Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.
Choosing the wrong version of roulette is the most common and costly mistake new players make.
The Extra Green Zero
A European roulette wheel features 37 pockets in total: the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0).
This single extra pocket on the American wheel drastically alters the mathematical probabilities of the game.
- 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
With a house edge of 2.70%, European roulette is relatively fair compared to many other casino games.
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.
| Version | Zero Pockets | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| European | One (0) | 2.70% |
| American | Two (0, 00) | 5.26% |
Playing American roulette is a mathematical mistake that unnecessarily drains your bankroll twice as fast.
