In any casino, roulette happens to be one of the most popular games. Several variations to the game have developed over the years. The most prominent versions are American roulette and European roulette. Each of these games has its own detractors and supporters. Both games follow the typical roulette format. There are, however, rules, bets, odds, and layouts that are particular to each variation.
In the guide below, you will traverse the ins and outs of both American and European roulette. You will understand the differences between the two and determine which game suits your style of play. This information is important to note, regardless of your experience in the casino. You can have a look at our game guides too.
European vs. American Roulette: The Layout
The biggest difference between American and European roulette is the respective layout presented by each game.
The European roulette particularly has 37 pockets on the wheel (where the ball lands), from 0 to 36, this leaves a house edge of 2.3%
while the roulette wheel American has 38 numbers. It also includes a double zero. This feature takes the house edge to 5.26%.
The European roulette has a rule called La Partage; this rule gives the players half what they wager back if a zero rises when an even money bet is made.
The European wheel has the ‘0’ (one zero) pocket, whereas the roulette American wheel has two zeros, a ‘0’ pocket, and a ’00’ pocket. Besides this, both roulette types have 18 black pockets and 18 red pockets.
Totting up to the extra ’00’, the roulette American wheels have a contrasting sequence to their European counterparts.
This is the anti-clockwise order for numbers of an American roulette wheel.
It should be noted that the different roulette types are specifically laid out to ensure that evens and odds, blacks, and reds are adequately distributed.
House edge
One major difference between American and European roulette is how the pocket numbers’ variation tends to affect the house edge throughout the game. When players are looking out for the game they want to play, this is the main factor determining it.
In European roulette, the presence of the zero on the wheel tents to tip the odds against you each time you make a bet. This makes the house edge 2.70%
For example, if you place a wager on red with 18 black and 18 red pockets, your assumption might be that you have a 50% probability of winning. However, because the ‘0’ is green, the odds of winning will be slightly greater than 50%. The house edge of American roulette is 5.26%. This is nearly double that of its European counterpart. This is because the American roulette wheel has the ‘0’(one zero) pocket and the ’00′(double zero) pocket. This gives the house a greater advantage when you wager. It is especially on even money bets.
Since the house edge in European roulette is much lower, you stand a greater chance of winning. It is worth noting that the payouts are the same across the different formats.
Return to the player in roulette
When it comes to RTP, for a game like Roulette, it is important to note that this is a theoretical guide based on a player’s return, hundreds of spins, and all the wager types available. It is possible to get great results with a few lucky spins, or unluckily gain a short spell while playing roulette and not see your number come in at all. If you concentrate on the even-money bets like black or red, you will likely get more winning bets, unlike players who pick their favorite numbers.
European vs. American Roulette: The Rules
The basic rules maintain their stand across the varying roulette types. There are specific actions that players can make when playing European roulette in contrast to American roulette and contrariwise.
While playing European roulette, there are two important rules that a player can make use of. The first is known as the ‘En Prison’ rule. This will let you have another spin if you have placed an even-money wager but the ball lands in ‘0’ (zero). If you take advantage of this rule, you can reduce the house edge to as low as 1.35%
‘Call bets’ can be made when you are playing on a European roulette wheel. The dealer declares this type of bet. This is different from a normal bet where they would place your chips on the betting table.
It should be noted that a ‘call bet’ is reserved for more complex betting action. e.g., ‘a five number bet’ can be placed on an American roulette table. This wager is placed on 1, 2,3, 0, and (double zero) 00. This is the explanation of why you cannot play this on a European table. The house edge is an amazing 7.9%, thus making the bets pretty risky. The payout is 6:1. However, this is still one of the least profitable bets made in the American roulette wheel. They should be thus avoided.
It is important to know that Some of the rules are not available in online versions of the game. It is wise to check before you play.
American Roulette
Many players are enchanted by the game, that is, American roulette, and it has groups of loyal players worldwide. You only need to know how the double zeros skew the odds. You are not limited to bet on whatever number comes up. You are allowed to place a bet on whether the ball will land on an even or an odd number. Or if it will land on a black or a red number. Every payout is on even money (2.0). This means that you will double your money if you’re lucky, and lose the same if unsuccessful. The green zero, however, gives the casino an edge on these wagers. This edge appreciates when there is a double zero in the mix. Your chances of winning on these wagers go from 47.37% on the American roulette wheel and 48.65% on the European roulette wheel. You are also allowed to bet on high and low numbers, groups of numbers, columns, and much more. Your opportunity of winning diminishes slightly in each instance. Over a period of time, these margins can add up. Have a look and play American roulette.
European Roulette
Many players have chosen the single zero roulette wheel layout after weighed up European vs. American roulette pros and cons. This zero roulette wheel ensures that you have a great chance of winning every time the wheel spins.
A rule called ‘La Partage’, provides a benefit in the American vs. European roulette tables. This rule states that if a player makes an even-money bet on black or red, for example, and this ball lands on the zero, they will receive half the bets back. This goes ahead to cut the house edge in half on these bets. You might also want to look at the En Prison rule discussed above, a La Partage variant. This allows the player to recover their wager after a spin of zero. Have a look and play European roulette here.
Which Roulette Type is Better?
The answer to which is better between American and European roulette depends completely on what you value in the game. If you want to make some money, the European roulette table will offer you the best experience. It has a lower house edge, and you can employ the ‘En Prison’ rule, which is a great help to the player in the game. You are more likely to produce a win in European roulette than in its American counterpart. Please have a look at some of the casino promotions and bonuses on these games.
Conclusion
European and American wheel roulette are games that are extremely popular with players all over the world. You will find that some casinos will only offer one of the two. It is thus imperative to have built up a great understanding of both. In the long run, you will note that when it comes to playing American vs. European roulette, it is much easier to enjoy a successful streak when playing European roulette as it only has one zero. The available feature of La Partage provides a great insurance policy while playing this roulette table game.