At first glance, European Roulette and American Roulette appear almost identical.
Both games use a spinning wheel, a small ball and the same basic betting options.
However, one small difference dramatically changes the mathematics of the game.
Understanding that difference can save players a significant amount of money over the long run.
So which version is better?
The answer is surprisingly clear.
The Key Difference
European Roulette
European Roulette contains:
- Numbers 1–36
- One green zero (0)
Total pockets:
37
American Roulette
American Roulette contains:
- Numbers 1–36
- One green zero (0)
- One green double zero (00)
Total pockets:
38
The extra pocket may seem insignificant.
Mathematically, it changes everything.
House Edge Comparison
The house edge represents the casino's long-term advantage.
European Roulette
House Edge:
2.70%
American Roulette
House Edge:
5.26%
The casino advantage is almost doubled.
This makes American Roulette one of the most expensive mainstream casino games for players.
Example
Suppose you wager:
€1,000
over time.
Expected loss:
European Roulette
€27
American Roulette
€52.60
The difference becomes increasingly important as betting volume increases.
Why the Double Zero Matters
Without the extra pocket:
- Winning probability is higher
- Expected losses are lower
The double zero creates additional losing outcomes without increasing payouts.
As a result:
Players receive less value for every wager.
Betting Options
Most betting options are identical in both versions.
Examples:
- Red / Black
- Odd / Even
- Dozens
- Columns
- Straight-Up Bets
The difference is not the betting layout.
The difference is the wheel itself.
Expected Value Comparison
European Roulette:
Expected Value:
-2.70%
American Roulette:
Expected Value:
-5.26%
This means American Roulette creates larger long-term losses under identical betting conditions.
Why Casinos Offer American Roulette
The answer is simple:
Higher profitability.
The additional zero increases casino revenue without requiring any changes to gameplay.
For casinos, this is highly attractive.
For players, it is less favorable.
Which Version Do Professional Players Prefer?
When given a choice, experienced players almost always select:
European Roulette
Reasons:
- Lower house edge
- Better expected value
- More favorable long-term mathematics
The difference may seem small.
In reality, it is one of the most important decisions a roulette player can make.
Special Rules
Some European Roulette games include additional rules such as:
La Partage
If zero appears:
Half of certain even-money bets may be returned.
En Prison
Some bets remain "imprisoned" for the next spin.
These rules further reduce the effective house edge.
American Roulette rarely offers equivalent advantages.
Why This Matters
Many players spend years searching for better betting systems.
Yet choosing the correct roulette variant often has a greater impact than changing strategies.
The simplest improvement a player can make is often:
Choose European Roulette.
Final Verdict
European Roulette offers:
✅ Lower house edge
✅ Better expected value
✅ More favorable mathematics
✅ Better long-term prospects
American Roulette offers:
❌ Higher house edge
❌ Larger expected losses
❌ Less favorable probabilities
If both versions are available, the mathematical choice is clear.
European Roulette is the better game.
Further Reading
- What Is Roulette?
- European Roulette
- House Edge
- Expected Value
- Probability Distribution
- Variance
- Can Roulette Be Beaten?
Roulette Intelligence – Beyond Luck.