If you’ve ever scanned roulette tables in a casino or browsed online lobbies, you’ve likely noticed two familiar options: European roulette and American roulette. They look nearly identical, they share the same classic bet types, and they both pay 35:1 on a straight-up (single number) win.
But one small-looking design choice changes everything: the number of green pockets on the wheel. European roulette uses a single zero (0), while American roulette adds an extra green pocket (00). That single addition increases the casino advantage and reduces your long-run return, even if you play the same bets with the same payouts.
This guide breaks down the difference in a practical, player-friendly way: wheel layout, probabilities, house edge, RTP, common rules like la partage and en prison, strategy implications, and how availability tends to differ in land-based and online casinos.
The Core Difference: 37 Pockets vs 38 Pockets
Both roulette versions have numbers 1 through 36 in red and black. The difference is in the green pockets:
- European roulette has 37 pockets: numbers 1–36 plus a single 0.
- American roulette has 38 pockets: numbers 1–36 plus 0 and 00.
That extra 00 doesn’t just add “one more losing number.” It changes the probability of every wager, because all outcomes become slightly less likely, while payouts generally stay the same as in European roulette.
Quick Odds Snapshot (Straight-Up Bet Example)
A straight-up bet is the simplest way to see the math difference clearly. You pick one number; if the ball lands on it, you win at 35:1 (and typically keep your original stake as well, depending on how the payout is described).
| Game | Total pockets | Straight-up win probability | Approx. win probability | Straight-up payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| European roulette (single-zero) | 37 | 1/37 | ≈ 2.70% | 35:1 |
| American roulette (double-zero) | 38 | 1/38 | ≈ 2.63% | 35:1 |
Both games pay the same 35:1, but the European wheel gives you a slightly higher chance to hit your number. Over a long session, that small difference compounds into a meaningfully different expected return.
House Edge and RTP: The Biggest Practical Takeaway
In roulette, the built-in casino advantage comes from the green pocket(s). Because payouts on common bets were historically set around a wheel with 36 numbers, adding 0 (and then 00) creates a mathematical edge for the house.
Standard house edge
- European roulette (single-zero): house edge ≈2.70%
- American roulette (double-zero): house edge ≈5.26%
Equivalent RTP (return to player)
- European roulette: RTP ≈97.30%
- American roulette: RTP ≈94.74%
From a player-benefit perspective, this is the headline: European roulette usually offers nearly double the value in terms of expected loss rate compared to American roulette. If you’re choosing between the two with identical limits and comfort level, single-zero is typically the more efficient option.
Why the Extra 00 Increases the Casino Advantage
Roulette payouts on many bets are tied to the number of ways you can win. For example:
- A straight-up covers 1 number, and pays 35:1.
- A split covers 2 numbers, and pays 17:1.
- A street covers 3 numbers, and pays 11:1.
- An even-money bet (red/black, odd/even, high/low) covers 18 numbers and pays 1:1.
On a wheel with 36 numbers (no green), fair payouts would align exactly with the odds. But real roulette wheels include green pockets that don’t fully get compensated for in the payout schedule. European roulette has one green pocket, while American roulette has two, which means:
- Your chance to win stays close, but becomes slightly worse on American roulette.
- Your payout stays the same in most standard tables.
- The difference becomes a higher long-run expected loss in American roulette.
This is why seasoned players so often prioritize single-zero games: it’s not about a guaranteed win; it’s about better long-run economics for the same entertainment value.
European Roulette with La Partage and En Prison: A Player-Friendly Upgrade
Some European roulette tables add rules that specifically soften the impact of the zero on even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low). The two most common are la partage and en prison.
La partage (commonly “half back” on zero)
If you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on 0, you lose only half your stake instead of the full amount.
That reduction significantly improves the value of even-money bets, effectively cutting the house edge on those bets to about 1.35% (RTP ≈98.65%) in a single-zero game.
En prison (commonly “imprisoned bet” on zero)
If you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on 0, your stake is “held” for the next spin rather than lost immediately. If your bet wins on the next spin, you typically recover your stake (without extra profit). If it loses, you lose the stake.
As with la partage, the practical effect on even-money bets in European roulette is a reduced edge of about 1.35% (table rules can vary slightly by venue).
Why this matters
If your style of play focuses on steadier, lower-volatility bets like red/black or high/low, choosing a European table with la partage or en prison can be one of the most impactful “strategy” decisions you can make—because it improves the math without requiring you to change your gameplay.
Bet Types: Mostly the Same, but the Value Is Not
One of the nice things about comparing European and American roulette is that the standard bet menu is familiar across both versions. You’ll usually see the same categories:
Inside bets (higher risk, higher volatility)
- Straight-up (1 number)
- Split (2 numbers)
- Street (3 numbers)
- Corner (4 numbers)
- Six line (6 numbers)
Outside bets (lower risk, lower volatility)
- Dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36)
- Columns (one of the 3 columns)
- Even-money: red/black, odd/even, high/low
The key point is that, on standard rules, the house edge is broadly consistent across bet types within the same wheel. In other words, switching from straight-up to red/black doesn’t magically remove the built-in advantage; it mainly changes variance (how swingy results feel).
Where European roulette can become even more attractive is specifically with la partage or en prison, which improves the expected value of even-money bets.
European vs American Roulette: Comparison Table
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Green pockets | Single green 0 | Green 0 and 00 |
| Total pockets | 37 | 38 |
| Straight-up win chance | 1/37 (≈ 2.70%) | 1/38 (≈ 2.63%) |
| Standard house edge | ≈ 2.70% | ≈ 5.26% |
| Standard RTP | ≈ 97.30% | ≈ 94.74% |
| Player-friendly rules | May include la partage or en prison (even-money bets) | Less commonly includes comparable zero-relief rules |
| Best for players prioritizing value | Generally yes (especially single-zero) | Generally no (higher edge) |
Strategy Implications: What Smart Players Do Differently
Roulette is a game of chance: you can’t control where the ball lands, and no betting pattern changes the underlying probabilities. That said, you can make choices that improve your overall experience and your long-run value.
1) Choose single-zero when you can
If both versions are available, the most impactful move is simply choosing European roulette rather than American roulette. You’re playing the same style of game with a lower built-in disadvantage.
2) If you like even-money bets, look for la partage or en prison
For players who enjoy red/black or high/low for longer sessions, these rules can be a meaningful upgrade because they reduce the edge on those bets to around 1.35%.
3) Treat “systems” as bankroll tools, not edge tools
Popular roulette systems (like increasing after a loss or pressing after a win) can change how your session feels, but they do not change the house edge. A practical way to use staking plans is to support your entertainment goals:
- Keep bet sizes consistent with your budget.
- Plan for variance (streaks happen both ways).
- Set a session limit that prevents one cold run from dominating your week.
4) Match bet type to your risk preference
The “best” bet often depends on what you want from the session:
- Inside bets can deliver bigger hits but with longer losing stretches.
- Outside bets tend to create a smoother ride, especially for casual play.
If you want a balanced approach, many players enjoy a mix: a base bet for consistency plus occasional smaller inside bets for excitement—while keeping the overall budget controlled.
Availability: Land-Based Casinos vs Online Casinos
Availability varies by region and operator, but some broad patterns are common.
In land-based casinos
- American roulette is more common in the United States and in venues that cater heavily to American tourism.
- European roulette is widely found across Europe and in many international casinos.
- Table signage usually makes it easy to confirm whether the layout includes 00.
In online casinos
- Many online lobbies offer both versions, often including multiple table limits.
- European roulette (single-zero) is frequently promoted as the “better odds” option.
- Some live dealer tables specify special rules like la partage or en prison directly in the table info.
- Many online lobbies offer both versions where you can play roulette, often including multiple table limits.
Because you can switch tables quickly online, it’s usually easier to be selective and prioritize single-zero (and ideally even-money relief rules if that matches your bet style).
How to Tell Which Roulette Version You’re Playing (Fast Checklist)
Use this quick checklist before you place your first chip:
- Look at the wheel or table layout: if you see 00, it’s American roulette.
- If you see only 0 (and no 00), it’s European roulette.
- Check the rules panel for la partage or en prison if you plan to play even-money bets.
- Confirm minimums and maximums so your bankroll plan fits the table.
What This Means for Your Bankroll Over Time
House edge is a long-run concept, not a guarantee of what happens in a short session. You can absolutely win in a higher-edge game, and you can lose in a lower-edge game.
Still, the edge matters because it shapes your expected cost of play. If two games feel equally fun, choosing the one with a lower edge can help you:
- Get more spins for your budget, on average.
- Experience less “drag” on your bankroll over time.
- Make your wins feel more meaningful because you’re giving away less value per spin.
In that sense, choosing European roulette is a simple, positive upgrade: it supports longer sessions and better long-term value without requiring you to learn a new game.
European Roulette vs American Roulette: Which Should You Choose?
If your goal is to maximize the value of each spin while keeping the classic roulette experience, the recommendation is straightforward:
- Choose European roulette when possible, because the single-zero wheel typically offers a lower house edge (≈ 2.70%).
- If available, prioritize European tables with la partage or en prison for even-money bets, which can reduce the edge on those bets to ≈1.35%.
- Play American roulette when it’s the only option or when you prefer its specific vibe or availability, but go in knowing the built-in disadvantage is higher (≈ 5.26%).
That’s the empowering part of this comparison: you don’t need a complicated system to improve your position. The biggest “strategy” edge you can claim in roulette is simply choosing the wheel with better odds.
FAQ: Common Questions Players Ask
Is European roulette “easier to win” than American roulette?
European roulette gives you slightly better probabilities on every bet because there are fewer pockets. You can still lose in either game, but European roulette generally offers better long-run value.
Do both versions pay 35:1 on a straight-up bet?
On standard rules, yes: both typically pay 35:1 for a single-number win. The difference is that your chance to hit that number is 1/37 in European roulette and 1/38 in American roulette.
Do la partage and en prison apply to all bets?
Typically, they apply to even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low). Rules can vary by venue, so it’s worth checking the table rules before playing.
Which roulette version is best for beginners?
Beginners often enjoy the smoother pace of outside bets, and European roulette is a great starting point because it usually offers better long-run value. If you can find a European table with la partage or en prison, that can be especially beginner-friendly for even-money play.
Bottom Line: Small Layout Change, Big Value Difference
European and American roulette share the same iconic gameplay, but the wheel layout creates a clear math advantage for one of them. With 37 pockets and a standard house edge around 2.70%, European roulette is generally the player-favored choice. American roulette’s extra 00 pushes the house edge to roughly 5.26%, which is a meaningful step up in cost over time.
If you want the classic roulette thrill with the strongest odds commonly available, focus on single-zero European roulette—and if you enjoy even-money bets, keep an eye out for la partage or en prison tables to make your spins go even further.
