European vs American Roulette: Understanding the Differences

That one extra number on a roulette wheel? It changes everything. That's why there are European and American roulette types. The difference is more than most players expect (just one number), but it changes the odds more than most players expect.

Here, you'll see how the wheels differ, how the extra zero affects your chances, and why many players prefer one version over the other.

What Is Roulette?

Roulette is a quick casino game with a spinning wheel, a ball, and your bet on where it lands. The game starts when players place bets on where the ball will land and get payouts if they predict it right after the wheel stops.

Most roulette wheels include numbers 1 to 36, plus one or more zero pockets. These numbers are arranged around the wheel, and the betting table mirrors the same layout.

Here's how it works in practice:

1. A player first places a single bet (or multiple);
2. Then, a live dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction;
3. When the ball lands in one of the pockets, a winning number is declared;
4. The dealer then pays out the winning bets.

The thing that separates roulette from poker, for example, is that it's played against the casino (the house). Another important detail is the number of pockets on the wheel. Even one extra zero can change the odds and increase the house advantage.

European Roulette Explained

European roulette is the version players tend to encounter first across both physical European casinos and digital platforms. The wheel features 37 pockets in total: numbers 1 to 36 alongside a single green zero (0).

This solitary zero is the crucial factor dictating the house edge, which sits at a low 2.7%. Because the casino's mathematical advantage is smaller here compared to other variants, it is a firm favourite among players and serves as the baseline format for most online providers. If you browse through the different NetBet roulette games available, for example, you will find a lot of options built around this traditional single-zero European layout.

American Roulette Explained

American roulette is the same as the European version, but the wheel has one more pocket, a double zero.

So, instead of 37 pockets, the American wheel has 38. It includes numbers 1-36, plus two green pockets: 0 and 00.

The key point is that this extra pocket changes the odds significantly.

Because of the double zero, the house edge rises to about 5.26%. This basically means that the casino advantage is almost twice as high as in European roulette.

This version is common in many US casinos. The payouts stay the same, but the extra pocket slightly lowers the player's chances of winning.

Key Differences Between European and American Roulette

The table, the bets, and the payouts are very similar. The double zero in the American version changes the house edge. That's all. The table below shows all differences:

Which Version Do Players Usually Prefer?

European roulette takes the win here. The biggest reason is the lower house edge. There's only one 0 on the wheel, so the casino advantage is about 2.7%. Now, compare that to 5.26% in American roulette, and you see why people prefer the EU version.

Important to know: European roulette doesn't guarantee better results. Roulette is still a game of chance. But when players compare the two versions, many choose the single-zero wheel because the odds are a little less stacked against them.

Tips for Choosing a Roulette Table

Choose a roulette table that matches your playstyle. In that case, pay close attention to:

• Check the wheel type — go for single-zero (European) if possible;
• Look at table limits — pick one that fits your budget;
• Know the house edge — lower is always better;
• Watch a few spins first — get a feel for the table;
• Stick to simple bets — especially if you're just starting.

Play Responsibly

Roulette is a casino game, and you must know that it's only meant to be fun. This isn't a way to ''earn'' money, so you should play with care. There are some rules that you can practice for responsible play.

The simplest one is to set a limit before you start playing. Decide how much you're comfortable spending and leave the table when the end comes, don't come back with more money.

Take regular breaks if your head starts to feel heavy. And, if you feel like you're losing control, reach out to GamblingCare for help; they're experienced in this field.

Most players enjoy roulette more when they play at their own pace and keep things casual.

Final Thoughts

At first, both roulette types look pretty much the same. Same table, same bets, same stuff. But that extra 00 on the American wheel almost doubles the house edge. European roulette is simpler with one zero, and that is why it's more popular.