European vs American Roulette — Big Difference Explained

At first glance, European and American roulette look nearly identical. Both have spinning wheels, numbered pockets, and the same betting layout. But one small difference — a single extra pocket — nearly doubles the house edge and significantly changes your expected outcomes. Understanding the difference between these two versions is one of the most important things you can learn about roulette. Choosing the right version directly affects how much you can expect to lose over time. This guide explains the key differences, why they matter mathematically, and which version you should choose when you have the option.

The Single Critical Difference

European Roulette:- 37 pockets total - Numbers 1-36 (alternating red and black) - One green 0 pocket - House edge: 2.7%American Roulette:- 38 pockets total - Numbers 1-36 (alternating red and black) - One green 0 pocket - One green 00 pocket (double zero) - House edge: 5.26% That's it. One extra green pocket. Everything else about the game is identical — the bets available, the payout structure, the table layout. But that single 00 pocket nearly doubles the casino's mathematical advantage.

Why the Extra Pocket Matters So Much

The extra 00 pocket changes the probability of every single bet without changing the payouts.Example: Red/Black BetEuropean roulette:- 18 red pockets, 18 black pockets, 1 green 0 - Probability of winning on red: 18/37 = 48.6% - Payout: 1:1 - House edge: 2.7%American roulette:- 18 red pockets, 18 black pockets, 2 green pockets (0 and 00) - Probability of winning on red: 18/38 = 47.4% - Payout: 1:1 (same as European) - House edge: 5.26% You're paid the same amount for winning, but you win less frequently. This creates the higher house edge.Example: Straight-Up Number BetEuropean roulette:- 37 possible outcomes - Payout: 35:1 - True odds: 36:1 - House edge: 2.7%American roulette:- 38 possible outcomes - Payout: 35:1 (same as European) - True odds: 37:1 - House edge: 5.26% Again, you're paid the same for winning, but your chances are slightly worse. For more on how house edge works, see our guide on [house edge explained](#).

What a 2.7% vs 5.26% House Edge Means

The difference might seem small, but it compounds over time.Example: 100 spins at $10 per spinEuropean roulette:- Total wagered: $1,000 - Expected loss (2.7%): $27American roulette:- Total wagered: $1,000 - Expected loss (5.26%): $52.60 American roulette costs you nearly twice as much over the long term.Example: 1,000 spins at $10 per spinEuropean roulette:- Total wagered: $10,000 - Expected loss (2.7%): $270American roulette:- Total wagered: $10,000 - Expected loss (5.26%): $526 The difference becomes more pronounced with more play.

Other Differences and Variations

Beyond the wheel layout, there are a few other distinctions worth noting:

Special European Rules

Some European roulette tables (especially in European casinos and high-end rooms) offer additional rules:La Partage ("The Divide"):If the ball lands on 0, you get half your even-money bet back instead of losing it all.En Prison ("In Prison"):If the ball lands on 0, your even-money bet is held for the next spin. If you win that spin, you get your bet back with no profit.Impact: These rules reduce the house edge to just 1.35% on even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low). American roulette virtually never offers these rules.

Table Layout Differences

European tables: Often have a single betting area with the wheel at one endAmerican tables: May have the wheel in the center with betting areas on both sides These layout differences don't affect the math, just the physical experience.

Availability

United States: American roulette is more common, though European roulette is increasingly available onlineEurope: European roulette is standardOnline casinos: Usually offer both versions, giving you the choice

The Worst Bet in Roulette: Five-Number Bet (American Only)

American roulette has one additional bet not available in European:Five-Number Bet: Covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 - Payout: 6:1 - House edge: 7.89% This is the single worst standard bet in all of roulette. It should always be avoided. European roulette doesn't offer this bet because it doesn't have a 00 pocket.

Which Version Should You Play?

The answer is simple: always choose European roulette when available.The 2.7% house edge is significantly better than 5.26%. There's no upside to American roulette that compensates for the higher house edge.Best option: European roulette with La Partage or En Prison rules (1.35% house edge on even-money bets)Good option: Standard European roulette (2.7% house edge)Avoid if possible: American roulette (5.26% house edge)Never play: American roulette with only the five-number bet option

Why Do Casinos Offer American Roulette?

If European roulette has better odds for players, why do casinos bother with American roulette?Historical reasons: American roulette developed independently in the United States and became the standard therePlayer habits: Many players don't know the difference or don't realize the impactCasino profit: The higher house edge generates more revenue for casinos Some casinos (especially in the US) only offer American roulette. When you have a choice, always pick European.

Common Misconceptions

Myth: American roulette is faster or more excitingReality: The gameplay is identical except for the extra pocket. Speed depends on the dealer or software, not the wheel.Myth: The extra pocket doesn't matter if you bet on single numbersReality: The house edge affects all bets equally. The 00 pocket makes every bet worse in American roulette.Myth: You can compensate by using betting systemsReality: No betting system overcomes the house edge difference. The math remains constant. For more on roulette myths, see our article on [roulette myths that mislead players](#).