American vs European Roulette
The primary difference between American and European roulette is the number of zero pockets on the wheel. European roulette has one zero while American roulette has both a zero and a double zero. This seemingly small change significantly impacts odds, probability, and house edge.
American vs European Roulette – Key Difference
European roulette uses a wheel with 37 pockets: numbers 1-36 plus a single zero.
American roulette uses a wheel with 38 pockets: numbers 1-36 plus both a zero and a double zero.
The extra pocket in American roulette reduces the probability of winning on every bet type. This single additional pocket nearly doubles the house edge from 2.70% to 5.26%.
Roulette Wheel Layout Comparison
European Roulette Wheel:
- Total pockets: 37
- Numbers: 1-36 plus 0
- Zero pockets: 1 (single zero)
- Number sequence: Different from American wheel
- House edge: 2.70%
American Roulette Wheel:
- Total pockets: 38
- Numbers: 1-36 plus 0 and 00
- Zero pockets: 2 (zero and double zero)
- Number sequence: Different from European wheel
- House edge: 5.26%
The number arrangement on the wheel also differs between the two versions, but this has no effect on odds or house edge.
Do Payouts Differ Between American and European Roulette?
No. Payout ratios are identical in both American and European roulette.
- Straight up pays 35:1 in both versions
- Split pays 17:1 in both versions
- Red/Black pays 1:1 in both versions
- Dozens pays 2:1 in both versions
All standard bet types use the same payout structure regardless of wheel type. The difference lies in the probability of winning, not in what you are paid when you win.
Odds Comparison (European vs American)
| Bet Type | Payout | EU Probability | US Probability | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 35:1 | 2.70% | 2.63% | -0.07% |
| Split | 17:1 | 5.41% | 5.26% | -0.15% |
| Street | 11:1 | 8.11% | 7.89% | -0.22% |
| Corner | 8:1 | 10.81% | 10.53% | -0.28% |
| Six Line | 5:1 | 16.22% | 15.79% | -0.43% |
| Red / Black | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% | -1.28% |
| Even / Odd | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% | -1.28% |
| High / Low | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% | -1.28% |
| Dozens | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% | -0.85% |
| Columns | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% | -0.85% |
Every bet type has a lower probability of winning in American roulette due to the extra pocket.
House Edge Comparison
European roulette house edge: 2.70%
American roulette house edge: 5.26%
The house edge represents the casino's mathematical advantage expressed as a percentage of total wagers. It reflects the long-term expected loss per dollar wagered.
For every $100 wagered:
- European roulette: Expected loss of $2.70
- American roulette: Expected loss of $5.26
American roulette carries a house edge that is 94.8% higher than European roulette, making it significantly less favorable for players.
Why the Extra Zero Changes Everything
The extra zero pocket in American roulette dilutes the probability of winning every bet while keeping payouts the same.
In European roulette, a red/black bet covers 18 out of 37 pockets, giving a 48.65% probability. In American roulette, it still covers 18 numbers, but now out of 38 total pockets, reducing probability to 47.37%.
The payout remains 1:1 in both cases. This widening gap between probability and payout creates a larger house edge.
Mathematically:
European: (1 - (18/37)) × 100 = 2.70% house edge
American: (1 - (18/38)) × 100 = 5.26% house edge
Which Roulette Version Is Better?
European roulette is mathematically superior for players. It offers:
- Higher probability of winning on every bet
- Lower house edge (2.70% vs 5.26%)
- Lower expected loss per dollar wagered
- Better long-term return to player (RTP of 97.30% vs 94.74%)
When given a choice, players should always select European roulette over American roulette. The difference may seem small on a single spin, but it compounds significantly over extended play.
Impact on Inside Bets
All inside bets are negatively affected by the extra zero in American roulette.
Example: Straight up bet
- European: 1/37 = 2.70% probability, pays 35:1
- American: 1/38 = 2.63% probability, pays 35:1
The probability decreases while the payout stays constant, resulting in worse expected value.
For detailed information on each inside bet, see inside bets in roulette.
Impact on Outside Bets
All outside bets are negatively affected by the extra zero in American roulette.
Example: Red/Black bet
- European: 18/37 = 48.65% probability, pays 1:1
- American: 18/38 = 47.37% probability, pays 1:1
The probability decreases while the payout stays constant, resulting in worse expected value.
For detailed information on each outside bet, see outside bets in roulette.
Comparison Table (EU vs US)
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Total Pockets | 37 | 38 |
| Zero Pockets | 1 (0) | 2 (0, 00) |
| House Edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| RTP (Return to Player) | 97.30% | 94.74% |
| Straight Up Payout | 35:1 | 35:1 |
| Red/Black Probability | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Player Advantage | Better | Worse |
When You Might Encounter American Roulette
American roulette is common in casinos in the United States, particularly in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Many US casinos offer only American roulette or charge higher table minimums for European roulette.
European roulette is standard in Europe, the UK, and most international markets. Online casinos typically offer both versions, allowing players to choose.
When both versions are available, the European wheel should always be preferred due to its superior odds.