European vs. American Roulette: Which is Better?

Roulette is one of the most iconic and visually thrilling games available on any casino floor.

Knowing which wheel to choose is the single most important decision a roulette player will ever make.

The Extra Number That Changes Everything

The European roulette wheel features 37 slots in total: numbers 1 through 36, plus a single green zero.

Conversely, the American layout adds an extra green slot—the double zero—significantly altering the math of the game.

• European roulette has a house edge of 2.70%, which is relatively standard for a table game
• American roulette has a house edge of 5.26%, making it one of the worst bets on the entire floor
• Always check the wheel before placing a chip to see how many green slots exist

The 'En Prison' and 'La Partage' Rules

Certain high-end European tables utilize the 'La Partage' rule, which further reduces the house advantage.

These rules effectively cut the house edge in half again, dropping it to a phenomenally low 1.35% on outside bets.

If you have the option, you should absolutely never sit down at an American roulette table.