If you have ever wondered whether European vs American roulette is “basically the same game,” you are close, but one small detail changes everything: the number of zero pockets on the wheel. That single difference shifts your roulette house edge, your long-run expected return, and even how swingy (high-variance) your sessions can feel.
This guide breaks down single zero vs double zero roulette in a clear, side-by-side way, with practical examples, simple probability math, and shopping tips for choosing the best roulette table online or in a live casino.
Quick answer: is European roulette better than American?
For most players, yes.European roulette (single-zero) typically has a house edge of about 2.70%, while American roulette (double-zero) is about 5.26%. That means European roulette generally gives you a better expected return over time.
If you can find French roulette rules like la partage or en prison on even-money bets, the effective house edge on those bets can drop further to about 1.35%, which is a meaningful upgrade for value-focused play.
European vs American roulette: the core differences
1) Wheel pockets: 37 vs 38
The biggest difference is the wheel:
- European roulette: 37 pockets (numbers 1 to 36, plus a single zero 0)
- American roulette: 38 pockets (numbers 1 to 36, plus 0 and 00)
That extra 00 pocket makes every bet slightly less likely to win, while payouts typically stay the same, which is why the house edge increases.
2) Table layout and bet placement
Both games offer the same main bet types (inside and outside bets), but the table layouts differ:
- European tables usually show a single green 0 at the top of the layout.
- American tables show two green spaces, 0 and 00, which changes how you place bets near the top of the grid.
In many casinos, American layouts also feature a five-number bet (often called a “basket” bet) covering 0, 00, 1, 2, 3. It can be tempting because it “covers more numbers,” but it typically carries a higher house edge than standard bets on the same wheel.
3) Special rules: French roulette advantages on even-money bets
Many French roulette and some European roulette tables offer rules designed to soften the impact of the zero:
- La partage: If you place an even-money bet (red/black, odd/even, high/low) and the ball lands on 0, you lose only half your stake.
- En prison: If you place an even-money bet and 0 lands, your stake is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your stake back (typically without profit). If it loses, you lose the stake.
Both rules reduce the effective house edge on even-money bets because they reduce how costly the zero result is for those wagers.
Side-by-side comparison: pockets, house edge, and best use cases
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel pockets | 37 (1–36 + 0) | 38 (1–36 + 0 + 00) |
| Zero pockets | Single zero (0) | Double zero (0 and 00) |
| Typical house edge | ~ 2.70% | ~ 5.26% |
| Even-money bets (standard rules) | Better expected return than American | Lower expected return due to extra 00 |
| French rules available? | Often (la partage / en prison) | Rare |
| Variance (session swinginess) | Lower than American (fewer losing outcomes) | Higher than European (extra losing outcome) |
| Best for | Value-focused players, steady bankroll management, longer play time | Players who prefer American layout or specific table availability |
Why the extra zero changes the roulette house edge
Roulette payouts are generally designed around a 36-number game. When you add a zero (or another zero) but keep the same payouts, the casino gains a built-in advantage.
The house edge comes from the fact that payout odds do not perfectly match the true odds of winning.
European roulette house edge (single zero)
In European roulette, there are 37 equally likely outcomes. For many common bets, the long-run expected loss is:
House edge= 1 / 37 = 0.027027… ≈2.70%
American roulette house edge (double zero)
In American roulette, there are 38 equally likely outcomes because of the extra 00. The long-run expected loss becomes:
House edge= 2 / 38 = 0.052631… ≈5.26%
That is almost double the edge, which is why so many players searching “is European roulette better than American” end up choosing the single-zero game.
Probabilities and expected return examples (with simple math)
To compare games fairly, it helps to look at a €1 bet and compute expected value (EV). EV is the average outcome you would expect per bet over a very large number of spins.
Below, EV is shown as net profit. A negative number means an average loss.
Example 1: €1 on Red (even-money bet)
Payout on red is typically 1 to 1 (you win €1 profit if you win; you lose €1 if you lose).
European roulette (single zero)
- Winning outcomes (red): 18
- Losing outcomes (black + 0): 19
- Total outcomes: 37
EV = (18/37 × +1) + (19/37 × −1) = (18 − 19) / 37 = −1/37 ≈−0.0270
Interpretation: on average, a €1 red bet costs about €0.027 in the long run on a European wheel.
American roulette (double zero)
- Winning outcomes (red): 18
- Losing outcomes (black + 0 + 00): 20
- Total outcomes: 38
EV = (18/38 × +1) + (20/38 × −1) = (18 − 20) / 38 = −2/38 ≈−0.0526
Interpretation: on average, a €1 red bet costs about €0.0526 in the long run on an American wheel.
Example 2: €1 on a single number (straight-up bet)
Straight-up bets typically pay 35 to 1 (you win €35 profit if your number hits; otherwise you lose €1).
European roulette
- P(win) = 1/37
- P(lose) = 36/37
EV = (1/37 × +35) + (36/37 × −1) = (35 − 36) / 37 = −1/37 ≈−2.70%
American roulette
- P(win) = 1/38
- P(lose) = 37/38
EV = (1/38 × +35) + (37/38 × −1) = (35 − 37) / 38 = −2/38 ≈−5.26%
The key takeaway: in standard roulette, the expected loss rate is generally consistent across bet types for a given wheel. So choosing the right wheel (single zero when possible) is often the biggest “strategy” lever you control.
French roulette: how la partage and en prison can improve your odds
French roulette is often effectively European roulette with additional rules and a traditional table style. The standout benefit is how certain tables treat even-money bets when the ball lands on 0.
La partage (effective house edge ~ 1.35% on even-money bets)
With la partage, if you bet €1 on red and the ball lands on 0, you lose only €0.50 instead of €1.
EV (European wheel with la partage on even-money bets):
- Win (18/37): +1
- Lose to opposite color (18/37): −1
- Zero (1/37): −0.5
EV = (18/37 × +1) + (18/37 × −1) + (1/37 × −0.5) = −0.5/37 ≈−0.0135
That corresponds to an effective house edge of about 1.35% on even-money bets, which is roughly half the standard European edge on those bets.
En prison (often similar value, with a different “feel”)
En prison typically produces a similar effective result over time for even-money bets, but it plays out across two spins: your stake is held for the next spin rather than immediately losing half.
Why players like it: it can feel more “alive” than a partial loss, and it encourages disciplined even-money betting if you enjoy steadier decision-making.
Variance: why American roulette can feel swingier
Variance is about how much your results can fluctuate in the short run. Both European and American roulette are random, but the extra 00 creates one more losing outcome on many bets, which can:
- Increase the frequency of losses on even-money bets (from 19/37 to 20/38).
- Increase the chance of longer losing streaks compared with a single-zero wheel, all else equal.
- Change how your bankroll “feels” over a session, especially if you use flat betting or progression systems.
This does not mean European roulette guarantees smoother sessions, but it does mean the math is more favorable, and over many spins that difference tends to show up.
Bet-placement strategy: what (actually) changes between European and American roulette
Because the house edge is primarily determined by the wheel, many “systems” do not magically become profitable when you switch variants. However, the wheel type does influence smart table selection and bet selection.
Practical strategy shifts that make sense
- Prioritize single-zero wheels when you can. If your goal is better expected return, this is usually the best move.
- Seek la partage or en prison if you prefer even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low). These rules can meaningfully reduce the effective house edge on those bets.
- Be cautious with “special” American bets like the five-number basket. Covering more numbers can look appealing, but it can come with a steeper edge than typical bets on that wheel.
- Adjust bankroll expectations: with American roulette’s higher edge, you are generally paying more per spin for the same entertainment time, so a comparable session budget may last longer on European/French roulette.
What does not change (and is worth remembering)
- Past spins do not influence future spins on a fair wheel. The probabilities reset each spin.
- Payout tables usually stay the same across European and American roulette, which is exactly why the extra zero matters so much.
- No betting system removes the house edge in the long run. What you can do is choose a lower-edge game and play in a way that fits your entertainment budget.
Online vs live roulette: how to choose the best version for you
Whether you play in a brick-and-mortar casino, a live dealer studio, or an online RNG table, you can often choose between European and American roulette. The best pick depends on what you value most: atmosphere, speed, or the most player-friendly odds.
Online roulette (RNG)
Online roulette games that use a random number generator (RNG) can be fast and convenient, and they often offer many table limits. You can also play blackjack online. If your priority is value, it is worth checking the game rules panel to confirm:
- Single zero (European) vs double zero (American)
- Whether la partage or en prison is offered (usually highlighted in the rules)
- Any side bets or special bets (and whether you actually want them)
Live roulette (live dealer)
Live roulette adds real-time dealer interaction and physical wheel visuals, which many players find more immersive. It is also a great way to feel confident you are playing the variant you intend, because the wheel is visible.
For value-focused play, a live European or French roulette table is often a strong combination of atmosphere and better math.
Simple roulette odds calculator (quick, practical, and reusable)
You do not need advanced math to compare roulette variants. You can estimate probabilities and expected value using a simple process.
Step 1: Identify total pockets
- European: 37
- American: 38
Step 2: Count winning outcomes for your bet
- Red / Black: 18 winning pockets
- Dozen bet: 12 winning pockets
- Straight-up number: 1 winning pocket
Step 3: Compute probability
Probability of winning= (winning outcomes) / (total pockets)
Examples:
- European straight-up: 1/37 ≈ 2.70%
- American straight-up: 1/38 ≈ 2.63%
- European red: 18/37 ≈ 48.65%
- American red: 18/38 ≈ 47.37%
Step 4: Estimate expected value (EV) per €1 stake
Use net profits (profit only, not including returning your stake):
- Even-money bet net win: +1
- Dozen bet net win: +2
- Straight-up net win: +35
EV= P(win) × (net win) + P(lose) × (−1)
Where P(lose) = 1 − P(win). For la partage, replace the “zero loss” case with −0.5 on even-money bets, as shown earlier.
Payouts and true odds: a clear comparison
Roulette payouts are usually the same on European and American tables, even though the true odds differ because of the extra pocket. This table shows common bets, their payouts, and the win probability in each variant.
| Bet type | Payout (net) | Win probability (European) | Win probability (American) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight-up (1 number) | 35 to 1 | 1/37 ≈ 2.70% | 1/38 ≈ 2.63% |
| Split (2 numbers) | 17 to 1 | 2/37 ≈ 5.41% | 2/38 ≈ 5.26% |
| Street (3 numbers) | 11 to 1 | 3/37 ≈ 8.11% | 3/38 ≈ 7.89% |
| Corner (4 numbers) | 8 to 1 | 4/37 ≈ 10.81% | 4/38 ≈ 10.53% |
| Dozen / Column (12 numbers) | 2 to 1 | 12/37 ≈ 32.43% | 12/38 ≈ 31.58% |
| Red / Black (18 numbers) | 1 to 1 | 18/37 ≈ 48.65% | 18/38 ≈ 47.37% |
Choosing the best roulette table: a buyer’s checklist
If you are approaching roulette with a mix of informational and transactional intent (you want to understand the game and also pick the best table to play), use this checklist to quickly spot player-friendly conditions.
- Choose single zero if available: European roulette is usually the better value baseline.
- Look for French rules: la partage or en prison can reduce the effective edge on even-money bets.
- Confirm the variant name in the rules: “European,” “French,” and “American” should be explicitly stated.
- Check table limits: pick minimums that fit your entertainment budget so you can enjoy more spins.
- Review pace and experience: RNG is faster; live dealer is more immersive. Choose what makes your sessions more enjoyable.
FAQs: European vs American roulette
Is European roulette better than American roulette?
In terms of expected return, European roulette is typically better because it has one zero pocket instead of two. That usually means a house edge around 2.70% versus 5.26% on American roulette.
What does single zero vs double zero mean?
Single zero means the wheel has one green zero pocket (0) for 37 total pockets.Double zero means the wheel has two green pockets (0 and 00) for 38 total pockets.
Does the roulette house edge change depending on the bet?
On standard roulette wheels with standard payouts, most common bets share the same house edge for that wheel (about 2.70% on European, about 5.26% on American). An important exception is when special rules like la partage or en prison apply to even-money bets, reducing their effective edge.
How much do la partage and en prison help?
On even-money bets on a European wheel, they can reduce the effective house edge to about 1.35%. This benefit typically applies only to even-money outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low), not to inside bets like straight-up numbers.
Is live roulette different from online roulette in odds?
The core odds are determined by the wheel type (European vs American) and any special rules. Both live roulette and online RNG roulette can offer either variant, so it is best to confirm the wheel and rules rather than assuming based on the format.
Why do casinos offer American roulette if it has a higher house edge?
American roulette is traditional in many regions and casinos, and some players prefer the table layout and familiarity. From a value perspective, many players still choose European or French roulette when it is available.
Bottom line: the smartest way to play roulette is choosing the right wheel
If your goal is to get more value from your spins, the best starting point is simple: pick European roulette over American roulette whenever you can. The single zero vs double zero difference is not cosmetic; it meaningfully changes the math behind every bet.
For an even stronger edge reduction on even-money bets, look for French roulette tables offering la partage or en prison. With the right table choice, you can enjoy the same iconic roulette experience with a more player-friendly roulette house edge and potentially longer, more satisfying sessions.
