If you’re comparing European roulette vs American roulette, you’re already asking the right question. Both versions look similar on the felt, offer the same classic bet types, and pay out using the same standard odds. But one key design difference (and one optional rule set) can meaningfully change your long-term results: single zero vs double zero, plus the French options la partage and en prison.
This guide breaks down the wheel layouts, explains how the house edge changes, and shows how to choose the best table for your goals and bankroll. If you’ve ever wondered which roulette is better, you’ll leave with a clear, practical answer.
Quick overview: the real difference is the wheel (and sometimes the rules)
At a glance, European and American roulette share the same core idea: you place bets on numbers (and groups of numbers), the wheel spins, and payouts depend on the odds. The player experience feels familiar across both versions, but the mathematics changes because the number of pockets changes.
- European roulette (including most online “European” tables) uses a wheel with 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 plus a single 0.
- American roulette uses a wheel with 38 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 plus 0 and 00.
- French roulette is typically a European (single-zero) wheel, but may add rules such as la partage or en prison that can improve the value of certain bets.
That extra pocket in American roulette is the main reason its house edge is higher.
European roulette wheel: 37 pockets (single zero)
European roulette is built around the single-zero wheel. With 37 total outcomes, your probability calculations are based on 1 out of 37 for a single number, and 18 out of 37 for most even-money outcomes (like red or black).
The standard European house edge is approximately 2.70%, assuming standard payouts (for example, even-money bets pay 1:1, and straight-up bets pay 35:1).
From a player perspective, the major benefit is simple: fewer pockets means slightly better odds on every spin compared with the double-zero alternative.
American roulette wheel: 38 pockets (0 and 00)
American roulette adds the 00 pocket, increasing the wheel to 38 outcomes. The payouts stay the same as European roulette, but your chances of winning any given bet decrease because there are more losing outcomes relative to the payout structure.
This shifts the American roulette house edge to approximately 5.26%. In plain terms, the double zero makes the game more expensive over time for the same style of play.
The upside for many players is availability: American roulette is common in many U.S. casinos and also appears frequently in online lobbies. Still, if you have a choice, the math is clear on which version is typically more favorable.
French roulette: same bets and payouts, but potentially better rules
French roulette is often the most player-friendly variant when it includes the special rules la partage or en prison. Importantly, the bet types and payouts remain the same as standard European roulette. The improvement comes from how the casino handles certain even-money bets when the ball lands on 0.
What is la partage?
La partage (“the sharing”) applies to even-money bets such as red/black, odd/even, and high/low. If you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on 0, you lose only half your stake instead of the full amount.
This effectively halves the house edge on even-money bets from about 2.70% to approximately 1.35%.
What is en prison?
En prison (“in prison”) is another rule that applies to even-money bets on a single-zero wheel. When the ball lands on 0, your even-money bet isn’t immediately lost. Instead, it’s “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.
Over time, this rule produces a similar improvement for even-money bets, effectively bringing the house edge to around 1.35% on those wagers.
If your goal is to stretch your bankroll and reduce volatility on simple bets, French roulette with la partage/en prison can be a meaningful upgrade.
European roulette vs American roulette: side-by-side comparison
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette | French Roulette (common format) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel pockets | 37 (1–36 + 0) | 38 (1–36 + 0 + 00) | 37 (1–36 + 0) |
| Key layout difference | Single zero | Double zero | Single zero |
| Typical house edge (overall) | ~ 2.70% | ~ 5.26% | ~ 2.70% (or lower on even-money if special rules apply) |
| La partage / en prison | Usually not | No | Often yes (table-dependent) |
| Even-money house edge with la partage or en prison | N/A | N/A | ~ 1.35% (even-money bets only) |
| Payouts and bet types | Standard roulette payouts | Standard roulette payouts | Standard roulette payouts |
How the house edge changes your results (and why it matters)
The house edge is the built-in advantage the casino has over the long run. Roulette outcomes are random, so short sessions can swing either way. But over many spins, the house edge shapes your expected losses per amount wagered.
Two practical takeaways make this comparison especially valuable:
- Single zero vs double zero is not a cosmetic difference. It can nearly double the house edge from ~ 2.70% to ~ 5.26%.
- La partage/en prison can reduce the cost of even-money roulette play further, to about ~ 1.35% on those bets.
Even if you don’t track expected value formally, you’ll often feel the difference as bankroll longevity: lower house edge generally means your funds can last longer for the same bet sizing and pace.
Which roulette is better? A practical answer for different player goals
When people ask which roulette is better, they typically mean: “Which version gives me better odds and better entertainment value for my budget?” Here’s a player-first way to decide.
If you want the best odds: choose European, and prioritize French rules
If the goal is maximizing value, the order is usually:
- French roulette with la partage or en prison (best for even-money bets)
- European roulette (solid single-zero baseline)
- American roulette (double-zero, higher house edge)
This is why “single zero” is a phrase experienced players watch for: it’s an immediate, easy-to-verify improvement.
If you’re playing for simplicity and classic vibes: European roulette is a great default
European roulette keeps the rules straightforward and the house edge relatively low without requiring you to learn extra procedures. Many online casinos also label it clearly, making it easy to choose quickly.
If American roulette is what’s available: you can still play smarter
Sometimes American roulette is the only live table in a venue, or the most prominent option in a lobby. If that’s your situation, the best move is not to “chase” the difference with bigger bets. Instead, focus on pace and bankroll controls (more on that below) so the higher house edge doesn’t turn into faster-than-expected losses.
Do payouts change between European and American roulette?
In standard casino roulette, payouts and bet types remain the same across European and American wheels. That’s exactly why the extra 00 pocket matters: you get the same payout for slightly worse odds.
Common examples of standard payouts include:
- Straight-up (one number): pays 35:1
- Split (two numbers): pays 17:1
- Street (three numbers): pays 11:1
- Corner (four numbers): pays 8:1
- Dozen / column (12 numbers): pays 2:1
- Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low): pay 1:1
French roulette’s advantage comes from special handling on 0 for even-money bets, not from higher payouts.
What does single zero vs double zero mean for your odds?
Here’s the intuitive way to think about it: roulette payouts were designed around 36 numbers, but modern wheels add 0 (and sometimes 00) as extra house pockets. Those extra pockets increase the casino’s edge because they create more losing outcomes without increasing payouts.
Even-money bets: a clear example
Even-money bets (like red/black) cover 18 outcomes.
- On a European wheel (37 pockets), you win 18 out of 37 outcomes.
- On an American wheel (38 pockets), you win 18 out of 38 outcomes.
That might look like a small change, but over time it compounds through repeated wagering, which is why the house edge difference is so noticeable.
Bankroll management tips that match the roulette version you choose
Choosing the better wheel is a strong start, and pairing that choice with smart bankroll habits can make your sessions smoother and more enjoyable.
1) Match bet size to the wheel’s house edge
Because American roulette has a higher house edge, aggressive bet sizing can drain funds faster. If you’re switching from European to American roulette, consider lowering your base unit to keep session length similar.
2) Prefer even-money bets when playing French rules
La partage and en prison (when available) apply to even-money bets, so you’re most directly benefiting when you place red/black, odd/even, or high/low bets. If your goal is to leverage that reduced ~ 1.35% edge, build your session around those bet types.
3) Decide your stop points before you start
Roulette is fast-paced. Set a loss limit and a win goal ahead of time, based on what you’re comfortable with, then stick to it. This is especially useful online, where spins can happen quickly.
4) Watch the pace (especially online)
Faster play means more bets per hour, which increases the impact of the house edge over a single sitting. If you want your bankroll to last, slow the tempo: take breaks, avoid auto-play habits, and don’t feel pressured to bet every spin.
5) Don’t rely on “systems” to change the math
Progression systems can change the size and timing of your bets, but they do not remove the house edge. Your best controllable advantage in roulette is table selection: single zero over double zero, and French rules when they apply.
How to choose the best roulette table (in a casino or online)
If you want a practical checklist for choosing a table quickly, focus on the details that affect expected value.
Table-selection checklist
- Look for “European” or “Single Zero”: confirm the wheel has only 0, not 00.
- If it’s French roulette, ask about rules: confirm whether la partage or en prison is active, and whether it applies to all even-money bets.
- Check table limits: pick minimums that fit your bankroll so you can play comfortably without oversizing bets.
- Understand the format: online lobbies may offer RNG roulette and live dealer roulette; both can be valid options, but the wheel type (single vs double zero) is still the key value driver.
- Don’t assume based on geography alone: American roulette is common in the U.S., European roulette is common across Europe, and online casinos can offer either (or both) depending on their catalog.
Geographic and online availability: what you’ll typically find
Availability matters because the “best” roulette is the one you can actually access and enjoy within your budget.
- European roulette is widely available in European casinos and very common online.
- American roulette is commonly found in U.S. casinos and also appears frequently online.
- French roulette may be less universal than European roulette, but it’s popular enough that many online platforms and some European venues offer it, often with the attractive la partage/en prison rules.
When you’re browsing online, don’t rely only on the name of the game. Also, many platforms let you play blackjack. Verify the wheel type (single zero vs double zero) and confirm whether French rules are included, because naming conventions can vary by operator or studio.
FAQ: European roulette vs American roulette
Is European roulette better than American roulette?
From an odds perspective, yes. European roulette’s single zero wheel produces a lower house edge (about 2.70%) than American roulette’s double zero wheel (about 5.26%).
Does French roulette always have la partage or en prison?
Not always. French roulette commonly offers la partage or en prison, but it is table-dependent. It’s worth confirming the rule before you assume the reduced even-money house edge.
Do European and American roulette have different bets?
The core bet types and payouts are the same in standard play. The main differences come from the wheel layout and, in French roulette, optional rules that change how even-money bets are treated when the ball lands on 0.
What is the biggest mistake players make when choosing a roulette table?
The most common mistake is ignoring the wheel type. Choosing a double zero table when a single zero option is available can significantly increase the long-term cost of play.
Bottom line: choose single zero, and grab French rules when you can
If you’re deciding between European roulette vs American roulette, the simplest winning move is table selection: prioritize single zero vs double zero every time. European roulette’s ~ 2.70% house edge is meaningfully lower than American roulette’s ~ 5.26%, and French roulette with la partage or en prison can be even better for even-money bets at around ~ 1.35%.
Combine that with steady bankroll management—appropriate bet sizing, clear stop points, and a comfortable pace—and you’ll get more value, more playtime, and a smoother overall roulette experience.
