Roulette is one of the most recognizable casino games, but not every roulette table uses the same wheel. The two most common versions are American Roulette and European Roulette. While the basic gameplay is similar, the number of pockets on the wheel creates a significant difference in the mathematical odds.
The most important distinction is simple: European Roulette has 37 pockets, including one zero (0), while American Roulette has 38 pockets, including both zero (0) and double zero (00). Because the extra 00 pocket does not add another winning number to standard bets, it increases the casino’s mathematical advantage.
For players comparing the two versions, understanding this difference is important before choosing a table. European Roulette generally has a lower standard house edge of about 2.70%, compared with approximately 5.26% for American Roulette.
This guide explains the rules, payouts, probabilities and house edge of both games so you can make an informed choice.
What Is European Roulette?
European Roulette, often called single-zero roulette, uses a wheel containing 37 pockets:
- Numbers 1 through 36
- One green 0
The numbers 1–36 are divided between red and black pockets, while 0 is green. Players can place different types of inside and outside bets before the dealer spins the wheel.
A standard straight-up bet on one number pays 35:1. Other common bets include splits, streets, corners, dozens, columns and even-money bets such as red/black or odd/even. The standard European wheel has a 2.70% house edge, giving it a theoretical RTP of approximately 97.30% under standard rules.
European Roulette is particularly popular among players who want the standard roulette format with the lower house edge of the two main variants.
What Is American Roulette?
American Roulette is also known as double-zero roulette because its wheel contains two green pockets: 0 and 00.
The wheel therefore has 38 total pockets:
- Numbers 1 through 36
- One 0
- One 00
The betting process is broadly similar to European Roulette, and many standard payouts are the same. For example, a straight-up number bet normally pays 35:1.
However, the additional 00 pocket changes the probabilities. With 38 possible outcomes instead of 37, the chance of hitting a particular number falls from 1 in 37 to 1 in 38. Standard American Roulette has a house edge of approximately 5.26%, corresponding to a theoretical RTP of around 94.74%.
Some American tables also offer a five-number bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3. This bet is particularly unfavorable mathematically because its payout does not fully compensate for the number of outcomes it covers. Players should therefore check the specific table rules before placing this wager.
American Roulette vs European Roulette: Key Differences
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Total pockets | 37 | 38 |
| Green pockets | 0 | 0 and 00 |
| Number of numbered pockets | 36 | 36 |
| Standard house edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Standard RTP | 97.30% | 94.74% |
| Straight-up payout | 35:1 | 35:1 |
| Straight-up probability | 1/37 | 1/38 |
| Red/Black probability | 18/37 (48.65%) | 18/38 (47.37%) |
| Main disadvantage | Single zero | Zero + double zero |
The key point is that the common payouts are generally the same, but American Roulette has an additional losing pocket. That is why the house edge is considerably higher.
Roulette Odds Explained
Understanding roulette odds is easier when you look at the number of pockets.
Suppose you place a straight-up bet on the number 17.
In European Roulette, there are 37 possible outcomes, so your probability of winning is:
1 ÷ 37 = 2.70%
In American Roulette, there are 38 possible outcomes:
1 ÷ 38 = 2.63%
Both bets normally pay 35:1 if the selected number wins. The difference is that your probability of hitting the number is slightly lower on the American wheel.
The difference becomes more noticeable with even-money bets.
For example, a red bet covers 18 red numbers.
In European Roulette:
18 ÷ 37 = 48.65%
In American Roulette:
18 ÷ 38 = 47.37%
Neither is a true 50/50 bet because the green zero pockets cause the bet to lose when 0 or 00 appears.
House Edge: Why It Matters
The house edge represents the casino’s mathematical advantage over a large number of wagers. It does not mean that a player will lose that exact percentage during a single session. Individual results can vary significantly because roulette outcomes are random.
For standard European Roulette, the house edge is about 2.70%. For standard American Roulette, it is about 5.26%.
A simple way to understand the difference is to consider $100 of total wagers over a very large number of spins. The mathematical expected loss would be approximately:
- European Roulette: $2.70
- American Roulette: $5.26
These are long-run mathematical expectations, not guaranteed losses from one $100 bet or one casino session.
This is also why comparing the game variant is often more important than relying on betting systems. A strategy cannot remove the built-in mathematical house edge from a standard roulette wheel.
Are Roulette Payouts Different?
Most standard payouts are the same in American and European Roulette.
Typical payouts include:
- Straight-up: 35:1
- Split: 17:1
- Street: 11:1
- Corner: 8:1
- Six line: 5:1
- Dozen: 2:1
- Column: 2:1
- Red/Black: 1:1
- Odd/Even: 1:1
- High/Low: 1:1
The important difference is not usually the payout itself but the number of possible outcomes on the wheel. The extra 00 in American Roulette makes the same standard payouts less favorable mathematically.
Which Is Better: American or European Roulette?
If your main consideration is the mathematical house edge, European Roulette is generally the better option.
The single-zero wheel gives the player a theoretical RTP of approximately 97.30%, compared with about 94.74% for standard American Roulette.
However, “better odds” does not mean that European Roulette guarantees profits. Roulette remains a game of chance, and individual spins cannot be predicted reliably.
Before playing online, check the game’s information panel for:
- Number of pockets
- Whether the wheel has 0 or 0 and 00
- Payout schedule
- Any special rules
- Minimum and maximum bets
- Applicable terms and conditions
If you’re learning about different casino games, you can also explore the broader casino payment methods guide to understand how payment options can differ between online gambling platforms.
Can Betting Strategies Change the Odds?
Popular roulette systems such as Martingale, Fibonacci and other staking methods can change how a player manages bets, but they do not change the probability of the wheel outcome or eliminate the house edge.
For example, doubling a bet after a loss does not make the next spin more likely to win. Each spin remains an independent event under a properly functioning roulette game.
Players should therefore treat betting systems as money-management approaches rather than methods that can mathematically guarantee a profit.
For users exploring casino games more generally, learning the underlying rules and probabilities is more useful than relying on claims of guaranteed winning systems.
American Roulette vs European Roulette: Final Verdict
American and European Roulette look very similar, but the extra 00 pocket makes a major mathematical difference.
European Roulette has 37 pockets and a standard 2.70% house edge, while American Roulette has 38 pockets and a standard 5.26% house edge. The usual payouts are similar, but the additional American zero reduces the probability of winning standard bets.
For players choosing strictly on mathematical odds, European Roulette is generally the more favorable of the two standard variants. American Roulette can still be enjoyable for players who prefer its traditional double-zero layout, but it comes with a higher house edge.
The most important lesson is to understand the wheel before playing. Check whether the table is single-zero or double-zero, understand the payout structure, set a budget, and remember that roulette outcomes are random.
FAQs
Is European Roulette better than American Roulette?
From a mathematical perspective, European Roulette generally offers better odds because its standard house edge is approximately 2.70%, compared with 5.26% for American Roulette.
Why does American Roulette have a higher house edge?
American Roulette has both 0 and 00, giving the wheel 38 pockets. The additional 00 increases the casino’s mathematical advantage.
Does European Roulette pay more than American Roulette?
Standard payouts are generally the same. The major difference is the probability of winning because the wheels contain different numbers of pockets.
What is the chance of hitting one number in European Roulette?
A single number has a 1 in 37 probability, or approximately 2.70%, on a standard European wheel.
What is the chance of hitting one number in American Roulette?
A single number has a 1 in 38 probability, or approximately 2.63%, on a standard American wheel.
Can a roulette strategy overcome the house edge?
No standard betting strategy can remove the mathematical house edge from a normal roulette wheel. Strategies can change bet sizes but not the underlying probabilities.