What’s the Difference Between European and American Roulette?

There are two main types of roulette that are played all over the world, European Roulette, and American Roulette. Both have their own unique features that make them popular among players, but there are also some key differences that set them apart.

Here we take a look at the main differences between European and American Roulette so that you can decide which is the best game for you.

The most obvious difference between European and American Roulette is the number of pockets on the wheel. A European Roulette wheel has 37 pockets, including a single zero, while an American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets, including a double zero.

This may not seem like a big difference, but it actually has a significant impact on the game. The extra zero pocket on the American wheel gives the casino a greater house edge, meaning that players are more likely to lose over time.

Another key difference is the way that bets are placed. In European Roulette, players can bet on any single number or combination of numbers, while in American Roulette they must first choose whether to bet on the inside or outside of the numbered grid.

This again gives the casino a greater advantage as it’s more difficult to win by betting on the outside.

The final major difference between European and American Roulette is the way that winning bets are paid out. In European Roulette, all bets are paid out at odds that reflect their true probability of winning. So, for example, a bet on a single number has a 1 in 37 chance of coming up, so it pays out at 35 to 1 odds.

In American Roulette however, all outside bets are paid out at fixed odds regardless of their probability. So, a bet on red or black would normally have an even chance of coming up (1 in 2), but in American Roulette it pays out at 1 to 1 odds.

So which is better? Ultimately it depends on what you’re looking for from your roulette experience. If you want the best chance of winning money then European Roulette is definitely the better choice as it has lower house edges.

However, if you’re just looking for some fun then American Roulette may be more your thing with its more exciting betting options and faster pace of play.