same amount of play, and the optional La Partage rule makes even-money bets among the most player-friendly in the casino.
American roulette exists largely for historical and traditional reasons in North American casinos. If both versions are available and the bet limits are similar, always opt for the European wheel.
Final Verdict
Roulette is a game of pure chance — no strategy changes the outcome of any single spin. But choosing the right variant is a strategic decision in itself. Start with European roulette, stick to outside bets while you learn, and enjoy one of the most elegant games in the casino.