What’s The Difference Between American And European Roulette?

Last Updated On 25 June 2025, 6:48 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

If you enjoy playing roulette, it’s likely that you’ve encountered various versions of the table games in online casinos. Two of the most popular options are American Roulette and European Roulette.

While they may look similar at first glance, they have multiple distinctions and unique features. In this article, we’ll explain some of the key differences you need to know between American and European roulette.

The difference players first identify between American and European roulette is the number of betting slots (or pockets) on the wheel.

The European has 37 pockets, numbered 1 to 36 and has a single green 0.
The American has 38 pockets, numbered 1 to 36, a green 0 and an extra green 00 (double zero).

The added “00” may appear inconsequential, but it changes the game’s odds and payouts considerably.

The House Edge

The house edge defines the advantage placed by the casinos in order to gain revenue over the players. American roulette’s extra “00” increases the house edge.

European Roulette has a house edge of 2.70%.
American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%.

So, if you wish to enjoy the game with higher chances in the long run, opt for European roulette. The 2:56% difference is quite significant in hundreds of spins, especially for frequent high rollers.

Both American and European roulette tables have an almost identical betting layout at a first glance. You can place multiple inside bets (straight-up, split, street, corner) and outside bets (red/black, even/odd, high/low) on the table. However, the extra “00” pocket in American roulette leads to some minor differences in the layout.

In some versions of European roulette, especially in land-based European casinos, there’s a rule called “La Partage” or “En Prison.” These are applicable to even-money wagers like red/black. If the wheel lands on 0, you either forfeit half your stake (La Partage) or retain your bet for an additional spin (En Prison). This allows the house edge to drop further to approximately 1.35%.

Not only does this set of rules provide European roulette an edge, it also makes the game more appealing to players.

If you’re a bettor who cares about long-term results or odds, the answer is pretty clear. European roulette is the better option to play at OMG Casino.

Here’s why:

Lower house edge: Your money stretches farther in European roulette, improving your odds of surviving the longest or coming out ahead.
Rules are better: Games with La Partage or En Prison reduce losses on even money bets.
Same payouts: Both versions usually offer the same payouts (e.g., 35:1 for a straight-up number), so you do not lose by opting for the version with better odds.

However, that doesn’t mean American roulette is pointless. Some players enjoy it because:

It’s more common in U.S. land-based casinos.
The inclusion of “00” adds a unique twist and increases volatility, which some players appreciate.
It may be the only version offered at some online sites.

If you’re using strategies like the Martingale system, where you multiply bets after every loss, the house edge matters. The more the house edge matters, the clearer the choice becomes in favor of European roulette.

Source: Pexels.com

Another minor but interesting difference is the number order on the wheel itself:

European roulette uses a more balanced arrangement of numbers that alternate between red and black, creating a fair playing field for all players.
American roulette features a distinct number layout that includes the “00,” which can slightly shift the wheel’s balance.

While this may not seem significant to the average player, it could make a difference for those who employ visual wheel techniques, which involve tracking the ball’s landing spot.

You can find both versions at most online casinos these days. American and European roulette are available on many of the best sites, and some even include live dealer options where a real croupier spins the wheel.

If you’re just starting out with online roulette, we recommend looking for the European variants that include La Partage or En Prison. These will provide you with the best chance to play for longer and stretch your bankroll.

Here’s a quick look at how American and European roulette compares:

Feature	American Roulette	European Roulette
Number of pockets	38 (1–36, 0, 00)	37 (1–36, 0)
House edge	5.26%	2.70%
Special rules	None	La Partage, En Prison (sometimes)
Best for	Casual players	Strategic players
Availability	Common in US casinos	Widely available online

Playing European Roulette will give you a better chance of winning and better odds overall. Because there is one fewer number than in American Roulette, the house edge is smaller, and your chances of winning are marginally higher. American roulette is still fun, but keep in mind that the additional zero does increase the house edge.