The Core Difference: One Zero vs Two Zeros
At first glance, European and American roulette wheels look nearly identical. Both feature numbered pockets from 1 to 36, alternating between red and black. The critical distinction is this: the European wheel has a single green zero (0), while the American wheel has two green pockets — zero (0) and double zero (00).
That one extra pocket changes the house edge significantly, making it one of the most important decisions a roulette player can make.
House Edge Comparison
| Variant | Pockets | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| European Roulette | 37 (0–36) | 2.70% |
| American Roulette | 38 (0, 00, 1–36) | 5.26% |
| French Roulette (La Partage) | 37 (0–36) | 1.35% on even bets |
The American double zero nearly doubles the house advantage on most bets. Over any extended session, this means the expected cost of each bet is significantly higher on an American wheel.
Bet Types Available in Both Variants
The available bets are largely the same across both versions:
Inside Bets
- Straight Up: Single number. Pays 35:1.
- Split: Two adjacent numbers. Pays 17:1.
- Street: Three numbers in a row. Pays 11:1.
- Corner: Four numbers sharing a corner. Pays 8:1.
- Line: Six numbers across two rows. Pays 5:1.
Outside Bets
- Red/Black: Pays 1:1
- Odd/Even: Pays 1:1
- 1–18 / 19–36: Pays 1:1
- Dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36): Pays 2:1
- Columns: Pays 2:1
The Five-Number Bet: American Only
American roulette has one unique bet: the Five-Number Bet (also called the Basket), covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. It pays 6:1 but carries a house edge of 7.89% — the worst bet on the entire table. It's best avoided entirely.
French Roulette and the La Partage Rule
French roulette uses a European wheel but adds a player-friendly rule called La Partage: if the ball lands on zero, players who placed even-money bets (red/black, odd/even) receive half their stake back. This effectively halves the house edge on those bets to 1.35%, making it the most favourable roulette variant available online.
Which Version Should You Play?
The answer is clear from the numbers:
- Always prefer European or French roulette when available — the lower house edge gives your bankroll more longevity.
- Choose French roulette with La Partage for the best odds if you favour even-money bets.
- Play American roulette only if it's your only option, or if you enjoy the specific gameplay style and have accepted the higher house edge.
Practical Tips for Online Roulette
- Use the demo/free play mode to get familiar with the wheel layout before betting real money.
- Manage your bankroll with a fixed session budget and stick to it.
- Outside bets offer better longevity; inside bets offer higher payouts but hit less frequently.
- No strategy can overcome the house edge, but choosing the right variant is the single best decision you can make.