European and American roulette - two similar, but not equal worlds
Published: April 29, 2025
At first glance, the difference between the two versions of the roulette is insignificant: both have a wheel, 36 numbers, red and black, even and odd. But one extra field on the wheel can change everything - and make the player's chances significantly lower.
We understand why European roulette is preferable for most players and where important mathematical differences lie.
The main differences are Table
What is changing because of one "00"?
In European roulette:
In American:
Difference for casinos:
This difference affects the distance. The longer you play, the more tangible the difference in lost funds, all other things being equal.
A specific example is a bet on a single number
In both cases, the rate on a specific number is paid 35 to 1
In European: Winning chance - 1/37
In American: Winning Chance - 1/38
Thus, the payment is the same, and the chance is worse in the American. That means the expected loss over the distance is higher.
What about even/odd, red/black?
At the stakes 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 - this is a complete loss even at the 1:1 stakes
Conclusion: European roulette is more profitable for the player even in such seemingly "equal" bets.
The Mathematical Expectation: The Difference in Real Numbers
Example:
That is, with the same game, twice as many losses in the American version.
Strategies: What work and where is better?
Betting 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 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?
It has 37 cells (as European)
"La Partage" rule is mandatory
Can use classic table markup with French inscriptions
Casino advantage can be reduced to 1.35% - this is one of the most profitable roulettes for a player
Conclusion: What to choose?
American roulette is a mathematically less advantageous choice, and if you're not limited in choice - it's always better to play the European or French option.
Conclusion
The small "00" changes everything.
It is it 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," "Minimum Risk Tactics," "Best Live Roulettes in 2025"
We understand why European roulette is preferable for most players and where important mathematical differences lie.
The main differences are Table
| Characteristics | 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% |
| Layout of rooms on a wheel | Classic | Different order |
| Popularity in casinos | More in Europe and online | More often in the USA and terrestrial |
What is changing because of one "00"?
In European roulette:
- The wheel has 37 cells, and the chance of falling out of any particular number is 1/37 ≈ 2.70%
In American:
- 38 cells, including "00." Chance of hitting the number - 1/38 ≈ 2.63%
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 tangible the difference in lost funds, all other things being equal.
A specific example is a bet on a single number
In both cases, the rate on a specific number is paid 35 to 1
In European: Winning chance - 1/37
In American: Winning Chance - 1/38
Thus, the payment is the same, and the chance is worse in the American. That means the expected loss over the distance is higher.
What about even/odd, red/black?
At the stakes 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:
- the player is returned half the bet
- or the rate is "frozen" until the next rotation
There are no such rules in American roulette: 0 and 00 - this is a complete loss even at the 1:1 stakes
Conclusion: European roulette is more profitable for the player even in such seemingly "equal" bets.
The Mathematical Expectation: The Difference in Real Numbers
Example:
- Bet $10 per count/odd - 1000 backs
| Version | Average loss per 1000 spins |
|---|---|
| European | ~ $270 |
| American | ~ $526 |
That is, with the same game, twice as many losses in the American version.
Strategies: What work and where is better?
Betting 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 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 Casino, Europe, Asia, Australia |
| American | Terrestrial Casinos in the United States, Canada |
Online casinos almost always offer European roulette, and often also French, which is even more profitable.
What is French roulette?
It has 37 cells (as European)
"La Partage" rule is mandatory
Can use classic table markup with French inscriptions
Casino advantage can be reduced to 1.35% - this is one of the most profitable roulettes for a player
Conclusion: What to choose?
| You are playing in... | What to Choose |
|---|---|
| Online casino | European or French roulette |
| U.S. Land Casino | Caution: More Often Only American |
| Want strategy + chance | European/French only |
| Play 1:1 Stakes | See if there is a "La Partage" |
American roulette is a mathematically less advantageous choice, and if you're not limited in choice - it's always better to play the European or French option.
Conclusion
The small "00" changes everything.
It is it 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," "Minimum Risk Tactics," "Best Live Roulettes in 2025"
