The One Difference That Changes Everything
European and American roulette look nearly identical. Same table layout, same bet types, same general rules. But there is one crucial physical difference: the number of zero pockets on the wheel.
- European roulette: One zero (0) - 37 pockets total
- American roulette: Two zeros (0 and 00) - 38 pockets total
This single extra pocket nearly doubles the house's mathematical advantage over every player, on every bet, for the entire session. It is not a marginal difference - it is the most important factor in choosing which game to play.
Head-to-Head: Full Comparison Table
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Total pockets | 37 | 38 |
| Zero pockets | 1 (single zero) | 2 (0 and 00) |
| House edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| RTP | 97.30% | 94.74% |
| Red/Black win probability | 48.65% (18/37) | 47.37% (18/38) |
| Straight Up win probability | 2.70% (1/37) | 2.63% (1/38) |
| Straight Up payout | 35:1 | 35:1 |
| Five-number bet | Not available | Available (7.89% edge!) |
| La Partage / En Prison | Sometimes available | Not available |
| Expected loss per 100 × £10 spins | £27 | £52.60 |
| Best for players? | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
The Double-Zero: What It Costs You
The double zero is not just a small inconvenience - it is a persistent tax on every bet you place:
Bet-by-Bet Probability Comparison
| Bet Type | Payout | EU Win Prob. | US Win Prob. | EU House Edge | US House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 35:1 | 2.70% | 2.63% | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Split | 17:1 | 5.41% | 5.26% | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Street | 11:1 | 8.11% | 7.89% | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Corner | 8:1 | 10.81% | 10.53% | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Six Line | 5:1 | 16.22% | 15.79% | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Dozen / Column | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Red / Black | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Five-Number (US only) | 6:1 | N/A | 13.16% | N/A | 7.89% |
The Five-Number Bet - Worst in Roulette
American roulette has one exclusive bet: the five-number (basket) bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. It pays 6:1 but carries a 7.89% house edge - the worst bet in all of standard roulette. Never place this bet.
Is European Roulette Available in the United States?
American roulette with the double zero dominates most US land casinos, particularly in Las Vegas. However, European single-zero roulette is available in some venues, typically in high-roller rooms or at higher minimum stakes. Online, single-zero European roulette is widely available across regulated US markets.
When visiting a US casino, specifically ask for "single zero roulette" - it is worth seeking out. The reduced house edge is a straightforward mathematical advantage over an entire session.
When Is European Even Better: La Partage & En Prison
Some casinos offer French roulette rules applied to a European wheel, further reducing the house edge on even-money bets:
- La Partage: When zero lands, even-money bets receive half their stake back. House edge drops to 1.35% on those bets.
- En Prison: When zero lands, even-money bets are "imprisoned" - held over for the next spin. If the next spin wins, the stake is returned (no profit). Effective house edge: 1.35%.
See our European vs French roulette guide for the full comparison.
Verdict: Always Choose European
When both versions are available, European roulette is the rational choice every time. The double zero in American roulette provides no player benefit - it only benefits the house. At 2.70% vs 5.26%, the mathematical difference compounds across every spin of a session.
Practise on our free European roulette simulator - single zero, correct odds, all bet types.
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