Roulette looks the same wherever you play it: a spinning wheel, a little ball and a table full of betting options. But there are two main versions, American and European, and one small difference between them has a big effect on your odds.
This guide compares American vs European roulette side by side, explains the house edge on each and shows you which version gives you a better chance.
The Key Difference: One Extra Pocket
| European roulette | American roulette | |
|---|---|---|
| Number pockets | 1–36 | 1–36 |
| Zero pockets | One (0) | Two (0 and 00) |
| Total pockets | 37 | 38 |
| House edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
That extra double zero (00) is the whole story. Payouts are the same on both wheels, but American roulette has one more pocket where the house wins most bets. That nearly doubles the house edge.
How the House Edge Works in Roulette
Take a straight-up bet on a single number. It pays 35 to 1.
- On a European wheel, you have a 1 in 37 chance of winning.
- On an American wheel, you have a 1 in 38 chance.
If the payout were 'fair,' it would be 36 to 1 on a European wheel and 37 to 1 on an American wheel. The gap between the fair payout and the real one is the house edge:
- European: 1 ÷ 37 = 2.70%
- American: 2 ÷ 38 = 5.26%
What does that mean in practice? Over a very long period, for every $100 wagered, a European wheel is expected to keep about $2.70, while an American wheel is expected to keep about $5.26. Any single session can go either way. For more on reading these numbers, see RTP vs house edge.
Roulette Bets and Payouts
Payouts are the same on both versions:
| Bet | What it covers | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight up | 1 number | 35:1 |
| Split | 2 adjacent numbers | 17:1 |
| Street | 3 numbers in a row | 11:1 |
| Corner | 4 numbers in a square | 8:1 |
| Six line | 6 numbers (two rows) | 5:1 |
| Dozen | 1–12, 13–24 or 25–36 | 2:1 |
| Column | One of three columns | 2:1 |
| Red / Black | 18 numbers | 1:1 |
| Odd / Even | 18 numbers | 1:1 |
| 1–18 / 19–36 | 18 numbers | 1:1 |
The Bet to Avoid on American Roulette
American roulette has a 'top line' or 'five-number' bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3. It pays 6:1, and its house edge is 7.89%, the worst bet on the American table. Skip it.
What About French Roulette?
French roulette uses the single-zero European wheel, and often adds a rule called La Partage or En Prison. If the ball lands on zero, you get half your even-money bet back (or it's held for the next spin). That cuts the house edge on even-money bets to about 1.35%, making it the best roulette option when you can find it.
So, Which Is Better?
European roulette is better for players. Same game, same payouts, lower house edge. If both versions are available, the European wheel gives your money more time on the table.
American roulette isn't 'bad,' it's just more expensive to play over time. Some players enjoy it for the extra 00 pocket or simply prefer the table. If you choose it, factor the higher edge into your budget.
Tips for Playing Roulette Online
- Pick the single-zero wheel whenever you can.
- Set a budget and a stop point. See our bankroll management tips.
- Don't rely on betting systems. Martingale and similar systems don't change the house edge. We tested this in our betting systems simulation.
- Ignore 'hot' and 'cold' numbers. Every spin is independent. Past results don't predict the next one.
- Mix inside and outside bets for fun, not to 'beat' the wheel. All standard bets on a given wheel carry roughly the same house edge, except the American five-number bet.
FAQ
What is the difference between American and European roulette?
American roulette has two zero pockets (0 and 00) and 38 pockets in total. European roulette has a single zero and 37 pockets. That makes the house edge 5.26% on American roulette and 2.70% on European roulette.
Which roulette has the best odds?
French roulette with La Partage or En Prison, followed by European roulette. American roulette has the highest house edge.
Do payouts differ between American and European roulette?
No. Payouts are identical. The difference in odds comes entirely from the extra 00 pocket.
Can you beat roulette with a strategy?
No strategy changes the house edge in roulette. You can choose the version with the lower edge and manage your bankroll, but every spin is random.
Spin Smarter
The choice between American vs European roulette is one of the easiest ways to improve your odds in any casino. Choose the single-zero wheel, keep your bets within budget and enjoy the spin.
Play roulette at Diamond Reels
Play responsibly. Diamond Reels is for players aged 21 and over. Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money. Set limits before you play, and if gambling stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for free, confidential support, or visit our Responsible Gaming page.
