Roulette is the undisputed symbol of the casino floor, an elegant game of chance that has captivated players for centuries.

Sitting down at the wrong Roulette table is one of the most common and expensive mistakes a novice player can make.

One version offers a fair game of chance, while the other is heavily stacked in favor of the casino.

Let's explore the math behind the wheels so you can ensure you are always getting the best possible odds.
The Zeroes: What Separates the Two Games
The layout of the numbers is different, but the true impact lies in the number of zeroes in play.

The classic European version is the original game, utilizing a wheel with 36 red and black numbers and exactly one green zero.

When the game was brought to America, casino owners greedily added a second green pocket, the double zero (00), to increase their profits.

That extra double zero pocket might seem insignificant, but it completely destroys the player's odds.

When you bet on black, you lose if the ball lands on a green zero; in the American version, there are twice as many ways to lose.
The Math: Comparing the House Edge
The house edge is the built-in percentage of your bet that the casino expects to keep over the long term.

In both games, a winning bet on a single number pays out at 35 to 1.

A 2.70% edge means you will lose an average of $2.70 for every $100 you wager; this is considered a fair casino game.

This massive discrepancy causes the house edge on an American Roulette wheel to skyrocket to a brutal 5.26%.

A 5.26% edge will drain your bankroll twice as fast as the European version, offering you zero additional benefits.
Taking it a Step Further: The French Rules
While European Roulette is excellent, a specific variant called French Roulette offers even better terms for the player.

These special rules—La Partage and En Prison—apply to even-money bets like Red/Black or Odd/Even.

This simple rule effectively cuts the house edge on even-money bets in half, down to an incredibly low 1.35%.

The "En Prison" rule is similar; if the zero hits, your bet is "imprisoned" and left on the table for the next spin.

When playing at an online casino, you should always specifically search the lobby for French Roulette first.
Quick Reference: Which Game is Best?

The American Wheel: Features a double zero. Terrible odds (5.26%). Avoid playing this version entirely. The European Wheel: Features only one zero. A fair 2.70% edge. The most common good table available. French Rules: Cuts the house edge to 1.35%. Always play this online if the casino offers it. Live Dealer: Always check if the live stream is using an American or European wheel before sitting down. Strategy: No betting system can overcome the 2.70% or 5.26% house edge over the long term.

Odds and Payouts Breakdown

Game AspectEuropean LayoutAmerican Layout Green ZeroesOne (0)Two (0, 00) Win RatioFixed at 35 unitsFixed at 35 units True Odds of Winning36 to 1 Against37 to 1 Against Expected Loss per $100$2.70$5.26

Playing the American version is essentially volunteering to give the casino double the money for the exact same entertainment.

However, online casinos offer both versions to all players, giving you the power to choose the better odds.

By simply selecting the correct thumbnail in the casino lobby, you instantly double your chances of keeping your bankroll.

Respect the math, demand the single zero, and enjoy the elegant thrill of classic European Roulette.