Most experienced roulette players are familiar with the fact that there are two main types of roulette; American roulette and European roulette. But what exactly is the difference and does it matter which version you play?
American roulette = 38 numbers. 36 red and black numbers; 2 green numbers; European roulette = 37 numbers. 36 red and black numbers; 1 green number; As already mentioned, American roulette has an extra number on it's roulette wheel (the double zero - '00'). 2) The house edge. American roulette = 5.26% house edge; European roulette = 2.70% house edge. Jul 30, 2018 American Roulette vs European Roulette. Roulette is a gambling game with a French name that translates to little wheel in English. During gameplay, gamers have multiple choices regarding where they will place their bets. Gamblers can choose to stake on a single figure, a group of numbers, or on the colors black or red.
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We explore the difference between the two roulette variations in this article to give players, both new and proficient, a better understanding of American roulette vs European roulette and the different benefits to playing either wheel. You can see the wheel layouts in the images below.
Differences between American and European roulette
The difference between these two roulette variations is simple. While both game variations follow the same basic rules, the American roulette wheel contains an additional green space consisting of a double zero (00), as well as a single zero space. The European roulette wheel (which is sometimes called French Roulette) has a single zero only.
Despite common belief, there is actually a calculated reason for the way that numbers are arranged on the roulette wheel. While seemingly at random, the numbers are arranged this way so that the odds of landing on a high, low, odd or even number are evenly distributed. The green zero space exists to balance out the playing field on the casino’s behalf; without it a player’s bet on either red or black would be 50/50.
With the zero space it means that the chances of the ball landing on red or black is slightly less than half, with the single zero found on the European roulette wheel bringing the house edge to 2.7%. The additional double zero on the American roulette wheel increases the house edge to 5.26% and lowers the player’s chances of a win.
Which is better – single-zero or double-zero roulette?
It is indisputably understood by gambling experts that European roulette is much preferable over the American style. In fact, some professionals condemn American roulette altogether as a rip-off that’s created purely to increase profits for casinos.
Worldwide, European Roulette has much higher instances of big wins for players.Interestingly, in comparison, there are some faithful US players who insist on the benefits of the American version. The fact American roulette is so common in land-based casinos outside of the USA speaks volumes as evidence that European Roulette reigns supreme as the variant of choice which live casinos want to make it harder for you to find and play. This is another reason why online Roulette is superior – you can easily find a European table.
As with any casino game, it ultimately comes down to the individual player’s personal preferences and strategies. Roulette is a game of chance and should always be played as so, and while there is no difference to the payout rate for either roulette version, understanding that the house edge is much higher in American roulette will hopefully encourage players towards the much more preferable European version.
Betting differences between American and European Roulette
In a bricks and mortar casino, European roulette games typically carry a higher betting minimum than American roulette due to the lower house edge. American roulette can usually be played at a lower price because the chances of the casino winning the bet is increased.
One of the many benefits of playing roulette online is players can play European roulette for much lower minimum bets than you will typically find in an Australian casino. European roulette can be found at some online casinos with minimum bets as low as $0.01 per spin, however the reputable, trusted online roulette sites that we recommend start minimum bets for European roulette around the $1 mark. Playing online offers much more flexibility than a land based casino, where minimum bets in casinos are likely to start around the $5 mark and increase significantly.
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In a land based casino, players are always encouraged to check whether the roulette game they are about to play uses the American or European wheel before placing a bet. Casino tables will usually specify the variation in use. The difference should usually be clear when playing online roulette as the game title itself should give you all the information you need, however always double check the games rules first if you’re not sure. If you still can’t find the answer, simply remember that an American roulette wheel is the one containing the extra double zero green space and that your chances of winning are decreased when playing this version.
Another reason online roulette is preferable to playing in a land based casino, is that the range of games is so much more elaborate in a virtual casino. Head to any of our recommended online casinos like:
You can try numerous different versions of online roulette. If you’re still not convinced of the benefit of playing European roulette over American roulette, playing in practice mode for free is the perfect way to compare the difference between the two and decide for yourself before laying down real money wagers.
A majority of online roulette games utilise the European roulette wheel, but there are still several online roulette variations that offer the American double zero game. After a few rounds of each, we’re confident that international players will agree that European roulette is the way to go to secure a higher chance of bringing in a win.
Table Of Contents
- American Roulette and European roulette are two similar yet very different games
- The Roulette table layout changes in each version of the game
- You should always choose the single zero roulette over the double zero wheels
No. More. Confusion. Do you want to know what is the real difference between American and European Roulette?
That’s what you find on this guide.
Roulette is one of the most played Casino games, and such popularity comes (also) from the invention of many variants of the game.
The most popular versions are the American and European Roulette.
On this article, you find clear and easy to understand answers to questions like:
- What do the American and European wheel have in common?
- What is the difference between American and European Roulette?
- What Roulette strategy is best on American vs European Roulette?
The Main Difference Between American and European Roulette
A quick look at the Roulette table layouts and at each Roulette wheel should be enough for you to notice the most important difference between American and European Roulette.
It doesn’t matter whether you play Roulette online or you are standing next to a Roulette table at a brick-and-mortar Casino.
The difference is subtle yet clear. And the same difference affects both the design of the wheel and the house edge.
The Difference in Roulette Wheels
The American wheel has 38 pockets for the Roulette ball to rest in. Those are black and red numbers, from 1 to 36. And two extra green pockets for a single 0 (0) and a double 0 (00).
If you glimpse at European Roulette (often referred to as French Roulette), you will also see 36 numbered pockets that are either red or black. But only one green pocket for zero.
Also, you may notice that the numbers on the wheels are not in the exact same order. But that’s a less relevant difference between European and American Roulette.
The main difference between an American and European Roulette wheel is the number of green pockets / zeroes. The European roulette wheel features one green pocket (0) whereas the American Roulette wheel (more popular in Las Vegas) features two of them: 0, 00.
The Difference Is in the House Edge
Although this subtle difference may seem irrelevant, it is one that can have an enormous impact on the outcome of your games.
American Roulette vs. European Roulette: the House Edge
The odds of winning when betting on particular numbers at American Roulette are lower. 1 in 38 compared to 1 in 37 when playing European Roulette.
In some games, when the odds are lower, the payouts are bigger. And that's logical, right?
But it’s not the case with American Roulette.
Roulette Wheel American
Even with lower odds, for betting on the winning number you get paid the same - 35 to 1. Just like in European Roulette.
Having that extra green pocket was not the American Roulette designer's whim. It was a strategic move for the house to have a higher edge.
All in all, when you play American Roulette, the House Edge is 5.26%. And that’s a lot. In the case of European Roulette, the House Edge is only 2.7%.
That’s a huge difference, considering you are playing the same game, with exactly the same payouts, and the same level of excitement.
Which Variant of Roulette is Better?
Better odds, lower house edge… Do I need to spell it out?
If you play Roulette not only for excitement but also the possibility to win, European Roulette should be your main variant to play.
The difference between American and European Roulette may be subtle. But the odds make European Roulette a better option.
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Don’t get me wrong.
I am not saying you should never ever play American Roulette. If you put a good Roulette strategy in place, you can lower the House Edge significantly no matter which variant you play.
Plus, playing American or European Roulette for free doesn’t make that much of a difference to your bankroll, does it?
And finally, there are more variants of European Roulette to try online. Don’t limit yourself to only American or only European Roulette.
There are so many Roulette variants for you to choose from, that you can alternate between the games you want to win (European Roulette) and the ones you want to play to try something new and exciting.
For example, you can try the Double Ball Roulette (free, on this page) where you play with two balls at the same time. And you know how they say, 'double the action, double the fun!'
Where to Play American and European Roulette
No matter which version of Roulette you choose, you need a place to play it. And that should be a good place, too. Especially, if you want to play Roulette for real money at an online Casino.
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Play NowIn 2019, I recommend you to have a look at the European Roulette and American Roulette games featured at Mongoose Casino, an up-and-coming new website with lots of Roulette games.
Here’s a quick list of the different Roulette games available at Mongoose.
Important Note: You need to register on the site (free) to access both the real money and the demo version of all Roulette games. I have included also some of the other Roulette variants you can play there, so you can understand how rich is their portfolio of Casino games.
Free Online European Roulette
| Roulette Game | Demo | Play |
|---|---|---|
| European Roulette Gold | Demo | Play Game |
| European Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
| Premier Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
| Single-Zero Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
| Premier Roulette Diamond Edition | Demo | Play Game |
| Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
| Astro Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
| French Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
| American Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
| Chinese Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
| Multi-Wheel Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
| Common Draw Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
| Zoom Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
| VIP European Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
| American Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
| European Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
| VIP American Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
| 3D Roulette | Demo | Play Game |
A selection like that one is great to discover the game, understand the differences between European Roulette and American Roulette, and enjoy even the craziest single-number bets.
Right now, Mongoose Casino offers a very good signup bonus to all the players who register for the first time. Being it a new Casino, I bet you might be eligible for it — so I suggest you don’t miss the opportunity to get some extra cash to play Roulette games online.
To know if you are eligible for the welcome bonus, continue to this page.
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