The Difference Between European And American Roulette

Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.


Understanding the subtle differences between the wheels is crucial for maximizing your chances of winning.

The Difference is in the Zeros

The single most important difference between the two games lies entirely in the number of green zero pockets.


This single extra pocket on the American wheel drastically alters the mathematical probabilities of the game.

European wheel has 37 total pocketsAmerican wheel has 38 total pocketsBoth versions pay 35 to 1 on a single number bet
The Mathematics of the Two Wheels

With a house edge of 2.70%, European roulette is relatively fair compared to many other casino games.


This means you will lose money almost twice as fast playing the American version over the long term.

Lowering the Edge Even Further

Some European, and particularly French, roulette tables offer player-friendly rules called "La Partage" or "En Prison."


This makes French roulette one of the most mathematically favorable table games on the entire casino floor.

VersionZero PocketsHouse EdgeEuropeanOne (0)2.70%AmericanTwo (0, 00)5.26%

Playing American roulette is a mathematical mistake that unnecessarily drains your bankroll twice as fast.