Roulette is a casino game played worldwide. It is a casino game that has stood the test of time. While many games have come and gone, roulette has remained a fan favorite. There are two main types of roulette: American and European roulette. While both look the same on paper, many differences make each unique.
One of the main reasons for roulette’s popularity is its variants. American and European roulette offer players a choice. They can check out the format and decide which one they want. Do you want to know what the real difference between American and European Roulette is? Keep reading to find out!
The Main Difference Between American and European Roulette
Take a quick look at both roulette tables. This will tell you a lot instantly. It really doesn't matter if you’re playing online or at a casino. The difference is subtle, but clear. Here are the key differences between the two games:
1. The Difference in Roulette Wheels
The main difference between European and American Roulette is the layout of the roulette wheel. The American Roulette Wheel
The American wheel has 38 pockets for the Roulette ball to fall in. Those are black-and-red numbers from 1 to 36 along with two extra green pockets for a single 0 (0) and a double 0 (00).
In European Roulette, you will also see 36 numbered pockets, each red or black. But only one green pocket for zero.
The main difference between an American and European Roulette wheel is the number of green pockets (zeroes). The European roulette wheel has one green pocket (0), whereas the American Roulette wheel (more popular in Las Vegas) has two: 0 and 00.
2. Difference in House Edge
House edge is also an important area of difference. It means the advantage the casino has over you when you play a casino game.
American Roulette: The odds of winning when betting on particular numbers at American Roulette are lower. 1 in 38 compared to 1 in 37 when playing European Roulette. When you play American Roulette, the House Edge is 5.26%, which is significantly higher. In European Roulette, the House Edge is only 2.7%.
|
Type of Bet |
Payout |
RTP |
|
Straight up |
35 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
Split |
17 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
Basket |
11 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
Street |
11 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
Corner |
8 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
Six Line |
5 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
1st Column |
2 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
2nd Column |
2 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
3rd Column |
2 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
1st Dozen |
2 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
2nd Dozen |
2 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
3rd Dozen |
2 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
Odd |
1 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
Even |
1 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
Red |
1 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
Black |
1 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
1 to 18 |
1 to 1 |
94.70% |
|
19 to 36 |
1 to 1 |
94.70% |
European Roulette: The house edge and odds for European Roulette are better for the player. The house edge is a lot lower at 2.7%. The odds of winning by betting on specific numbers are 1 in 37.
That's a huge difference, considering you are playing the same game, with the same payouts, and the same level of excitement.
|
Type of Bet |
Payout |
RTP |
|
Straight up |
35 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
Split |
17 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
Basket |
11 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
Street |
11 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
Corner |
8 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
Six Line |
5 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
1st Column |
2 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
2nd Column |
2 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
3rd Column |
2 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
1st Dozen |
2 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
2nd Dozen |
2 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
3rd Dozen |
2 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
Odd |
1 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
Even |
1 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
Red |
1 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
Black |
1 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
1 to 18 |
1 to 1 |
97.30% |
|
19 to 36 |
1 to 1 |
97.30% |
3. European Roulette Has an Optional En Prison Rule
Some online casinos will offer the optional en prison rule. This rule only applies to European/French roulette.
The en prison rule is where if the result is 0 and you had placed an even money bet (e.g., you bet on red), your bet remains on the table, and you get another spin.
4. European Roulette Has Call Bets
Call Bets (or announced bets) are predetermined bets that cover specific sections of the roulette wheel. These are only available in European and French roulette.
5. American Roulette Has Five Number Bet
The five-number bet is only available on an American roulette table. The five-number bet includes the numbers 1, 2, 3, 0, and 00. Since it has a 00, it can’t be placed on the European roulette layout.
This is probably a good thing. The house edge for this bet is higher than any other bet, with a staggering house edge of 7.89%. It's also the only bet in roulette that permanently carries a different house edge from the rest of the possible bets at the table.
Which Variant is Better for Me – American or European Roulette?
Overall, both variants are similar. They only have a few differences here and there. The only real question you have to ask yourself is this: Do I want a safer approach or a higher risk-to-reward ratio?
European roulette offers a safer approach, while American roulette involves a higher risk. European is considered better for beginners. The odds make it a safer option. But that doesn’t mean the American variant is bad. If you put a good strategy to use, you can win big in American roulette as well.
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Be it American or European, roulette has remained one of the top casino games of all time. There are so many variants of it that players still talk about it enthusiastically to this day. Both of the variants we talked about are as fun as the game gets. Most of the basic rules remain the same. But it’s the playing style, house edge, and other niches that are different. This makes the two of them unique and fun to play in their own way.
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FAQs for American and European Roulette
1. What is the main difference between American and European roulette?
The main difference between American and European roulette is the number of pockets on the roulette wheel. American roulette wheels have 38 pockets, including a single zero (0) and a double zero (00), while European roulette wheels have 37 pockets, with only a single zero (0).
2. How do the differences in the American and European roulette wheels affect the odds?
The additional double-zero (00) pocket on the American wheel increases the house edge compared to the European wheel. This means that in American roulette, the casino has a slightly higher advantage over players.
3. Do the betting options differ between American and European roulette?
The betting options are generally the same in both American and European roulette. You can place bets on individual numbers, groups of numbers, red or black, odd or even, and so on. The presence of the double zero in American roulette can affect some specific bets related to it.
4. Are there any strategies that work better for one variant over the other?
Basic roulette strategies, like the Martingale or Fibonacci systems, can be applied to both variants. However, due to the lower house edge, European roulette is generally considered more favorable for players who use betting systems.
5. Are there any other roulette variants besides American and European?
Yes, there are other roulette variants, such as French roulette, which is similar to European roulette but includes additional betting options and rules. There are also online roulette games with unique features and side bets at Betbricks7.
