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).
This single extra pocket on the American wheel drastically alters the mathematical probabilities of the game.
- European wheel has 37 total pockets
- American wheel has 38 total pockets
- Both versions pay 35 to 1 on a single number bet
Why the House Edge Matters
Because the European wheel has only one zero, the house edge is a very reasonable 2.70%.
There is absolutely no mathematical justification for ever choosing to play American roulette if European is available.
Special European Roulette Rules
The “La Partage” rule dictates that if the ball lands on zero, you only lose half of your even-money bet.
This makes French roulette one of the most mathematically favorable table games on the entire casino floor.
| Type | Long Term Loss per $100 | Player Value |
|---|---|---|
| Single Zero | $2.70 | Excellent |
| Double Zero | $5.26 | Terrible |
Online casinos almost always offer both, so be vigilant and always click on the European wheel.
