European vs American Roulette

The primary difference between European and American roulette is the number of pockets on the wheel. European roulette features 37 pockets: the numbers 1 to 36 plus a single zero. In contrast, American roulette has 38 pockets, adding a double zero in addition to the standard zero found in the European version. Despite this variation, the payouts for standard bets remain unchanged between the two versions, making the extra pocket the key factor in the American wheel’s higher cost for players.

The Wheel Difference

European roulette's 37 pockets offer a house edge of 2.70% on standard bets. By having only one zero, European roulette leaves 36 numbers for bettors, who start with a more favourable probability of winning. In contrast, American roulette’s 38 pockets, with both a zero and a double zero, raise the house edge to 5.26% – nearly doubling the advantage in favour of the casino.

Same Payouts, Different Odds

Despite the difference in wheel design, the payout structure for standard bets remains largely consistent between European and American roulette. In both versions, a straight-up bet (placing a chip on an individual number) returns 35:1, while a split bet (covering two numbers side by side) pays 17:1. A street bet (covering three numbers in a row) returns 11:1, and a corner bet (covering four numbers in a square formation) pays 8:1. Additionally, outside bets like red or black, odd or even, and low (1–18) or high (19–36) return 1:1.

The nearly identical payouts highlight that the difference in favourability for the player lies solely in the number of pockets available for betting. With one extra green pocket on the American wheel, the remaining coloured (red and black) numbers diminish proportionally, tipping the house’s advantage.

Why the Extra Pocket Costs Money

The fundamental reason for the higher cost to play American roulette boils down to the extra pocket. By adding a double zero, the total number of pockets increases from 37 to 38. Since the payouts for each type of bet remain unchanged, the extra pocket shifts the mathematical odds in the casino’s favour. The relatively small increase in the number of pockets nearly doubles the house edge, from 2.70% in European roulette to 5.26% in American roulette.

This discrepancy highlights the principle that even minor adjustments to a game’s core mechanics can have a significant impact on player odds. For many casinos, the small difference in pocket count provides a subtle but substantial edge, resulting in higher profits in the long run without needing to adjust the payout structure.

The American-Only Five-Number Bet

One of the key variations between European and American roulette is the inclusion of a five-number bet in the American game. This bet covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, with a return of 6:1. While this bet appears to give a slight edge to the player, as it combines a few straight-up options, the odds are not in the player’s favour. The house edge for this bet stands at 7.89%, making it the worst bet on the American roulette table.

The addition of the five-number bet serves as a reminder about the core differences between the two versions of the game. By only examining the standard payouts and hoping for a lower house edge, bettors risk overlooking additional features that might impact their overall odds.

Bottom Line for Players

In conclusion, the choice between European and American roulette ultimately hinges on one core difference: the number of pockets available for betting. With 37 pockets and a house edge of 2.70%, European roulette offers more favourable odds for players, all while utilizing the same payout structure as American roulette. On the other hand, American roulette’s 38 pockets increase the house edge to 5.26%, making it a costlier option for players.

This discrepancy in the number of pockets, rather than differences in payout percentages, explains all other differences in player odds. Knowing the structure allows bettors to make an informed choice about which version of roulette provides the best odds for their style and strategy.

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