Exclusive Bonuses January 2026 - Up to €5000 + 300 Free Spins!
Back to Guides
roulette

Discovering European and American Roulette: Key Differences

3 min read
Published on 3/7/2026
Exploring European and American Roulette: Key Differences

Discovering European and American Roulette: Key Differences

Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games in the world, attracting millions of players in both online and physical casinos. Among the various variants, European roulette and American roulette stand out due to their rules and characteristics. In this article, we will explore the key differences between these two types of roulette, as well as strategies to optimize your play while gambling responsibly.

What is Roulette?

Before diving into the differences, it is important to understand what roulette is. This game of chance revolves around a wheel and a table where players place their bets on numbers, colors, or groups of numbers. A ball is then thrown into the spinning wheel, and the aim of the game is to predict where the ball will land.

Key Differences between European and American Roulette

1. Wheel Configuration

The first notable difference between European and American roulette lies in the wheel configuration:

  • European Roulette:
  • - Features 37 numbered pockets from 0 to 36.

    - No double zero, which reduces the house edge.

  • American Roulette:
  • - Features 38 pockets, including a 0 and a 00.

    - The addition of the double zero increases the house edge to about 5.26%.

    2. House Edge

    The house edge is a crucial factor to consider when choosing between these two variants:

  • European Roulette:
  • - House edge of 2.7%.

    - A better option for players looking to maximize their chances of winning.

  • American Roulette:
  • - House edge of 5.26%.

    - Less favorable for players due to the presence of the double zero.

    3. Types of Bets

    The types of bets available in both variants are similar, but there are subtle differences:

  • Inside Bets:
  • - Bets on specific numbers or groups of numbers.

  • Outside Bets:
  • - Bets on colors (red or black), even or odd, and groups of numbers (1-18 or 19-36).

    Specific Differences:

  • In European roulette, if the ball lands on 0, players who bet on outside bets can benefit from the rule of the
  • Where to Play - Best Casinos

    CasinoBonusFree SpinsRating
    Stake200% Bonus-4.8/5 ⭐Play
    RollbitUp to €1000-4.7/5 ⭐Play
    RoobetVIP Bonus-4.6/5 ⭐Play
    BC.GameUp to €20,000504.7/5 ⭐Play
    DuelbitsUp to €1000-4.5/5 ⭐Play

    Where to Play - Best Casinos

    CasinoBonusFree SpinsRating
    Stake200% Bonus-4.8/5 ⭐Play Now
    RollbitJusqu'à 1000€-4.7/5 ⭐Play Now
    RoobetBonus VIP-4.6/5 ⭐Play Now
    BC.GameJusqu'à 20 000€504.7/5 ⭐Play Now
    DuelbitsJusqu'à 1000€-4.5/5 ⭐Play Now

    Disclaimer: Gambling involves risk. Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose. If you have a gambling problem, please seek help.

    Related Guides