Roulette is the undisputed symbol of the casino floor, an elegant game of chance that has captivated players for centuries.

Sitting down at the wrong Roulette table is one of the most common and expensive mistakes a novice player can make.

The difference between the two games comes down to a single, tiny pocket on the wheel, but the mathematical impact is massive.

In this article, we will compare European and American Roulette to definitively answer which version is better.
The Zeroes: What Separates the Two Games
The layout of the numbers is different, but the true impact lies in the number of zeroes in play.

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

An American Roulette wheel features 38 pockets: the numbers 1 through 36, a single zero (0), and an extra double zero (00).

Adding one extra slot to the wheel drastically alters the probabilities without changing the payouts.

The zeroes are the casino's primary source of profit on even-money bets; the American wheel doubles the casino's advantage.
The Statistical Advantage: 2.7% vs. 5.26%
To truly understand why the American version is inferior, we must look at the mathematical House Edge.

If you hit a single number on either wheel, the dealer will hand you 35 chips for every 1 chip you bet.

Because the payout (35 to 1) is only slightly lower than the true odds (36 to 1), the house edge is a very reasonable 2.70%.

On an American wheel, the true odds of hitting your number jump to 37 to 1 (because of the 38 total pockets).

By simply playing the American version, you are giving the casino nearly double the statistical advantage for absolutely no extra reward.
French Roulette: The Best Rules Available
While European Roulette is excellent, a specific variant called French Roulette offers even better terms for the player.

These rules significantly reduce the sting of losing a 50/50 bet to the casino's built-in advantage.

This simple rule effectively cuts the house edge on even-money bets in half, down to an incredibly low 1.35%.

The "En Prison" rule is similar; if the zero hits, your bet is "imprisoned" and left on the table for the next spin.

If French is unavailable, default to European; but never, ever click on the American Roulette table.
Quick Reference: Which Game is Best?

American Roulette: 38 pockets (0 and 00). House edge is 5.26%. The worst option available. European Roulette: 37 pockets (single 0). House edge is 2.70%. The standard, fair version of the game. French Rules: Cuts the house edge to 1.35%. Always play this online if the casino offers it. Mini Roulette: Often found online, features only 13 numbers. Avoid it, as the house edge is usually worse. The Math: The only true strategy is picking the wheel with the lowest built-in casino advantage.

Why American Roulette is a Trap

StatisticThe Fair WheelThe Greedy Wheel Green ZeroesOne (0)Two (0, 00) Win RatioFixed at 35 unitsFixed at 35 units True Odds of Winning36 to 1 Against37 to 1 Against House Edge2.70%5.26% (Nearly Double)

Playing the American version is essentially volunteering to give the casino double the money for the exact same entertainment.

Vegas casinos know the American wheel is a trap, which is why they force low-stakes players to use the double-zero tables.

By simply selecting the correct thumbnail in the casino lobby, you instantly double your chances of keeping your bankroll.

Good luck at the tables, and may the ball always avoid the green pockets when you need it most.