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 Extra Green Zero
A European roulette wheel features 37 pockets in total: the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0).
The addition of the 00 pocket effectively doubles the casino's built-in mathematical advantage over the player.
- The green zeros represent the house edge
- American roulette includes the 0 and the 00
- European roulette only utilizes the single 0
The Mathematics of the Two Wheels
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
Some European, and particularly French, roulette tables offer player-friendly rules called "La Partage" or "En Prison."
This makes French roulette one of the most mathematically favorable table games on the entire casino floor.
| Type | Long Term Loss per $100 | Player Value |
|---|---|---|
| Single Zero | $2.70 | Excellent |
| Double Zero | $5.26 | Terrible |
The conclusion is incredibly simple: you should always seek out and exclusively play European or French roulette.
