European (single zero) roulette and American (double zero) roulette look similar at first glance, but the roulette wheel layout and a few key rules create a big difference in roulette odds and long-term value. If you care about stretching your bankroll, choosing the right version is one of the simplest “wins” you can make before you place a single chip.
This guide breaks down the essential differences in a practical, player-first way: pocket counts, payout math, house edge, and the European rules en prison and la partage that can improve outcomes on even-money bets.
The essential difference: wheel pockets and zeros
The core distinction between European and American roulette is the number of pockets on the wheel.
- European (single zero) roulette uses 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 plus a single 0.
- American (double zero) roulette uses 38 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 plus 0 and 00.
That extra 00 pocket may feel like a small change, but it meaningfully shifts probabilities. In roulette, payouts on most bets are the same in both versions (for example, a straight-up number typically pays 35 to 1), so adding an extra losing pocket increases the casino advantage.
European vs American roulette at a glance (wheel layout and house edge)
| Feature | European (single zero) roulette | American (double zero) roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel pockets | 37 (1–36 + 0) | 38 (1–36 + 0 + 00) |
| Zeros | One zero (0) | Two zeros (0 and 00) |
| Typical house edge (most bets) | About 2.70% | About 5.26% |
| Rules that may reduce edge on even-money bets | Often offers en prison or la partage | Less common; usually standard rules |
| Common availability | Common online and in European casinos | Common in many US venues |
| Extra bet sometimes offered | Typically not | May include a five-number bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) |
Why the house edge changes: simple roulette odds math
Roulette payouts (like 35 to 1 for a single number) were designed around 36 numbers. The zero pocket(s) are what create the casino’s advantage. Here’s the intuition:
- In an ideal “fair” wheel with 36 outcomes, a straight-up bet paying 35 to 1 would be break-even over time.
- When you add 0 (European) or 0 and 00 (American), you add extra outcomes that don’t increase the payout, so expected value drops.
European (single zero) roulette: about 2.70% house edge
With 37 pockets, most standard bets have a house edge of:
House edge = 1 / 37 ≈ 2.70%
That 2.70% is the built-in cost of the single zero over the long run.
American (double zero) roulette: about 5.26% house edge
With 38 pockets, most standard bets have a house edge of:
House edge = 2 / 38 ≈ 5.26%
In practical terms, the double zero version roughly doubles the casino advantage compared to European roulette. If you’re comparing tables, this is the headline difference that matters most.
Practical implications for players: what the extra 00 really means
Because American roulette has one additional pocket, every bet that doesn’t pay differently (which is most bets) becomes slightly less favorable. This shows up in:
- Lower hit probability for the same bet type (for example, a straight-up number).
- Higher house edge across the board.
- Faster bankroll pressure over long sessions, especially if you’re making many spins per hour.
The upside is that you can use this knowledge to make a confident, high-impact choice: if you have access to European (single zero) roulette, it is generally preferable for a lower casino advantage.
European rule variations that can improve even-money bets
Many European roulette tables include special rules designed specifically for even-money bets (also called “outside bets”), such as:
- Red / Black
- Odd / Even
- High (19–36) / Low (1–18)
These bets normally pay 1 to 1, and their base house edge matches the wheel (about 2.70% on single zero). But with certain rules, the effective house edge on even-money bets can be cut in half.
La partage (often written as “la partage”)
With la partage, if you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on 0, you lose only half your bet (instead of the whole amount).
That change reduces the effective house edge on even-money bets in European roulette to about:
Effective house edge ≈ 1.35% on even-money bets
In other words, la partage can make simple bets like Red / Black significantly more bankroll-friendly over time.
En prison
En prison is similar in spirit. On many tables, when you make an even-money bet and the ball lands on 0, your bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin instead of losing immediately.
Depending on the exact table rules, you may:
- Get the bet back if the next spin wins, or
- Lose it if the next spin loses, or
- Sometimes recover half under certain outcomes.
When implemented in the common way for even-money bets, en prison also typically brings the effective house edge on those bets down to roughly 1.35%, similar to la partage.
Player takeaway: If you enjoy even-money bets for their simplicity, choosing a European table with la partage or en prison can be one of the best value upgrades available in standard roulette.
American roulette’s extra option: the five-number bet (and why it matters)
Some American roulette layouts offer an additional wager called the five-number bet, covering:
- 0, 00, 1, 2, 3
This bet is popular because it feels like it “covers a lot” near the top of the layout. However, it is widely known for giving the casino an even bigger advantage than typical roulette bets. If you’re optimizing for better roulette odds, skipping this bet is a simple, practical improvement.
Which roulette is better for players: European or American?
If your goal is to play with the lowest typical casino advantage, European (single zero) roulette is generally the better choice because:
- It has a lower standard house edge (about 2.70% vs about 5.26%).
- It may include en prison or la partage, which can reduce the effective house edge on even-money bets to about 1.35%.
- It is commonly available online and in European casinos, making it a realistic “default” option for many players.
American (double zero) roulette is still a classic, widely available game (especially in many US venues). But from a purely mathematical value perspective, the double zero version gives away more edge to the casino.
How to spot the version you’re playing (always check the table specs)
Because the difference is so impactful, it’s worth making “checking” part of your routine before you play. Here’s what to look for:
1) Check the wheel and the layout for 0 vs 00
- If you see only 0, it’s European (single zero) roulette.
- If you see 0 and 00, it’s American (double zero) roulette.
2) Look for rule signs: la partage or en prison
On European tables, the presence of la partage or en prison is a meaningful advantage for players who like even-money bets. Casinos typically post these rules on the table signage or within the game info panel online.
3) Confirm the bet menu (especially online)
Online roulette interfaces usually label the game type and rules. It’s smart to verify:
- Single zero vs double zero
- Whether en prison or la partage is active
- Whether a five-number bet is offered (a clue you’re on an American-style layout)
Roulette strategy that starts with the right game
Many players search for “best roulette strategy,” but one of the most reliable, factual improvements is simply choosing the variant with better built-in odds.
Here’s a value-focused approach that keeps things simple:
- Prefer European (single zero) roulette when available.
- If you like even-money bets, prioritize tables with la partage or en prison.
- Be cautious with American-only extras like the five-number bet, which can increase the casino advantage.
- Always check the roulette wheel layout and rules before playing, especially when switching casinos or online lobbies.
By aligning your choice of game with better roulette odds, you put yourself in a stronger position from the first spin to the last.
Quick FAQ: European vs American roulette
Is European roulette always 2.70% house edge?
On a standard single-zero wheel, most bets have a house edge of about 2.70%. If the table offers la partage or en prison, the effective house edge on even-money bets can drop to about 1.35%.
Is American roulette always 5.26% house edge?
On a standard double-zero wheel, most bets have a house edge of about 5.26%. Certain optional bets (like the five-number bet) can be worse.
Which is more common online?
Many online casinos offer European (single zero) roulette as a staple option, often alongside American roulette and online blackjack. The best practice is to verify the wheel (0 vs 00) and any special rules in the game details.
Bottom line
The essential difference between European and American roulette is the roulette wheel layout and rule set. European roulette uses a single 0 pocket (37 total), typically resulting in a 2.70% house edge, while American roulette adds 00 (38 total), raising the house edge to about 5.26%. If you find a European table with en prison or la partage, even-money bets can improve further, cutting the effective house edge to about 1.35%.
For players who care about value, the most practical move is straightforward: whenever possible, choose European (single zero) roulette, confirm the rules, and enjoy a more favorable game from the very start.
