European vs American Roulette: Complete Comparison
Choosing between European and American roulette is one of the most important decisions a player can make. The difference of a single zero versus double zero nearly doubles the casino's advantage. This comprehensive comparison breaks down every mathematical difference so you can make an informed choice.
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The Wheel: Single Zero vs Double Zero
The most visible difference between European and American roulette is the wheel itself. European wheels contain 37 pockets: numbers 1-36 in alternating red and black, plus a single green zero. American wheels add a second green pocket—the double zero (00)—bringing the total to 38. The double zero is positioned directly opposite the single zero. This extra pocket may seem insignificant, but it fundamentally alters the mathematics of the game.
- •European: 37 numbers (0, 1-36)
- •American: 38 numbers (0, 00, 1-36)
- •Both wheels alternate red and black numbers
- •Green zeros break even-money bet patterns
- •Number sequence differs between variants
Mathematical Comparison
The mathematical difference is stark. In European roulette, the probability of winning an even-money bet (red/black, odd/even) is 18/37 = 48.65%. In American roulette, it's 18/38 = 47.37%. This 1.28% difference in win probability translates to nearly doubling the house edge from 2.70% to 5.26%. Over 100 spins at $10 per spin, the expected loss in European roulette is $27, while in American roulette it's $52.60.
Expected Loss per $100 = European: $2.70 | American: $5.26- •European win probability: 48.65% (even money)
- •American win probability: 47.37% (even money)
- •European expected hourly loss: ~$13.50 (at $500/hr)
- •American expected hourly loss: ~$26.30 (at $500/hr)
- •Long-term: American costs nearly twice as much
Special Rules: En Prison and La Partage
Some European roulette games offer special rules that further reduce the house edge on even-money bets. 'La Partage' returns half your stake when the ball lands on zero (reducing house edge to 1.35%). 'En Prison' holds your bet for another spin when zero hits (also effectively 1.35% edge). These rules are only available on European roulette and make it even more favorable. American roulette never offers these concessions.
- •La Partage: Get half back on zero (1.35% edge)
- •En Prison: Bet held for second chance (1.35% edge)
- •Only available on European roulette
- •Apply only to even-money bets
- •Further improves European advantage
Which Should You Choose?
The answer is unambiguous: always choose European roulette when available. The mathematics are undeniable—European roulette costs you roughly half as much in expected losses compared to American roulette. The only reason to play American roulette is if it's the only option available (common in some US land-based casinos). Even then, consider whether playing at all makes sense given the higher mathematical disadvantage.
- •Always prefer European roulette
- •American only when no alternative exists
- •Online casinos almost always offer European
- •Same entertainment, half the cost
- •No strategy can overcome the American edge
Key Takeaways
- 1European roulette has 37 numbers; American has 38
- 2House edge: European 2.7% vs American 5.26%
- 3European offers better odds on every bet type
- 4Special rules (En Prison, La Partage) only in European
- 5Choose European roulette whenever possible