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American vs European Roulette: Understanding the Key Differences

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Roulette is a popular game of chance that has captivated players for centuries. The two most popular roulette game variants are American and European roulettes. While American and European Roulette share many similarities, there are key differences that can greatly impact your odds of winning. In this article, we delve into the key differences between American and European Roulette, from the number of pockets to the type of bets available, helping you make an informed decision on which version to play.


What are the main differences between American Roulette and European Roulette?

The number of pockets on the wheel and the house edge are the primary distinctions between American and European Roulette. While European Roulette has 37 pockets with just one zero pocket, American Roulette has 38 pockets, including two zero pockets (0 and 00). Because of this, American Roulette has a bigger house edge than European Roulette, which is 5.26% as opposed to 2.7%. As a result, American Roulette is less profitable for participants over the long term than European Roulette. The two varieties of Roulette wheels may also have somewhat different layouts and offer different betting options.

How many zero pockets does American Roulette have compared to European Roulette?

American Roulette has two zero pockets (0 and 00), while European Roulette has only one zero pocket (0).

Does European Roulette have better odds for players compared to American Roulette?

Compared to American Roulette, European Roulette offers gamblers greater odds. With only one zero pocket, European Roulette has a lower house edge of 2.7% compared to American Roulette, which has two zero pockets and a higher house edge of 5.26%. (0 and 00). Therefore, compared to American Roulette, European Roulette is more advantageous to gamblers over the long term.

How does the layout of the wheel differ between American and European Roulette?

Although the basic form of the wheel is the same in both American and European Roulette, the configuration can vary slightly. The roulette wheel in both variations has pockets with numbers ranging from 0 to 36. The addition of a second zero pocket (00) in American roulette, which is absent in European roulette, is the primary variation in the wheel layout. The zero pocket(s) are colored green, and the numbered pockets are alternately red and black. A ball is spun in the opposite direction from the wheel's direction of rotation before landing in one of the numbered pockets.

Is the betting process the same for both American and European Roulette?

Both American and European Roulette have a similar betting structure, however there could be a few minor variations in the kinds of bets that are offered, based on specific game versions. In both games, players use chips to place different kinds of bets on the betting table, such as wagers on a single number, a range of numbers, or a color. The precise betting options can fluctuate across various gambling sites and Roulette variants, but the fundamental strategy remains the same in most cases. The dealer spins the wheel and throws the ball once all wagers have been put. All lost bets are removed from the table, and all winning bets are paid out, and the game continues until the ball lands in one of the numbered pockets.

How does the payout structure differ between American and European Roulette?

The primary distinction between American and European roulette payout structures is the amount of zero pockets on the roulette wheel. The payment for a winning wager in both games is based on the type of wager and the likelihood that it will win. For instance, a wager on a single number normally pays off at a ratio of 35 to 1, whereas a wager on a collection of numbers may yield a smaller payout.

The odds of a player winning are marginally better in European roulette than in American roulette since there is only one zero pocket in the game. This may have an impact on payouts, with European Roulette typically providing marginally superior payouts for specific bet kinds. The key distinctions between bet types, odds and win payouts in American and European roulette games are shown in the table below.

Bet Types, Payouts and Odds in American and European Roulette

American
Roulette
European
Roulette
Straight-up Bet: a bet on a single number. Bet on 0 and 00 also is considered as straight bet.

Payout: 35 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 38 (or 2.63%)
Straight-up Bet: a bet on a single number. Bet on 0 also is considered as straight bet.

Payout: 35 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 37 (or 2.70%)
Basket Bet (Top Line Bet): Betting on both the zero and the double zero.

Payout: 17 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 19 (or 5.26%)
n/a
Split Bet: a bet on 2 adjacent numbers.

Payout: 17 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 19 (or 5.26%)
Split Bet: a bet on 2 adjacent numbers.

Payout: 17 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 18 (or 5.41%)
Street Bet: a bet on 3 numbers in a row.

Payout: 11 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 13 (or 7.89%)
Street Bet: a bet on 3 numbers in a row.

Payout: 11 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 12 (or 8.11%)
Corner Bet: a bet on 4 adjacent numbers.

Payout: 8 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 10 (or 10.53%)
Corner Bet: a bet on 4 adjacent numbers.

Payout: 8 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 9 (or 10.81%)
Five Bet: a bet on the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3.

Payout: 6 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 8 (or 12.60%)
n/a
Line Bet:a bet on 6 numbers in two adjacent rows.

Payout: 5 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 6 (or 15.79%)
Line Bet: a bet on 6 numbers in two adjacent rows.

Payout: 5 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 6 (or 16.22%)
Column Bet: a bet on 12 numbers in the same column.

Payout: 2 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 2 (or 31.58%)
Column Bet: a bet on 12 numbers in the same column.

Payout: 2 to 1 Odds of winning: 1 in 2 (or 32.43%)
Dozen Bet: a bet on 12 numbers grouped as: 1-12; 13-24; 25-36.

Payout: 2 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 2 (or 31.58%)
Dozen Bet: a bet on 12 numbers grouped as: 1-12; 13-24; 25-36.

Payout: 2 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 2 (or 32.43%)
18 Numbers Bet: a bet on 18 numbers grouped as: 1-18 or 19-36.

Payout: 1 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 2 (or 47.37%)
18 Numbers Bet: a bet on 18 numbers grouped as: 1-18 or 19-36.

Payout: 1 to 1 Odds of winning: 1 in 2 (or 48.65%)
Even/Odd Bet: a bet on odds or even number result.

Payout: 1 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 2 (or 47.37%)
Even/Odd Bet: a bet on odds or even number result.

Payout: 1 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 2 (or 48.65%)
Red/Black Bet: a bet on red or black number result.

Payout: 1 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 2 (or 47.37%)
Red/Black Bet: a bet on red or black number result.

Payout: 1 to 1
Odds of winning: 1 in 2 (or 48.65%)

It is always vital to examine the specific payouts for each game before making any bets because this can vary between gambling sites.

Does the type of Roulette you play affect the strategies you can use?

Of course, the types of roulette you play might influence the possible strategy. American Roulette and European Roulette are the two primary variations of the game. Compared to European Roulette, American Roulette features an additional number (00), which marginally raises the house edge. Before using a strategy, it is crucial to pick the appropriate sort of roulette because this difference can affect how well it works.

Are there any unique rules in American Roulette that are not in European Roulette?

American Roulette has some special regulations that are absent from European Roulette.

  • The extra number (00) on the wheel in American Roulette favors the house over players.

  • The two variations of the game also have differing betting table layouts, with American Roulette having room for both the 0 and 00.

  • Additionally, in European Roulette, players are in charge of placing their own bets and collecting profits while in American Roulette, the dealer is in charge of clearing losing bets and paying out winners.

When deciding which sort of roulette to play, these variations should be taken into account since they may have an impact on the methods employed in each game.

Are there any specific variations of either American or European Roulette that you should be aware of?

Players should be aware of the various varieties of both American and European Roulette.

  • French Roulette, which has distinctive betting possibilities and restrictions, and Mini Roulette, which has a smaller wheel and fewer numbers, are two popular versions of European Roulette.

  • American Roulette can also come in variants like Double Zero Roulette and Triple Zero Roulette, both of which include two zeros on the wheel.

Before playing, make sure you are familiar with the rules of each individual variation because they can have varied odds and payouts. Additionally, some game versions include extra features like multi-wheel possibilities, which might affect the strategy and approach to the game.

Roulette games restrictions by local markets regulations

It is crucial to keep in mind that not everyone can always access the roulette games. For instance, roulette games are currently not available to players who are residents of Germany. Some players, especially those who have previously loved playing these games, could find this restriction disappointing. But it's crucial to realize that these limitations are there for a reason, and they're essential to ensuring that online gambling is done fairly and responsibly. Despite this restriction, gamers in Germany have access to a large range of other thrilling games, including a selection of slot machines and arcades.


No matter which variation of a Roulette Game you decide to play, it's crucial to become familiar with the rules and variations before placing your bets. Gambling sites make it simple for players to choose between American and European Roulette and take pleasure in the excitement of the game from the comfort of their own homes.

So why not sign up at ~#MODE:SETTINGS{brand.name}#~ right now and discover the thrill of playing American or European Roulette for yourself? You can be sure to find the ideal fit for your gaming needs among a huge selection of games and promos.

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Author: CrazyBillion
Last updated: 03 Oct 2023
Date published: 03 Oct 2023