Understanding the Different Types of Roulette: American vs. European
Curious about which roulette wheel gives players the best chance—American vs European Roulette? As a casino operator, you know many newcomers are surprised to find out there’s more than one type of roulette.
At first glance, the wheels look almost identical, but that subtle difference is a single extra pocket, which changes everything. It affects the odds, the strategies players use, and the house edge itself.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through both versions so you understand how they work, what makes them unique, and which one might best suit your player’s preferences.
At first glance, the wheels look almost identical, but that subtle difference is a single extra pocket, which changes everything. It affects the odds, the strategies players use, and the house edge itself.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through both versions so you understand how they work, what makes them unique, and which one might best suit your player’s preferences.
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American Roulette Overview
American roulette is one of the types of roulette where a wheel with 38 numbered slots (1–36, 0, and 00) is spun, and a small ball is dropped onto it.
Players place bets on where the ball will land on a specific number, color (red or black), or group of numbers. It’s called American roulette because it has both 0 and 00, unlike European roulette (which has only one zero).
Players place bets on where the ball will land on a specific number, color (red or black), or group of numbers. It’s called American roulette because it has both 0 and 00, unlike European roulette (which has only one zero).
Key Features of American Roulette
- House Edge: In American Roulette, the extra double zero raises the house edge to 5.26%, meaning the casino keeps a bigger share of players’ wagers, making it favorable for casinos.
- Layout of the Wheel: The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets, numbers 1–36, plus a single 0 and a double 00. Both 0 and 00 are green, making them distinct from the red and black numbered pockets.
- Betting Options: The betting options are diverse in American Roulette. Players can wager on individual numbers, groups of numbers, or broader categories like odd/even and red/black.
- Payouts: The payout works like this: straight bets on single numbers pay the highest at 35:1, while other inside bets like splits, streets, and corners offer lower payouts with better odds. Outside bets are safer, with columns and dozens paying 2:1, and even-money bets like red/black or odd/even paying 1:1.
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European Roulette Overview
European Roulette is a variation of roulette played on a wheel with 37 pockets, numbered 1–36 plus a single 0. A small ball is spun around the wheel, and players bet on where it will land.
Players place bets on where the ball will land on a specific number, color (red or black), or group of numbers. European Roulette features only one zero, unlike American Roulette, which includes both 0 and 00.
Players place bets on where the ball will land on a specific number, color (red or black), or group of numbers. European Roulette features only one zero, unlike American Roulette, which includes both 0 and 00.
Key Features of European Roulette:
- House Edge: In European Roulette, the wheel has only a single zero, which keeps the house edge lower at 2.70%. This means the casino’s advantage is smaller, making it comparatively more favorable for players than American Roulette.
- Wheel Layout: The European Roulette wheel consists of 37 pockets, with numbers 1 to 36 and a single 0 pocket. The wheel features numbers that alternate between red and black, with a single green 0.
- Betting Options: European Roulette offers the same variety of bets as American Roulette, including inside and outside bets. Players can wager on single numbers, groups of numbers, or categories like odd/even and red/black.
- Payouts: The payout structure is the same as in American Roulette: straight-up bets pay 35:1, dozens and columns pay 2:1, and even-money bets like red/black or odd/even pay 1:1. The key difference lies in the odds — with only one zero, European Roulette offers slightly better winning chances thanks to its lower house edge of 2.7%.
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American Vs. European Roulette
Both are among the most popular types of roulette, but they differ in wheel layout, house edge, and winning odds. Let’s break down the key factors that set European vs. American Roulette apart.
- 1. Number of Pockets
European Roulette: 37 pockets (1-36, and 0).
American Roulette: 38 pockets (1-36, 0, and 00).
The main difference between the two roulette versions is the presence of the extra double 00 pocket in American Roulette. The extra pocket increases the number of possible outcomes, but at the same time decreases the player’s chance of winning. - 2. House Edge
European Roulette: House edge of 2.70%.
American Roulette: House edge of 5.26%.
European Roulette has a house edge of 2.70%, while American Roulette’s extra double zero raises it to 5.26%. The house edge represents the average share the casino keeps from each bet. A higher house edge means players’ chances of winning are slightly lower, which makes American Roulette less favorable compared to the European version. - 3. Wheel Design
European Roulette Wheel: Includes only a single 0 pocket (green).
American Roulette Wheel: Includes both a 0 and a 00 pocket (both green).
The European Roulette wheel has a single green 0, while the American wheel includes both a 0 and a 00. The extra double zero is the main reason for the higher house edge in American Roulette, which is why many players prefer the European version. - 4. Odds and Payouts
European Roulette: Offers slightly better odds for players because it has only one zero. The payout structure is the same as American Roulette, like straight-up bets pay 35:1, dozens and columns pay 2:1, and even-money bets like red/black or odd/even pay 1:1.
American Roulette: In American Roulette, the presence of the extra 00 lowers players’ chances of winning and raises the house edge. While the payout structure is identical to European Roulette, the odds of winning are slightly lower, which is why many players prefer the European version. - 5. Strategy and Player Preference
European Roulette: Thanks to its lower 2.7% house edge, European Roulette is often the preferred choice for players who want better odds and a slower rate of loss compared to American Roulette. The presence of more favourable odds makes it an excellent option for those employing betting strategies like the Martingale or Fibonacci system.
American Roulette: Some players enjoy the added risk and unpredictability of the American wheel with its double zero. However, the higher 5.26% house edge makes it less favorable for players who are looking for stronger winning odds over time.
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American Vs European Roulette: Operator and Player Perspective
Let’s try to understand both types of roulettes from the operator and player perspectives.
Operator Perspective
American Roulette – Higher house edge, meaning higher revenue per spin
- The double-zero (00) increases the house advantage, generating higher per-spin profit for the casino operators.
- It is ideal for casinos looking to maximize short-term margins.
European Roulette – Strategic player retention
- Lower house edge improves perceived fairness, encouraging longer play sessions.
- Supports player retention and loyalty, especially in online and VIP settings.
Player Perspective
American Roulette – Higher house edge, higher risks
- The extra 00 pocket reduces winning chances.
- Short-term excitement may be higher, but long-term losses accumulate faster.
European Roulette – Better odds & longer play
- Lower house edge means players lose less on average per spin.
- Bankroll lasts longer, providing more opportunities to win and enjoy the game.
- For operators: Offering both versions balances profitability and player satisfaction.
- For players: Choosing European Roulette is smarter for long-term enjoyment and better odds.
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Understanding the differences between American vs European Roulette is crucial for both operators and players. By offering multiple types of roulette, including European, American, and even French Roulette, casinos can appeal to a broader audience and balance short-term margins with long-term player satisfaction.
At GammaStack, we specialize in Roulette game development, providing tailored solutions that enhance gameplay, optimize user experience, and maximize revenue. With 14+ years of experience and successful deployments in 45+ countries, we combine deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge technology to create roulette games that resonate with players worldwide.
At GammaStack, we specialize in Roulette game development, providing tailored solutions that enhance gameplay, optimize user experience, and maximize revenue. With 14+ years of experience and successful deployments in 45+ countries, we combine deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge technology to create roulette games that resonate with players worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions on American Vs European Roulette
The major difference between American and European roulette is the number of pockets on the wheel; American roulette wheels have 38 pockets, including a single zero (0) and a double zero (00), while European roulette wheels have 37 pockets, with only a single zero (0).
The most popular types of roulette games are:
- Russian roulette
- American roulette
- French roulette
European roulette is one of the best types of roulette games, offering players the best winning odds, huge payouts, and a low house edge.
Yes, we offer custom roulette gaming solutions that are built from the ground up and thus cater to the specific needs and requirements of businesses and target audiences.
Yes, at GammaStack, we offer post-launch support, including updates, upgrades, and bug-fixing if required.
Understanding the differences helps operators balance profitability, player satisfaction, and retention, decide which variants to offer, and optimize game offerings for both online and land-based platforms.
