Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games in the gaming landscape and has been popular for decades.
While the basic premise of Roulette remains the same across different versions, there are notable variations, particularly between American and European Roulette.
Understanding these differences can create a better gaming experience, as you understand what’s going on in more detail, especially if you like to play live Roulette online. This article delves into the key distinctions between American and European Roulette, from the layout to the rules and more.
Roulette basics
Before delving into the differences, it’s essential to understand the basic mechanics of Roulette. The game consists of a spinning wheel with numbered pockets, a ball, and a betting table.
Players place bets on where they believe the ball will land after the wheel is spun. The numbers on the wheel range from one to 36, and they are alternately coloured red and black. There are also green pockets for zeros.
The Roulette wheel layout
- American Roulette wheel
The American Roulette wheel features 38 pockets – numbers one to 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). The double zero is the most significant difference in the American version. The numbers on the wheel are arranged in a specific sequence designed to balance out the high and low, odd and even numbers.
- European Roulette wheel
The European Roulette wheel has 37 pockets – numbers one to 36 and a single zero (0). The absence of the double zero gives European Roulette a lower house edge compared to its American counterpart. The number arrangement on the wheel also differs slightly from the American version but maintains a similar balancing principle.
House edge and odds
One of the most critical differences between American and European Roulette is the house edge, so let’s take a deeper look at this…
- American Roulette house edge
In American Roulette, the house edge is higher due to the additional double zero pocket. The house edge for American Roulette is approximately 5.26 per cent, which means that, on average, the casino expects to keep 5.26 for every 100 wagered. The double zero increases the likelihood of the ball landing on a zero pocket, which results in a loss for most bets on the table.
- European Roulette house edge
European Roulette, with only a single zero, has a lower house edge of approximately 2.70 per cent, which is why this version is often considered more favourable to players, especially as the absence of the double zero pocket decreases the probability of landing on the zero.
While both American and European Roulette provide great gaming experiences, the differences in wheel layout, house edge, and special rules significantly impact gameplay. It depends on your personal preferences whether you want to play with European Roulette’s lower house edge, or American Roulette’s extra zero, but they both remain popular choices.
Understanding these differences allows players to choose the version of the game that’s best for them, or even try them both out to find out for themselves!