Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.
European and American roulette may look nearly identical to the untrained eye, but the math differs wildly.
The Impact of the Double Zero
The American wheel, however, has 38 pockets: numbers 1 through 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00).
While the payouts remain exactly the same, your odds of hitting a specific number decrease on the American wheel.
- The extra number changes all probability calculations
- The betting layout is slightly larger on the American table
- European tables often use a different chip system
The Mathematics of the Two Wheels
Conversely, the American wheel's extra double zero pushes the house edge up to a massive 5.26%.
Statistically, for every $100 you wager, you expect to lose $2.70 on European and $5.26 on American.
The En Prison and La Partage Rules
The "En Prison" rule "imprisons" your bet for the next spin if the zero hits, giving you a second chance.
This makes French roulette one of the most mathematically favorable table games on the entire casino floor.
| Version | Zero Pockets | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| European | One (0) | 2.70% |
| American | Two (0, 00) | 5.26% |
The conclusion is incredibly simple: you should always seek out and exclusively play European or French roulette.
