Roulette is one of the most iconic and visually thrilling games available on any casino floor.
Knowing which wheel to choose is the single most important decision a roulette player will ever make.
Understanding the Wheel Layouts
The European roulette wheel features 37 slots in total: numbers 1 through 36, plus a single green zero.
Conversely, the American layout adds an extra green slot—the double zero—significantly altering the math of the game.
- The single zero is the only reason the casino makes a profit on Red/Black or Odd/Even wagers
- Adding a second zero effectively doubles the speed at which you will statistically lose your bankroll
- The visual layout of the numbers on the wheel itself is also completely different between the two versions
Why French Roulette is Even Better
If you can find a French roulette table, you will encounter the best possible odds for this specific game.
Under the 'La Partage' rule, if you make an even-money bet (like Red or Black) and the ball lands on zero, you only lose half your bet.
| Roulette Variation | Number of Zeros | House Edge (Standard Bets) |
|---|
| American | Two (0, 00) | 5.26% |
| European | One (0) | 2.70% |
By simply choosing the European wheel, you instantly double your expected mathematical longevity at the casino.