European and American roulette look almost identical, but one key difference makes a real impact on the odds. Knowing which is which helps you choose the better-value game. This guide compares European vs American roulette, explaining the difference and what it means for the house edge. It is general information and not betting advice, so always gamble responsibly and only stake money you can comfortably afford to lose.
The key difference
The main difference between the two is the zero. European roulette has a single zero, while American roulette has both a zero and a double zero, giving it 38 pockets instead of 37. That one extra pocket is the crucial distinction. Understanding that the number of zeros is the key difference between the two versions is the most important thing to grasp, because it directly affects the house edge and therefore the value of the game to you.
The wheels
European roulette's wheel has 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 plus a single green zero. American roulette's wheel has 38 pockets: the same numbers plus a single zero and a double zero, both green. The number sequences around the wheels also differ. Understanding that the American wheel has an extra pocket, the double zero, while the European wheel has just one zero, is the physical difference behind the difference in odds between the two games.
The house edge difference
The extra pocket changes the house edge significantly. European roulette has a house edge of around 2.7 per cent, while American roulette's is around 5.26 per cent, nearly double. Our guide on the house edge explains how this works. Understanding that American roulette has roughly twice the house edge of European roulette, purely because of the double zero, is the practical takeaway: the European game offers noticeably better value to players over time.
Why the extra zero matters
The extra zero matters because the payouts in both games are the same, but the American wheel has one more losing pocket for the player. So every bet faces slightly worse odds on the American wheel, even though it pays the same. Understanding that the same payouts spread across more pockets means worse value explains exactly why the double zero increases the house edge, making American roulette a poorer bet despite looking almost identical to the European version.
The effect on your bets
The higher house edge means that, over time, you can expect to lose more on American roulette than on European for the same stakes. On an even-money bet like red or black, the double zero is an extra way to lose. Understanding that the practical effect is faster losses on average on the American wheel helps you see why, where you have the choice, European roulette is the sensible option, as it gives you better odds on every type of bet.
The five-number bet
American roulette has one bet not found in European roulette: the five-number bet, covering zero, double zero, one, two and three. It carries an even higher house edge than the rest of the American game, making it the worst bet on the table. Understanding that this American-only bet is particularly poor value helps you avoid it, and serves as another reason the American game is less favourable, with even a unique bet that works against the player.
French roulette and the rules
French roulette uses the single-zero wheel and sometimes adds player-friendly rules like la partage or en prison, which return part of an even-money bet when the ball lands on zero. These rules lower the house edge further. Understanding that French roulette, with these rules, can offer even better value than standard European roulette helps you spot the best version when available, as the la partage rule roughly halves the house edge on even-money bets.
The layout differences
The betting layouts are largely the same, with the main difference being the double zero on the American table. The bets you can place, inside and outside, are otherwise nearly identical. Our guide on roulette bets explained covers the bets. Understanding that the layouts and bets are mostly the same, apart from the double zero and the five-number bet, confirms that the games play almost identically, with the difference lying in the odds rather than how you bet.
Which should you play?
Where you have the choice, European (or French) roulette is the better option, because of its lower house edge. There is no advantage to playing American roulette, which simply offers worse odds for the same game. Understanding that European roulette is the clear choice for value helps you make a simple, informed decision: if both are available, choose the single-zero game, as it gives you better odds on every bet without changing how the game plays.
Availability
European roulette is the standard in UK casinos and widely available online, while American roulette is more common in the United States but also found online. Online, both are usually offered, so you can choose. Understanding that you will most often have access to European roulette in the UK, and can usually choose it online, means the better-value game is generally available to you, so there is rarely a reason to play the American version.
Online versions
Online, both European and American roulette are offered as software games using a random number generator and as live dealer games. The odds are the same as the physical versions. Our guide on what RNG is explains software fairness. Understanding that online roulette comes in both versions, with the same house edges as the physical games, helps you choose the European version online too, where it is almost always available alongside the American one.
Choosing the best wheel
The simple rule is to play the wheel with the fewest zeros. French roulette with la partage is best where available, followed by European, with American roulette last. Since the games play almost identically, choosing the single-zero wheel costs you nothing in enjoyment but improves your odds on every bet. Our guide on roulette bets explained covers the bets themselves. Understanding that the best wheel is simply the one with the lowest house edge helps you make an easy, sensible choice whenever more than one version is available, online or in person.
Betting responsibly
Whichever version you play, roulette favours the house, so treat it as entertainment, not income. Set a budget, only stake what you can afford, and stop at your limit. Our guide on how to gamble responsibly has practical tools. Understanding the difference helps you choose the better-value game, but keeping roulette within your means matters far more than which wheel you play.
In short
European roulette has a single zero and a house edge of around 2.7 per cent, while American roulette adds a double zero, nearly doubling the edge to around 5.26 per cent. The same payouts across more pockets make the American game worse value, and it has a poor five-number bet too. French roulette with la partage can be better still. Where you can choose, pick European or French roulette over American, as it gives better odds on every bet for an almost identical game, and always gamble responsibly.
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