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Roulette is one of the oldest and most played casino games, and it is the game of choice for many. But anyone who’s ever played roulette has noticed that there are several roulette versions, with two leading the list: American and European roulette. These roulette variants look very similar because they are. However, there are several key differences between American and European roulette, which we will break down here; we’ll cast our vote on which roulette version is better.
- The American roulette wheel has 38 pockets, 1 to 36, and two green zero (0, 00) pockets.
- The European roulette wheel has 37 pockets, 1 to 36, and one green zero (0) pocket.
- European roulette is always better for the players; it comes with favorable odds and a lower house edge.
- The Basket bet in American roulette is the least favorable roulette bet, with a 7.89% house edge.
The Main Differences between American & European Roulette
At first glance, American and European roulette may look the same, with a similar roulette wheel and similar table layout. However, when you look closely, you will note the differences, the primary one being the different number of zeros; the American roulette table has 38 fields, while the European roulette comes with 37 fields.
- American roulette has numbers from 1 to 36 in red and black, and it has two green pockets: 0 and 00.
American roulette features the following number sequence on the wheel:
0-28-9-26-30-11-7-20-32-17-5-22-34-15-3-24-36-13-1-00-27-10-25-29-12-8-19-31-18-6-21-33-16-4-23-35-14-2
- European roulette has the number 1 to 36 in red and black and has a single green 0 pocket.
European roulette features the following number sequence on the wheel:
0-32-15-19-4-21-2-25-17-34-6-27-13-36-11-30-8-23-10-5-24-16-33-1-20-14-31-9-22-18-29-7-28-12-35-3-26
Here, we compile the main differences between American and European roulette:
| European roulette | American roulette | |
|---|---|---|
| No. of pockets | 37 | 38 |
| Green Pockets | 1 | 2 |
| Red pockets | 18 | 18 |
| Black pockets | 18 | 18 |
✅ American Vs. European Roulette Bets & Odds & Payouts
Now that we have covered the main differences between American and European roulette, we should also list whether there are differences between the types of roulette bets, roulette odds, and payouts for these roulette variants.
Credit: 20Bet
An aspect where American and European roulette differ is the house edge. Because American roulette has two zero pockets, the house edge of the game is 5.26%. On the other hand, the house edge in European roulette is 2.7%, which is half of the American version of roulette.
| European roulette | American roulette | |
|---|---|---|
| House edge | 2.7% | 5.26% |
The main bets in these roulette variants are the same, as you can place inside and outside bets in both variants. When you learn how to play roulette, you will note that we advise you to place outside bets, as these come with better-winning chances and simple payouts. If you choose inside bets, you need to know that these come with lower winning odds but much more appealing payouts.
You can choose a straight-up bet on any number on the table, as well as any of the available best bets in roulette. The table below outlines the bets, payouts, odds, and the RTPs for both American and European roulette.
| Roulette bet | Payouts | European roulette odds | European roulette RTP | American roulette odds | American roulette RTP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight bet | 35:1 | 2.70% | 97.3% | 2.60% | 94.74% |
| Split bet | 17:1 | 5.4% | 97.3% | 5.3% | 94.74% |
| Street | 11:1 | 8.1% | 97.3% | 7.9% | 94.74% |
| Corner | 8:1 | 10.8% | 97.3% | 10.5% | 94.74% |
| Basket | 6:1 | N/A | N/A | 13.2% | 92.1% |
| Line | 5:1 | 16.2% | 97.3% | 15.8% | 94.74% |
| Column | 2:1 | 32.40% | 97.3% | 31.6% | 94.74% |
| Dozen | 2:1 | 32.40% | 97.3% | 31.6% | 94.74% |
| Even/Odd | 1:1 | 48.60% | 97.3% | 47.4% | 94.74% |
| High/Low | 1:1 | 48.60% | 97.3% | 47.4% | 94.74% |
| Red/Black | 1:1 | 48.60% | 97.3% | 47.4% | 94.74% |
As we discuss the differences between American and European roulette, we need to outline that there is a slight difference between the bets. Namely, you can place an inside bet that is only available in American roulette, and this is the basket bet. The basket bet allows you to bet on the 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, and for this, you need to place your roulette chip on the line that touches all these numbers. The payout for the basket bet is 6 to 1, and this bet comes with the highest house edge of 7.89%.
Is American or European Roulette Better? Final Verdict
The key differences between American and European roulette are the number of pockets on the wheel, the number sequence on the wheel, and the roulette house edge. Because American roulette comes with 38 pockets that include green 0 and 00 pockets, this roulette variant has a much higher house edge of 5.26%.
Credit: Wazamba
On the other hand, the European roulette has only one green 0 pocket, which means it has a lower house edge of only 2.7%, but it also comes with a better winning probability. So, next time when you join an online casino, keep our online roulette tips in mind and prefer to choose a European roulette table as this variant is the better choice between these two.
FAQs
Which Roulette Variant Pays More?
European roulette pays more than American roulette because this variant has a lower house edge and better RTP.
What Roulette Variant Has the Best Odds?
Because the European roulette wheel has 37 pockets, it comes with better odds than the American roulette variant, where there are 38 pockets. The outside red/black, even/odd, and high/low bets have 48.6% winning odds in European roulette, as opposed to American roulette, where the odds for the same bets are 47.7%.
How Many Numbers Are on the American Roulette Wheel?
The American roulette wheel has 38 pockets: the numbers 1 to 36 and the numbers 0 and 00.
Are There Differences in the Bets Between American and European Roulette?
In American roulette, you can place a five-number bet called the Basket bet. It includes betting on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. There is no such rule in European roulette.
What Strategies Can I Apply When Playing European and American Roulette?
You can apply different roulette strategies when playing European and American roulette, like the Andrucci roulette system, the Romanovsky system, or any of the budget managing roulette strategies like the Martingale, the Paroli, or d’Alembert strategy.
What Is Another Exciting Roulette Variant Apart from American and European Roulette?
Apart from the American and European roulette variants, you can also play French roulette. Based on European roulette, French roulette differs in its called bets that have appealing payouts and good odds.
Why Should Someone Play American Roulette?
There is no apparent reason why someone would choose American roulette, as this variant comes with less favorable odds for the players. However, it is a game that is found in many online casinos, and the players who aren’t aware of the details we outlined here may choose this variant out of curiosity or because it is attached to a casino bonus.
What Is the Difference Between American and French Roulette?
American roulette has 38 pockets, while French roulette has 37 pockets. The other differences involve specialty bets that are only available in French roulette: La Partage and En Prison rules that significantly lower the house edge to 1.35%.
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