What’s the difference between American and European Roulette?

Roulette in America and Europe is the same game – except for the wheels. In America we have 38 slots (1-36, plus 0 and 00) while in Europe there are 37 (1-36 and one 0). This extra zero increases the casino’s edge from 2.7% to 5.26%, so you lose twice as fast playing American roulette. Yet people do play American roulette…because sometimes you don’t have a choice, or because they want to recreate the excitement of an American casino. The odds are just a little bit lower. It’s the same game, with a marginally different wheel. And if you want to improve your chances, choose European roulette wheels.

The main difference between American and European roulette is the number of zeroes: European roulette has one, while American roulette has two, giving the casino an almost 3% advantage rather than 5. 26% (because of the additional zero), which makes a huge difference over time. It also means that American roulette plays much more quickly, and thus appears more frenetic. Betting patterns are arranged quite differently as well, although European roulette tables generally are tighter and more streamlined. Visually, they’re nearly identical. But that extra zero makes all the difference.

The only important difference between American and European Roulette is the presence of a double zero on the American version. The presence of that extra slot increases the casino’s edge from 2. 7% to 5. 26%. So the only differences are the number of holes on the wheel and the house edge – European Roulette is more profitable for customers, but both versions follow the same principles.

There’s only one major difference between the two: the American wheel has 38 pockets (including zero and double zero), whereas the European version has 37 (no double zero). Because of the double zero, American Roulette has a higher house edge: about 5.26%, compared to just 2.7% in European Roulette. If you want more favorable odds, consider playing European Roulette. The wheels may seem virtually indistinguishable, but that double zero makes a huge difference!

The only real difference between American and European roulette is that it has one less green pocket (single-zero or zero-zero): European roulette has 0, American roulette has 0 and 00 (zero and double-zero). The house percentage is twice as high in the American game (5. 26% against 2. 7%), so from a gambler’s point of view, the choice of roulette wheels makes a big difference: it’s a lot more expensive to bet on the American wheel than on the other. It is, literally, a matter of money.