Roulette is simple—pick a number, spin the wheel, and hope for the best. But the version you choose makes a huge difference in your odds. If you don’t know whether to play European or American roulette, this guide breaks down the key differences and which one gives you better chances to win.
Key Differences Between European & American Roulette
The biggest difference is the number of zeros on the wheel.
European Roulette – Lower House Edge, Better for Players
✔ Single zero (0) wheel
✔ House edge: 2.70%
✔ Better winning chances than American roulette
American Roulette – Higher House Edge, Riskier Bets
✔ Double zero (00) wheel
✔ House edge: 5.26%
✔ Worse odds, but some players prefer it for bigger payouts
👉 Best version? European roulette—lower house edge = better long-term wins.
House Edge Comparison – Why It Matters
The house edge determines how much the casino expects to win over time.
| Game | Zero Pockets | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| European Roulette | 1 (0) | 2.70% |
| American Roulette | 2 (0 & 00) | 5.26% |
🚨 American roulette gives the casino nearly double the advantage.
Betting Options – Are They Any Different?
Most bets are identical in both versions, but American roulette adds an extra bet:
The “Five-Number Bet” (Worst Bet in Roulette)
- Found only in American roulette.
- Covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3.
- House edge is 7.89%—the worst bet in roulette.
👉 Avoid this bet—it gives the casino an even bigger edge.
Which Version Has the Best Payouts?
Payouts are the same in both games. The difference is that European roulette gives you better odds of winning.
| Bet Type | Payout | European Roulette Odds | American Roulette Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight (1 number) | 35:1 | 2.70% chance | 2.63% chance |
| Split (2 numbers) | 17:1 | 5.41% chance | 5.26% chance |
| Street (3 numbers) | 11:1 | 8.11% chance | 7.89% chance |
| Even Money (Red/Black, Odd/Even) | 1:1 | 48.65% chance | 47.37% chance |
🚨 Notice the pattern? The payouts are the same, but the odds are slightly worse in American roulette.
Special Rules in European Roulette – How They Help Players
Some European roulette tables have extra rules that lower the house edge even more:
1. La Partage Rule (House Edge Drops to 1.35%)
✔ If you bet even-money (red/black, odd/even, high/low) and the ball lands on 0, you lose only half your bet.
2. En Prison Rule (Better Chance to Recover Losses)
✔ Similar to La Partage, but instead of losing half, your bet is “imprisoned” for another spin.
✔ If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your full bet back.
👉 These rules make European roulette even better for players.
Should You Ever Play American Roulette?
🚫 Only if there’s no European roulette available.
✔ Some players prefer American roulette for the extra double-zero excitement.
✔ Some VIP or high-roller tables only offer American roulette.
But in 99% of cases, European roulette is the better choice.
Conclusion – Which Roulette Game Should You Play?
✔ Play European roulette whenever possible—it has better odds.
✔ If a casino offers La Partage or En Prison, even better!
✔ Avoid the “Five-Number Bet” in American roulette—it’s the worst bet on the table.
