Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.
Choosing the wrong version of roulette is the most common and costly mistake new players make.
The Impact of the Double Zero
The single most important difference between the two games lies entirely in the number of green zero pockets.
The addition of the 00 pocket effectively doubles the casino's built-in mathematical advantage over the player.
- The extra number changes all probability calculations
- The betting layout is slightly larger on the American table
- European tables often use a different chip system
The Mathematics of the Two Wheels
Conversely, the American wheel's extra double zero pushes the house edge up to a massive 5.26%.
This means you will lose money almost twice as fast playing the American version over the long term.
The En Prison and La Partage Rules
Some European, and particularly French, roulette tables offer player-friendly rules called "La Partage" or "En Prison."
American roulette essentially never offers these rules, further cementing its status as the inferior option.
| Type | Long Term Loss per $100 | Player Value |
|---|
| Single Zero | $2.70 | Excellent |
| Double Zero | $5.26 | Terrible |
Online casinos almost always offer both, so be vigilant and always click on the European wheel.
