If you’ve ever searched for European roulette vs American roulette, you’re probably trying to answer one practical question: Which game gives me better odds? The good news is that roulette is one of the clearest casino games to compare because the math is transparent. The wheel layout determines the probabilities, and those probabilities determine the house edge.
Here’s the core takeaway: European roulette uses a single-zero wheel (one green 0), while American roulette uses a double-zero wheel (green 0 and 00). Payouts are usually the same in both games, but the extra pocket in American roulette increases the house edge substantially. And in many European-style games, special rules like la partage or en prison can improve the odds even more on even-money bets.
European vs American roulette at a glance
Both games look similar on the surface: you place bets on a layout, the dealer spins the wheel, and a ball lands in a numbered pocket. The meaningful differences come down to wheel pockets, probabilities, and a few rules that can reduce losses on certain bets.
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel pockets | 37 pockets (0 to 36) | 38 pockets (0 to 36 plus 00) |
| Zeros | Single zero (0) | Double zero (0 and 00) |
| Straight-up probability (betting one number) | 1/37 (≈ 2.70%) | 1/38 (≈ 2.63%) |
| Typical straight-up payout | 35:1 | 35:1 |
| House edge (most standard rules) | ≈ 2.70% | ≈ 5.26% |
| Special even-money rules | Often offers la partage or en prison | Less common |
| Typical availability | Common in Europe and many online casinos | Common at US land-based tables |
The real difference: wheel layout and pocket count
Roulette odds start with a simple fact: the ball must land in one pocket, and each pocket is (in an ideal wheel) equally likely.
- European roulette has 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 plus a single green 0.
- American roulette has 38 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 plus green 0 and green 00.
That one extra pocket in American roulette is not just cosmetic. It reduces your chance of winning on every bet you place, while payouts typically remain the same as in European roulette.
Exact probabilities: straight-up bets (one number)
A straight-up bet is the simplest benchmark because it’s easy to calculate and widely understood. You pick one number, and you win only if the ball lands exactly on it.
European roulette straight-up probability
There are 37 pockets, and you chose 1 number:
Win probability = 1/37 ≈ 0.027027 = 2.70%
American roulette straight-up probability
There are 38 pockets, and you chose 1 number:
Win probability = 1/38 ≈ 0.026316 = 2.63%
This may look like a small difference, but over many spins it becomes meaningful, especially because the payout is usually identical in both games.
Why the house edge is higher in American roulette (even with the same payouts)
Most roulette tables pay 35:1 on a straight-up win. That means if you bet 1 unit and win, you receive 35 units of profit (and typically you also get your 1 unit stake back, depending on how payouts are described at that table).
Here’s the key: a “fair” payout for a 1-in-37 event would be 36:1, and a “fair” payout for a 1-in-38 event would be 37:1. But roulette commonly pays 35:1 in both versions, which is how the casino builds in an advantage.
House edge (standard European roulette)
European roulette’s house edge is:
1/37 ≈ 2.70%
In plain language, over a very large number of bets, the casino expects to earn about 2.70 units per 100 units wagered (on average).
House edge (standard American roulette)
American roulette’s house edge is:
2/38 ≈ 5.26%
That’s roughly 5.26 units per 100 units wagered (on average), nearly double the European rate.
Even-money bets: where European rules can shine even more
Even-money bets are popular because they feel straightforward and tend to produce frequent wins (though not guaranteed). These include:
- Red or Black
- Odd or Even
- 1 to 18 or 19 to 36
Under standard rules (no special options), the house edge on even-money bets matches the wheel’s zero structure:
- European roulette: ≈ 2.70%
- American roulette: ≈ 5.26%
But many European-style tables add a player-friendly twist when the ball lands on 0 and you made an even-money bet: la partage or en prison.
La partage and en prison: what they mean (and why they matter)
If you’re choosing the best roulette game for your bankroll, these two rules can be a big deal. They don’t change the wheel, but they reduce how much you lose when the ball lands on zero (and you placed an even-money bet).
La partage (commonly “half back” on zero)
With la partage, if you place an even-money bet (like Red) and the ball lands on 0, you lose only half your stake. The other half is returned to you.
Effect on the house edge for even-money bets on a single-zero wheel:
House edge ≈ 1.35% (about half of 2.70%)
En prison (the bet is “imprisoned” for one spin)
With en prison, if you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on 0, your bet isn’t lost immediately. Instead, it’s “locked” for the next spin:
- If your even-money bet wins on the next spin, you get your original stake back (typically with no profit).
- If it loses on the next spin, you lose the stake.
When applied properly on a European (single-zero) wheel, en prison produces an even-money house edge that is also approximately:
≈ 1.35%
If your goal is to maximize value while keeping roulette simple, a single-zero European wheel with la partage or en prison is one of the most player-friendly standard roulette options you’ll commonly find.
Do payouts differ between European and American roulette?
In most standard casino settings, the nominal payouts are the same across European and American roulette for comparable bets. For example:
- Straight-up bets commonly pay 35:1
- Split bets commonly pay 17:1
- Street bets commonly pay 11:1
- Corner bets commonly pay 8:1
- Dozens and columns commonly pay 2:1
- Even-money bets pay 1:1
Because payouts are typically consistent, the wheel layout becomes the deciding factor. The double zero (00) in American roulette increases the chance that you lose without increasing what you win when you’re right.
House edge comparison: quick reference table
When people say “European roulette is better,” they usually mean it has a lower house edge. Here’s a simple comparison that matches the widely cited standard figures.
| Game / Rule set | Wheel type | House edge (typical) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| European roulette (standard) | Single-zero (37 pockets) | ≈ 2.70% | Better overall value than double-zero |
| European roulette with la partage | Single-zero (37 pockets) | ≈ 1.35% on even-money bets | Even-money strategies and lower volatility play |
| European roulette with en prison | Single-zero (37 pockets) | ≈ 1.35% on even-money bets | Even-money strategies with a “second-chance” mechanic |
| American roulette (standard) | Double-zero (38 pockets) | ≈ 5.26% | Players prioritizing availability in some US casinos |
Typical availability: where you’re most likely to see each version
Availability matters because sometimes you can’t choose freely, especially in land-based casinos. In general:
- European (single-zero) roulette is common across Europe and is widely offered by online casinos, often labeled as “European Roulette” or “Single-Zero Roulette.”
- American (double-zero) roulette is common in many US land-based casinos, where traditional layouts and table formats frequently include the 0 and 00.
Because online platforms can offer multiple variants side by side, many players use online roulette to specifically seek out single-zero wheels and favorable rules like la partage.
Practical advice: how to choose the best roulette table
If you want a simple checklist you can use every time you sit down, these steps keep you focused on the metrics that actually affect your results.
1) Prefer single-zero roulette whenever possible
Choosing European roulette over American roulette is one of the clearest “positive EV relative to alternatives” decisions you can make in roulette. You’re still playing a negative expectation game overall, but you’re choosing the version with a meaningfully lower house edge.
2) Look for la partage or en prison if you like even-money bets
If your go-to bets are Red/Black, Odd/Even, or High/Low, the presence of la partage or en prison can be a major advantage. On a single-zero wheel, these rules can bring the house edge on even-money bets down to about 1.35%.
3) Don’t judge a roulette game by payouts alone
Because payouts like 35:1 on straight-up bets are typically the same, players sometimes assume both roulette versions are equivalent. They’re not. The wheel’s number of pockets is the difference-maker.
4) If you must play American roulette, adjust expectations
Sometimes you’re in a venue where double-zero is the only option. In that case, you can still enjoy roulette as entertainment, but it helps to be realistic about the cost of play. A higher house edge generally means your bankroll is expected to decline faster over time compared to single-zero games.
5) Focus on decisions you can control
Roulette outcomes are random, and no betting system changes the underlying math of a wheel. The controllable, high-impact choices are:
- Wheel type: single-zero vs double-zero
- Even-money rules: la partage or en prison
- Bankroll planning and session limits (to keep play comfortable and sustainable)
Common questions about European vs American roulette
Is European roulette always better than American roulette?
From an odds and house edge perspective, yes: single-zero roulette is generally better for players than double-zero roulette. European roulette has a house edge of about 2.70% versus about 5.26% for American roulette under standard rules.
Do I win more often in European roulette?
You have a slightly higher probability of winning any given bet on a single-zero wheel because there are fewer pockets working against you. The difference is especially noticeable over many spins and becomes even more favorable on even-money bets when la partage or en prison is available.
Does the 00 in American roulette change only straight-up odds?
No. The extra 00 pocket affects every bet type because it adds another losing outcome (or another non-winning outcome) while payouts generally stay the same.
What’s the best roulette version for beginners?
Many beginners enjoy European roulette because it’s simple, widely available online, and typically offers better value. If you prefer straightforward bets like Red/Black, choosing a European table with la partage can be especially attractive because it improves the odds on the bets beginners often gravitate toward.
Key takeaways (the “smart choice” summary)
- European roulette has 37 pockets and a straight-up win probability of 1/37 (≈2.70%).
- American roulette has 38 pockets (adds 00) and a straight-up win probability of 1/38 (≈2.63%).
- Typical house edge is about 2.70% for European roulette and about 5.26% for American roulette, with nominally identical payouts (such as 35:1 on straight-up bets).
- La partage and en prison (often found on European tables) can reduce the house edge on even-money bets to about 1.35%.
- For practical play: prefer single-zero roulette, and if you like even-money bets, seek tables offering la partage or en prison.
Bottom line: choose the wheel that gives you the best value
Roulette is exciting because it’s fast, social, and easy to play, but the smartest players still pay attention to the math. When you compare European roulette vs American roulette using concrete metrics like pocket count, probabilities, and house edge, the advantage is clear: single-zero European roulette is generally the better choice for players.
If you have the option, choose a European (single-zero) wheel and, for even-money bets, prioritize tables with la partage or en prison. It’s one of the simplest ways to improve your odds without changing how you enjoy the game. If you prefer other casino games, you can also play blackjack.
