American vs. European Roulette: Differences, Similarities and Tips for Players

Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games. Its allure stems from its simple rules, elegant wheel and the potential for big payouts. However, not all roulette wheels are the same. Players can encounter two distinct types of roulette in casinos worldwide: American and European. Both share the same basic concept, but there are key differences in their design and gameplay that can influence odds and strategies. In this article, inplaySoft will explore the differences and similarities between American and European roulette, as well as offer some useful tips to maximize the chances of winning.

Similarities Between American and European Roulette

At the heart of both American and European roulette lies the same basic concept: a wheel with numbered pockets, a ball that is spun around the wheel and players who place bets on where they think the ball will land. The rules and the overall gameplay experience are nearly identical, with the primary goal being to predict the correct number or category of numbers that the ball will land on. The core similarities are:

• Basic Layout: both versions feature a roulette wheel divided into numbered pockets. In European roulette, there are 37 pockets (1-36 plus a single zero), while in American roulette, there are 38 pockets (1-36, a single zero, and a double zero). Despite this difference, the basic layout of the betting table is nearly identical in both versions.
  
• Betting Options: both versions offer a variety of betting options. Players can place inside bets (on individual numbers or small groups of numbers) or outside bets (on large categories such as red or black, odd or even, or high or low). The types of bets available are the same in both American and European roulette, offering players flexibility and strategy options.
  
• Wheel Rotation: the roulette wheel operates in the same manner in both versions. The dealer spins the wheel in one direction while dropping the ball in the opposite direction. Players place their bets and the ball eventually lands in one of the pockets. If the ball lands in a pocket that corresponds to a player’s bet, they win according to the payout odds.
  
• Payouts: the payout structure in both versions of roulette is the same for all types of bets. A straight-up bet on a single number, for instance, pays 35 to 1 in both versions, while a bet on red or black pays 1 to 1. The differences in the odds between American and European roulette are a result of the added pocket in the American version.
  

Differences Between American and European Roulette

The most noticeable difference between American and European roulette lies in the design of the roulette wheel, which affects the odds of winning and the house edge.

1. Number of Pockets
   
   • European Roulette: the European roulette wheel features 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36. The presence of a single zero means that there is a lower house edge for players.
     
   • American Roulette: the American roulette wheel, on the other hand, contains 38 pockets. In addition to the numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero, it includes a second green pocket, labeled “00” (double zero). This extra pocket increases the house edge and decreases the player’s chances of winning.
     
2. House Edge

The house edge refers to the advantage the casino has over the player in any given game. The difference in the number of pockets has a significant impact on the house edge.

• European Roulette: with only a single zero pocket, the house edge is 2.7%. This means that for every $100 wagered, the casino expects to keep $2.70 on average over the long term.
  
• American Roulette: the additional double zero pocket increases the house edge to 5.26%. This means that for every $100 wagered, the casino keeps $5.26 on average over time. The increased house edge in American roulette means that players have a lower probability of winning in this version of the game compared to European roulette.
  

3. The En Prison and La Partage Rules

In many European roulette games, players benefit from special rules that further reduce the house edge on even-money bets:

• La Partage: this rule allows players to recover half of their bet if the ball lands on zero when they’ve made an even-money bet (such as red or black, odd or even). This rule effectively halves the house edge on those bets, reducing it to 1.35%.
  
• En Prison: similar to La Partage, the En Prison rule allows players to keep their bet “in prison” for the next spin if the ball lands on zero. If the next spin is successful, the bet is returned to the player, but if not, the casino takes the bet. This rule also reduces the house edge for even-money bets. These rules are typically not present in American roulette, further tilting the odds in favor of the casino.
  

Tips for Players

Understanding the differences between American and European roulette can help players make better decisions. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when playing roulette:

• Prefer European Roulette: if you have the choice, always opt for European roulette. With a single zero and a lower house edge, it offers better odds than American roulette, making it a smarter choice for players who want to maximize their chances of winning.
  
• Understand the House Edge: be aware of how the house edge works in both versions of roulette. In American roulette, the added double zero increases the house edge, meaning your money will likely be at risk more quickly. This makes betting strategies like the Martingale (doubling bets after a loss) more volatile and less effective in American roulette.
  
• Take Advantage of Special Rules: if you’re playing European roulette, look for games that offer the La Partage or En Prison rules. These rules reduce the house edge on even-money bets and give players a better chance to win.
  
• Manage Your Bankroll: always set a budget before sitting down at the table. Roulette can be an exciting game, but it can also deplete your funds quickly if you’re not careful. Stick to your bankroll and don’t chase losses.
  
• Know Your Bets: while inside bets on individual numbers have higher payouts, they also carry higher risk. Outside bets, such as red or black, odd or even, and high or low, offer lower payouts but are more likely to win. If you’re aiming for more consistent wins, outside bets may be the way to go.

Final thoughts

While American and European roulette share many similarities, the differences between them, particularly the number of pockets and the house edge, have a significant impact on gameplay. European roulette offers better odds due to its single zero, and players can benefit from rules like La Partage and En Prison. On the other hand, American roulette has a higher house edge due to the additional double zero pocket, making it a less favorable option for most players.

By understanding the differences between these two versions and using smart strategies, players can enhance their enjoyment of roulette and improve their chances of winning. Whether playing for fun or aiming for serious payouts, knowledge of the game’s mechanics is key to making good decisions and managing bets effectively.

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