European and American roulette - two similar, but not equal worlds
Published: April 29, 2025
At first glance, the difference between the two versions of roulette is insignificant: both have a wheel, 36 numbers, red and black, even and odd. But one extra field on a wheel can change everything - and make the player's chances significantly lower.
We figure out why European roulette is preferable for most players and where important mathematical differences lie.
Main differences - Table
What changes because of one "00"?
In European roulette:
In American:
The difference for casinos:
This difference affects the distance. The longer you play, the more noticeable the difference in lost funds, all other things being equal.
Concrete example - bet on one number
In both cases, the bet on a specific number is paid 35 to 1
In European: Winning chance - 1/37
In the American: Winning chance - 1/38
Thus, the payment is the same, and the chance is worse in an American. This means that the expected loss at the distance is higher.
What about even/odd, red/black?
At bets 1:1 (even/odd, red/black, 1-18/19-36):
In European roulette, the rule "La Partage" or "En Prison" is often applied, in which, if 0 falls:
There are no such rules in American roulette: 0 and 00 is a complete loss even in 1:1 bets
Conclusion: European roulette is more profitable for the player even in such seemingly "equal" bets.
Mathematical expectation: the difference in real numbers
Example:
That is, with the same game, there are twice as many losses in the American version.
Strategies: which ones work and where is better?
Rate strategies (Martingale, D'Alembert, Fibonacci, etc.) are more often applied to 1:1 rates.
In European roulette, they work more efficiently, because the probability of losses when 0 falls out is lower, and the presence of "En Prison" gives the player a second chance.
Where can you find different versions?
Online casinos almost always offer European roulette, and often also French, which is even more profitable.
What is French roulette?
Has 37 cells (as European)
"La Partage" rule is mandatory
Can use classic table markings with French inscriptions
The casino advantage can be reduced to 1. 35% is one of the most profitable roulettes for the player
Conclusion: what to choose?
American roulette is a mathematically less advantageous choice, and if you are not limited in your choice, it is always better to play the European or French version.
Conclusion
A small "00" changes everything.
It is this that makes American roulette less profitable at any distance. If you are serious about the game, plan to use strategies, want to reduce risks - European roulette should be your default choice.
Choose wisely - and let the wheel be favorable to you.
See also: "Fibonacci and Martingale," "Tactics of minimal risk," "Best live roulette in 2025"
We figure out why European roulette is preferable for most players and where important mathematical differences lie.
Main differences - Table
| Characteristic | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Number of sectors | 37 (0-36) | 38 (0-36 + 00) |
| Additional Sector | One (0) | Two (0 and 00) |
| Casino Advantage | ~ 2. 70% | ~5. 26% |
| Arrangement of numbers on a wheel | Classic | Other order |
| Popularity in casinos | More in Europe and online | More often in the USA and land |
What changes because of one "00"?
In European roulette:
- The wheel has 37 cells, and the chance of any particular number falling out is 1/37 ≈ 2. 70%
In American:
- 38 cells, including "00." The chance of getting on a number is 1/38 ≈ 2. 63%
The difference for casinos:
- In European roulette, the advantage of the institution ~ 2. 70%
- In the American - 5. 26%, almost twice as much
This difference affects the distance. The longer you play, the more noticeable the difference in lost funds, all other things being equal.
Concrete example - bet on one number
In both cases, the bet on a specific number is paid 35 to 1
In European: Winning chance - 1/37
In the American: Winning chance - 1/38
Thus, the payment is the same, and the chance is worse in an American. This means that the expected loss at the distance is higher.
What about even/odd, red/black?
At bets 1:1 (even/odd, red/black, 1-18/19-36):
In European roulette, the rule "La Partage" or "En Prison" is often applied, in which, if 0 falls:
- player returns half bet
- or the bet is "frozen" until the next spin
There are no such rules in American roulette: 0 and 00 is a complete loss even in 1:1 bets
Conclusion: European roulette is more profitable for the player even in such seemingly "equal" bets.
Mathematical expectation: the difference in real numbers
Example:
- Bet $10 per count/odd - 1000 spins
| Version | Average loss per 1000 spins |
|---|---|
| European | ~ $270 |
| American | ~ $526 |
That is, with the same game, there are twice as many losses in the American version.
Strategies: which ones work and where is better?
Rate strategies (Martingale, D'Alembert, Fibonacci, etc.) are more often applied to 1:1 rates.
In European roulette, they work more efficiently, because the probability of losses when 0 falls out is lower, and the presence of "En Prison" gives the player a second chance.
Where can you find different versions?
| Version | Where is more common |
|---|---|
| European | Online Casinos, Europe, Asia, Australia |
| American | Land Casinos in USA, Canada |
Online casinos almost always offer European roulette, and often also French, which is even more profitable.
What is French roulette?
Has 37 cells (as European)
"La Partage" rule is mandatory
Can use classic table markings with French inscriptions
The casino advantage can be reduced to 1. 35% is one of the most profitable roulettes for the player
Conclusion: what to choose?
| You are playing... | What to choose |
|---|---|
| Online casino | European or French roulette |
| Land casino in the USA | Caution: more often only American |
| Want strategy + chance | European/French only |
| Play betting 1:1 | See if "La Partage" is available |
American roulette is a mathematically less advantageous choice, and if you are not limited in your choice, it is always better to play the European or French version.
Conclusion
A small "00" changes everything.
It is this that makes American roulette less profitable at any distance. If you are serious about the game, plan to use strategies, want to reduce risks - European roulette should be your default choice.
Choose wisely - and let the wheel be favorable to you.
See also: "Fibonacci and Martingale," "Tactics of minimal risk," "Best live roulette in 2025"
