European vs American Roulette: Quick Comparison
The choice between European and American roulette is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a player. The difference in house edge directly impacts your long-term bankroll. Here's what you need to know:
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Pockets | 37 (0-36) | 38 (0, 00, 1-36) |
| Zero Pockets | Single zero (0) | Double zero (0 and 00) |
| House Edge | 2.70% | 5.26% ⚠️ |
| Expected Loss per $100 | $2.70 | $5.26 |
| Even-Money Bet Win Probability | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Single Number Win Probability | 2.70% | 2.63% |
Why House Edge Matters
The house edge represents the casino's mathematical advantage over players. In European roulette, the casino expects to keep 2.7% of all money wagered. In American roulette, that number jumps to 5.26% — nearly double.
The Mathematics Behind the Numbers
European roulette's house edge is calculated as: 1/37 = 0.027 = 2.7%. American roulette's house edge is 2/38 = 0.0526 = 5.26%. The extra double zero pocket creates this significant difference.
⚠️ The Double Zero Trap
Many US land-based casinos still use American wheels with double zero. When playing online, you have a choice — always choose European or French roulette when available. The difference adds up: after 1,000 spins, you'll lose $2,700 on European vs $5,260 on American per $100 bet.
Real-World Impact on Your Bankroll
If you're a casual player who wagers $500 per session, here's how the variants compare:
- European Roulette: Expected loss = $13.50 per session
- American Roulette: Expected loss = $26.30 per session
Over 50 sessions per year, that's a difference of $640 in expected losses — money that stays in your pocket when you choose European roulette.
Wheel Layout Differences
The physical arrangement of numbers differs between the two variants, which affects betting patterns and strategies.
European Roulette Wheel
The European wheel numbers are arranged in a specific sequence: 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25, 17, 34, 6, 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33, 1, 20, 14, 31, 9, 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26. The sequence alternates high and low numbers, and red and black colors are evenly distributed.
American Roulette Wheel
The American wheel has a different number sequence: 0, 28, 9, 26, 30, 11, 7, 20, 32, 17, 5, 22, 34, 15, 3, 24, 36, 13, 1, 00, 27, 10, 25, 29, 12, 8, 19, 31, 18, 6, 21, 33, 16, 4, 23, 35, 14, 2. The notable difference is the placement of the 00 pocket opposite the 0.
Special Rules: French Roulette Advantage
French roulette uses the same single-zero wheel as European roulette but adds two special rules that further reduce the house edge:
- La Partage: When the ball lands on zero, players who made even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) receive half their stake back. This reduces the house edge on these bets to 1.35%.
- En Prison: When zero hits, even-money bets are "imprisoned" for the next spin. If the next spin wins, the original bet is returned. This also reduces the house edge to 1.35%.
French roulette offers the absolute best odds of any roulette variant. Learn more in our French Roulette Guide.
Which Should You Choose?
For most players, the choice is clear:
The five-number bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) is unique to American roulette and offers a 6:1 payout but a staggering 7.89% house edge — making it one of the worst bets in all of gambling.
Where to Play European Roulette in the US
Most US-friendly online casinos offer European roulette tables. Top choices include:
- Bitstarz — Multiple European roulette variants with live dealer options
- Bovada — Classic European roulette with 2.7% house edge
- BetOnline — European and French roulette available
- Wild Casino — 50+ roulette tables including European
For a complete list, visit our Best Roulette Casinos guide.
