Roulette Variants: European, American and French Compared

Roulette Variants: European, American and French Compared

Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games in the world, but not all roulette tables are created equal. The version you choose to play can have a significant impact on your odds of winning, thanks to important differences in the number of pockets on the wheel and the special rules in play.

European Roulette: The Player's Choice

European roulette features a single zero (0) on the wheel, giving it a house edge of 2.7%. This makes it the most favourable variant for players among the mainstream options. The straightforward rules and relatively low house edge make European roulette the recommended choice for most players.

American Roulette: Double the Zero, Double the Edge

American roulette adds a double zero (00) to the wheel, bringing the total number of pockets to 38. This seemingly small change doubles the house edge to 5.26%, making American roulette significantly worse for players than its European counterpart. Unless you specifically prefer the American variant, it is generally advisable to seek out European roulette.

French Roulette: The Hidden Gem

French roulette uses the same single-zero wheel as European roulette but adds two important rules: La Partage and En Prison. La Partage returns half your stake when the ball lands on zero during an even-money bet, effectively halving the house edge to 1.35% on those bets. En Prison allows you to keep your bet "imprisoned" for the next spin rather than losing it when zero comes up.

Which Should You Play?

For the best odds, French roulette is superior, followed by European roulette. American roulette should be avoided unless you specifically enjoy the format, as the additional zero significantly increases the house advantage.