The Same Game — With One Critical Difference
Both European and American roulette share the same basic structure: a spinning wheel, a ball, and a betting layout. Players predict where the ball will land when the wheel stops. The core bet types — red/black, odd/even, specific numbers — are identical in both versions.
But there is one key structural difference that every player should understand before sitting down at a table: the number of zero pockets on the wheel.
The Wheels: 37 vs. 38 Pockets
- European Roulette: Numbers 1–36 plus a single zero (0) — 37 pockets total
- American Roulette: Numbers 1–36 plus a single zero (0) AND a double zero (00) — 38 pockets total
That one extra pocket (the double zero) is the entire source of the house edge difference between the two games.
How It Affects the House Edge
| Version | Pockets | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| European Roulette | 37 | ~2.70% |
| American Roulette | 38 | ~5.26% |
On a straight-up bet (a single number), European roulette pays 35:1 whether there are 37 or 38 pockets. The casino keeps the difference — and with two zero pockets, that difference is nearly double. Over time and across large volumes of play, this makes American roulette significantly more costly for players.
Bet Types and Payouts
Both versions share the same bet structures and payouts:
- Straight Up (single number): 35:1
- Split (two numbers): 17:1
- Street (three numbers): 11:1
- Corner (four numbers): 8:1
- Outside bets (red/black, odd/even, 1–18/19–36): 1:1
- Dozens/Columns: 2:1
In American roulette, there's an additional bet unique to that version: the Five Number Bet (covering 0, 00, 1, 2, 3), which pays 6:1 but carries a house edge of 7.89% — making it the worst bet on the table.
The "La Partage" and "En Prison" Rules (European Variants)
Some European roulette tables offer additional player-friendly rules:
- La Partage: If the ball lands on zero and you've placed an even-money bet (red/black, etc.), you receive half your stake back. This reduces the house edge on those bets to approximately 1.35%.
- En Prison: Instead of losing half, your even-money bet is "imprisoned" for the next spin. If you win the next spin, your original stake is returned. The effect on house edge is similar to La Partage.
These rules are not available in American roulette.
Which Should You Play?
The math is clear: European roulette is the better choice for players. The lower house edge means your money lasts longer on average, and the optional La Partage/En Prison rules can reduce the edge even further on even-money bets.
If you see American roulette as the only option at an online casino, it's worth checking whether a European or French variant is available — most reputable online casinos offer multiple versions.
Quick Comparison Summary
| Feature | European | American |
|---|---|---|
| Zero pockets | 1 (single zero) | 2 (0 and 00) |
| Total pockets | 37 | 38 |
| House edge | ~2.70% | ~5.26% |
| La Partage / En Prison | Available on some tables | Not available |
| Five Number Bet | Not available | Available (avoid it) |