European vs American Roulette
The core difference is one pocket: American roulette adds a double zero (00), nearly doubling the house edge. Always choose European where available.
| Feature | European | American |
|---|---|---|
| Zero pockets | 1 (single zero) | 2 (0 + 00) |
| Number of pockets | 37 | 38 |
| House edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Even-money edge (La Partage) | 1.35% | N/A |
| Straight-up payout | 35:1 | 35:1 |
| True odds (straight-up) | 36:1 | 37:1 |
| Five-number bet (0-00-1-2-3) | Not available | 6:1 (7.89% edge) |
| La Partage / En Prison | Available (French variant) | Not available |
Why the Double Zero Changes Everything
In European roulette, a straight-up bet has a 1/37 ≈ 2.70% chance of winning and pays 35:1. True odds are 36:1. The gap (1 in 37 numbers) is the house edge.
In American roulette, a straight-up bet has a 1/38 chance of winning but still pays 35:1. True odds are 37:1. The house now keeps 2 of 38 numbers (0 and 00) instead of 1, doubling the edge to 5.26%.
Over a long session this compounds significantly. On 1,000 spins at $10 per spin ($10,000 wagered):
- • European: expected loss ~$270
- • American: expected loss ~$526
That $256 difference buys nothing — it is pure cost of the extra zero.
French Roulette: The Best Version
French roulette uses a single-zero European wheel with two additional rules that halve the house edge on even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low):
- • La Partage: When the ball lands on zero, even-money bets receive half their stake back. House edge: 1.35%.
- • En Prison: When the ball lands on zero, even-money bets are "imprisoned" — held over for the next spin. If the bet wins, the original stake is returned (no winnings). House edge equivalent: 1.35%.
If your casino offers French roulette with La Partage, play that instead of standard European for even-money bets.
The Simple Rule
- 1. French roulette with La Partage (1.35% on even-money bets)
- 2. European roulette, single zero (2.70%)
- 3. American roulette, double zero (5.26%) — only play if European is unavailable