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UKAmerican vs. European Roulette: Know Your Odds
Learning European vs. American roulette is key to understanding how to play the game. Even though there’s no fundamental difference between the mechanics of a European wheel and a U.S. roulette wheel, the house edge of one is nearly double the other. For those new to roulette: the higher the house edge, the less cash you’re expected to walk away with after a roulette session.
This guide breaks down the key distinctions between the two roulette types, including which one has better odds.
Key Differences Between American vs. European Roulette
The primary difference between European roulette vs. American roulette is the number of zero pockets and some rule sets that improve the player’s odds of minimizing the amount lost.
An American roulette wheel features 38 numbers: 1–36, and two zero pockets (0, 00). The 1–36 pockets alternate between red and black, and both zero pockets are green. The double zero roulette wheel gives the house an edge of 5.26%, or a 94.74% return to player (RTP) rate.
A European roulette wheel features 37 pockets; 1–36, and one zero pocket. The single zero roulette wheel also features a green zero space and numbers that alternate between red and black. However, the key difference is the single zero. By removing the second zero from the wheel the house edge is nearly cut in half to 2.7%, or an RTP of 97.3%. The single zero makes European roulette more appealing, since it has better odds than American roulette.
On top of that, European roulette offers two optional rules that improve player odds: La Partage and En Prison. Both are applied when the ball lands on zero after even money bets like red/black or odd/even are placed. La Partage means that you only lose half your bet when the ball lands on zero, while En Prison places your bet on hold “in prison” and allows you to win it back on the next spin. Both La Partage and En Prison cut the house edge down even further to just 1.35%.
Comparing European Roulette vs. American Roulette House Edge
The following tables display the house edge of both versions, and you can visit the best roulette online casino sites to try them out for yourself. House edge and Return to Player (RTP) are the inverse of each other, showing how much money is expected to go to either the house or player. Winning probability shows the likelihood of your bet hitting on a particular type of bet.
House Edge in European Roulette
| Bet Type | House Edge | RTP% | Winning Probability | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red/Black | 2.70% | 97.30% | 48.64% | 1/1 |
| Odd/Even | 2.70% | 97.30% | 48.64% | 1/1 |
| High/Low | 2.70% | 97.30% | 48.64% | 1/1 |
| Dozen | 2.70% | 97.30% | 32.40% | 2/1 |
| Column | 2.70% | 97.30% | 32.40% | 2/1 |
| Six Line | 2.70% | 97.30% | 16.20% | 5/1 |
| Square or Corner | 2.70% | 97.30% | 10.81% | 8/1 |
| Street | 2.70% | 97.30% | 8.11% | 11/1 |
| Split | 2.70% | 97.30% | 5.41% | 17/1 |
| Straight | 2.70% | 97.30% | 2.70% | 35/1 |
House Edge in American Roulette
| Bet Type | House Edge | RTP% | Winning Probability | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red/Black | 5.26% | 94.74% | 46.37% | 1/1 |
| Odd/Even | 5.26% | 94.74% | 46.37% | 1/1 |
| High/Low | 5.26% | 94.74% | 46.37% | 1/1 |
| Dozen | 5.26% | 94.74% | 31.58% | 2/1 |
| Column | 5.26% | 94.74% | 31.58% | 2/1 |
| Six Line | 5.26% | 94.74% | 15.79% | 5/1 |
| Five Line | 7.89% | 92.11% | 13.16% | 6/1 |
| Square or Corner | 5.26% | 94.74% | 10.53% | 8/1 |
| Street | 5.26% | 94.74% | 7.89% | 11/1 |
| Split | 5.26% | 94.74% | 5.26% | 17/1 |
| Straight | 5.26% | 94.74% | 2.63% | 35/1 |
American vs European Roulette FAQs
Expect to lose roughly twice as much. American roulette’s 5.26% edge means about $5.26 lost per $100 wagered, versus $2.70 on European. Over hundreds of spins that gap adds up, though any single session can swing either way.
Rarely, if a European or French wheel is available. American roulette’s 5.26% edge is nearly double, so you lose faster for the same payouts. Only play it when it’s the sole option, and keep your session short.
Often out of habit, availability, or not checking the wheel before sitting down. Some simply prefer the familiar double-zero layout common in U.S. casinos. Whatever the reason, you pay for it through the higher 5.26% edge.
Sometimes, but it’s less common on U.S. floors, where the double-zero wheel dominates. High-limit rooms are your best bet for finding it. Online casinos offer single-zero European tables far more widely, often with lower minimums.
Does American Roulette or European Roulette Give the Best Odds?
When it comes to American vs. European roulette, European roulette has the best odds. The American version features two zero pockets, and the single-zero European version cuts the house edge in half. Risk tolerance is crucial in both versions, and we hope you can use this information to help you win more games.
You may also be interested in reading our baccarat vs. roulette guide to see how the two games compare to one another.
