Roulette is one of the most popular casino games in the world. Its simple rules, fast-paced gameplay and wide variety of betting options have made it a favourite among casino players for generations.
However, not all roulette games are the same. Players can choose between several variants, including European roulette, American roulette and French roulette. While these versions share the same basic principles, certain differences can significantly affect the odds and the casino’s house edge.
What Is the Difference Between European Roulette and American Roulette?
The main difference between European roulette and American roulette lies in the wheel layout.
European roulette features 37 pockets:
- Numbers 1 to 36
- A single zero (0)
American roulette features 38 pockets:
- Numbers 1 to 36
- A single zero (0)
- A double zero (00)
This may seem like a minor difference, but it has a direct impact on the odds.
For example, if you place a bet on red, European roulette offers 18 red numbers out of 37 pockets. In American roulette, those same 18 red numbers are spread across 38 pockets because of the additional double zero.
The presence of the double zero increases the house edge and slightly reduces players’ chances of winning.
What Is French Roulette?
French roulette is often considered the variant with the lowest house edge on even-money bets.
Visually, it looks very similar to European roulette because it also includes:
- Numbers 1 to 36
- A single zero (0)
The main difference lies in the additional rules applied to certain even-money bets.
The two best-known rules are:
La Partage
When a player places an even-money bet (red/black, odd/even, low/high) and the ball lands on zero, half of the stake is returned.
En Prison
With this rule, if an even-money bet loses because the ball lands on zero, the stake remains “in prison” for the next spin. If the bet wins on the following spin, the player recovers the original stake.
These special rules reduce the house edge on certain bets, making French roulette particularly attractive to players.
House Edge in European Roulette Compared to American Roulette
The house edge represents the mathematical advantage that the casino holds over the long term.
In European roulette, the house edge is 2.70%.
In American roulette, the addition of the double zero increases the house edge to 5.26%.
To illustrate the difference:
- A European roulette player faces a theoretical disadvantage of 2.70%.
- An American roulette player faces a theoretical disadvantage of 5.26%.
While short-term results can vary significantly, this difference becomes increasingly important over a large number of spins.
When the La Partage or En Prison rules are applied in French roulette, the house edge on even-money bets can be reduced to approximately 1.35%.
Which Variant Should You Choose for Online Roulette?
For most players, European roulette is generally the best place to start.
Its main advantages include:
- Simple and easy-to-understand rules
- Wide availability in online casinos
- A 2.70% home equity advantage
- A classic roulette experience
Players who want to further reduce the house edge can opt for French roulette when it’s available.
Thanks to the La Partage and En Prison rules, the house edge drops to 1.35% on even-money bets. American roulette remains available for players who enjoy its unique style, but its double zero makes it mathematically less favorable.
These variants are available at Casino777.ch, with live tables powered by Evolution and formats such as Lightning Roulette.
Are the Betting Options the Same in All Variants?
Yes. In general, the main betting options remain the same across all roulette variants.
Players can place bets on:
- A single number
- Two numbers
- Three numbers
- Four numbers
- A dozen
- A column
- Red or black
- Odd or even
- Low or high
The payouts associated with these bets are also largely identical from one version to another.
The key differences therefore lie not in the payouts, but in the wheel layout and the specific rules that apply to each variant.