If you want online roulette games that feel classic, exciting, and easy to follow, you’re already in the right place. Roulette is one of the simplest casino games to learn: pick a bet, watch the wheel spin, and see where the ball lands. But there’s one decision that can quietly make a big difference to your results over time: European roulette vs American roulette.
The two main versions look similar, usually offer the same payouts, and share the same bet types. The key difference is the wheel layout: single zero vs double zero. That extra pocket changes the house edge and your odds, which is why knowing how to choose a roulette game is a practical advantage.
The core difference: 37 pockets vs 38 pockets
Both versions use numbers 1 through 36, split between red and black, plus green zero pockets. The difference is how many green pockets are on the wheel.
- European roulette uses a single-zero wheel with 37 pockets: numbers 0–36.
- American roulette uses a double-zero wheel with 38 pockets: numbers 0, 00, and 1–36.
That single extra 00 in American roulette is small in appearance but significant in effect: it increases the casino advantage because it adds another outcome that most standard bets don’t cover.
House edge explained (and why it matters)
The house edge is the casino’s mathematical advantage over the long run, expressed as a percentage of each bet. It does not predict what will happen in a short session, but it does describe the average cost of playing over many spins.
With roulette, most standard payouts are set as if there were only 36 numbered pockets (for example, a straight-up bet pays 35 to 1). When you add one or two green zero pockets, the payouts stay basically the same, but the probability of winning goes down. That gap is the house edge.
Typical house edge by roulette type
| Roulette type | Wheel pockets | Zero pockets | Typical house edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| European roulette | 37 | 0 | About 2.70% |
| American roulette | 38 | 0 and 00 | About 5.26% |
In plain terms: European roulette is generally the better-value game because the house edge is roughly half of American roulette.
European roulette odds vs American roulette odds
When players compare European roulette vs American roulette, they often focus on payouts. The twist is that payouts are usually nominally the same in both versions, but the odds of winning are worse on the double-zero wheel because there’s one more losing pocket relative to most bets.
Example: straight-up bet (single number)
- Payout (both versions, typically): 35 to 1
- Chance to win in European roulette: 1/37
- Chance to win in American roulette: 1/38
This same pattern applies across the usual bet menu: red/black, odd/even, dozens, columns, splits, streets, corners, and more. The bet structure is familiar, but the extra 00 shifts probabilities against the player.
Single zero vs double zero: what changes for common bets?
To make the single zero vs double zero difference feel more tangible, here’s how it affects a few popular choices. Note that payout formats can be displayed differently (for example, 1 to 1 vs even money), but the idea is the same.
| Bet type | Typical payout | Win probability (European) | Win probability (American) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red / Black | 1 to 1 | 18/37 | 18/38 |
| Odd / Even | 1 to 1 | 18/37 | 18/38 |
| Dozen (1–12, 13–24, 25–36) | 2 to 1 | 12/37 | 12/38 |
| Single number (straight-up) | 35 to 1 | 1/37 | 1/38 |
The numerical differences in probability look small per spin, but over time the higher house edge on a double-zero wheel tends to show up in results.
Rule variants that can improve value: “en prison” and “la partage”
One of the best practical tips for how to choose a roulette game is to look beyond the wheel type and check for helpful rule variants. In many casinos (and especially in French-style roulette), you may see special rules for even-money bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low.
La partage
La partage (French for “the sharing”) applies when you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on 0 (on a single-zero wheel). Instead of losing the full bet, you typically lose half and get half back.
Why players like it: it can reduce the effective house edge on even-money bets compared to standard European roulette rules. It’s a simple rule that can make steady bets feel more efficient.
En prison
En prison (“in prison”) is another French rule for even-money bets on a single-zero wheel. If the ball lands on 0, your even-money bet is not immediately lost; instead, it is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If your bet wins on the next spin, you typically get your stake back (without extra winnings). If it loses, you lose the stake.
Why players like it: it can also reduce the effective house edge on even-money bets, giving you a better shake when zero appears.
Practical takeaway: If you enjoy even-money bets, a single-zero table with la partage or en prison can be an especially appealing combination.
Where you’ll usually find each version
Availability often depends on geography and casino tradition:
- Single-zero wheels (European roulette) are generally common in many places outside the U.S. and are widely viewed as the preferable option from a value standpoint.
- Double-zero wheels (American roulette) dominate many U.S. casinos and are a familiar standard across a lot of American gaming floors.
This matters because your best move might be as simple as checking the table signage, asking the dealer, or reading the game rules before you buy in.
How to choose a roulette game: a quick decision checklist
If you want a straightforward method for how to choose a roulette game, use this checklist. It keeps the focus on the factors that most directly affect player value: wheel type, rules, and speed of play.
1) Start with the wheel: choose single zero when possible
If you have the option between European roulette and American roulette, the single-zero wheel is typically the first choice for players focused on better odds, because the house edge is lower.
2) Look for French rules if you like even-money bets
If you often bet red/black, odd/even, or high/low, check whether the table offers la partage or en prison. These rule variants can make even-money play more favorable compared with the same bets under standard rules.
3) Confirm you’re actually getting the version you want
Casinos sometimes offer multiple roulette tables in the same venue. Don’t assume based on décor or table color. Verify whether it’s single zero vs double zero by looking for a 00 on the layout or wheel.
4) Match the table to your play style
- If you enjoy longer sessions and smoother swings, you may prefer even-money bets and tables with French rules.
- If you like higher variance and big-hit potential, you may gravitate toward inside bets like straight-ups, splits, and streets (while still preferring a single-zero wheel when available).
5) Keep the goal clear: entertainment with smarter choices
Roulette is a game of chance, and no wheel choice turns it into a guaranteed win. The benefit of choosing European roulette (and French rules when available) is that you’re making a more efficient choice within the entertainment: better odds and a lower house edge can help your bankroll last longer on average.
FAQ: European roulette vs American roulette
Is European roulette always better than American roulette?
From a mathematical perspective, European roulette is typically better for the player because the single-zero wheel has a lower house edge (about 2.70%) than the double-zero wheel (about 5.26%), assuming standard rules and payouts.
Do payouts change between single-zero and double-zero roulette?
Usually, no. Most standard bets pay the same in both versions. The difference is the odds: with an extra 00 pocket, American roulette has more outcomes working against you, which increases the house edge.
What do “la partage” and “en prison” do?
They are rule variants commonly associated with French-style roulette that apply to even-money bets when the ball lands on 0. Instead of losing fully, you either lose half (la partage) or get a chance to recover your stake on the next spin (en prison), reducing the effective disadvantage on those bets.
If I’m in the U.S., what should I do if only double-zero roulette is available?
If double-zero tables dominate in your location, the most practical move is simply to be aware of the higher house edge and choose stakes and session length that fit your comfort level. If you ever see a single-zero table (or a table offering French rules), that’s typically the more player-friendly pick.
Bottom line: the smartest roulette choice is usually the simplest
When it comes to European roulette vs American roulette, the single detail that matters most is the wheel: single zero vs double zero. A single-zero wheel has 37 pockets and a house edge of about 2.70%; a double-zero wheel has 38 pockets and a house edge of roughly 5.26%. Payouts look similar, but your odds are better on the single-zero game.
For players who like even-money bets, keep an eye out for la partage and en prison, which can further improve the value of a session. Put those together, and you have a clear, practical answer to how to choose a roulette game: favor single-zero, check for French rules, and enjoy the spin with confidence that you picked the better setup.
