Which Roulette Version is Better?

Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.

Understanding the subtle differences between the wheels is crucial for maximizing your chances of winning.

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.

• European wheel has 37 total pockets
• American wheel has 38 total pockets
• Both versions pay 35 to 1 on a single number bet

Why the House Edge Matters

Conversely, the American wheel's extra double zero pushes the house edge up to a massive 5.26%.

There is absolutely no mathematical justification for ever choosing to play American roulette if European is available.

Special European Roulette Rules

The "La Partage" rule dictates that if the ball lands on zero, you only lose half of your even-money bet.

If these special rules are in effect, the house edge on even-money bets drops to an incredible 1.35%.

Online casinos almost always offer both, so be vigilant and always click on the European wheel.