Roulette is one of the most iconic and visually thrilling games available on any casino floor.
The variation you decide to play has a massive impact on your mathematical chances of walking away a winner.
The Green Zero: The House's Secret Weapon
A standard European wheel contains only one green slot (the 0), giving the house its mathematical advantage.
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
The 'En Prison' and 'La Partage' Rules
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.
| Game Type | Special Rules? | House Edge (Even-Money Bets) |
|---|
| Standard European | No | 2.70% |
| French (La Partage) | Yes (Half-back on Zero) | 1.35% |
If you have the option, you should absolutely never sit down at an American roulette table.