European vs American Roulette: The Difference That Matters

The two wheels look similar, but one extra pocket changes the odds noticeably.

The zero pockets

European roulette has 37 pockets with a single zero. American roulette adds a double zero, making 38 pockets.

The effect on the odds

The house edge is about 2.7% on the European wheel and about 5.26% on the American wheel. Payouts are the same, so the extra pocket only helps the casino.

Which to choose

Where you have the choice, pick the single-zero version. Some tables with a “La Partage” or “En Prison” rule lower the edge on even-money bets further.

Play responsibly

This article is for information only and is aimed at adults aged 18 and over. Gambling carries risk and the house always has an edge, so only play with money you can afford to lose and use the limits your casino offers.