Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.

Understanding the subtle differences between the wheels is crucial for maximizing your chances of winning.

The Difference is in the Zeros

A European roulette wheel features 37 pockets in total: the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0).

While the payouts remain exactly the same, your odds of hitting a specific number decrease on the American wheel.

• The green zeros represent the house edge
• American roulette includes the 0 and the 00
• European roulette only utilizes the single 0

Comparing the House Edge

With a house edge of 2.70%, European roulette is relatively fair compared to many other casino games.

This means you will lose money almost twice as fast playing the American version over the long term.

Special European Roulette Rules

The "La Partage" rule dictates that if the ball lands on zero, you only lose half of your even-money bet.

American roulette essentially never offers these rules, further cementing its status as the inferior option.

Online casinos almost always offer both, so be vigilant and always click on the European wheel.