While exploring a large gambling venue, you will almost certainly see the famous wooden wheel. However, what most tourists are unaware of is that there are actually two very different versions of roulette. The two standard versions are European Roulette and American Roulette. While the felt looks similar to a novice, the minor layout tweaks between the two formats have a massive impact on your chances of winning. This article will highlight the specific variations between the two wheels and explain which one you should always choose.
The core variation between these two formats comes down to one extra green slot. The European format contains 37 spaces: the numbers 1 through 36, and a single green zero (0). This lone 0 is what gives the casino its edge.
American roulette, in contrast, contains 38 spaces.
This seemingly minor addition is actually a massive disadvantage for gamblers.
Because the casino rewards for hitting a single number do not change in both versions (paying 35 to 1), the extra double zero ruins the odds. In the European game, the casino advantage sits at 2.70%. However, in American roulette, that single extra pocket nearly doubles the casino’s advantage, skyrocketing the margin to 5.26%.
| Game Type | Total Number of Pockets | Mathematical House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Roulette | 37 total pockets | 2.70% (Very Fair) |
| American Roulette | Two green zeros | 5.26% (Extremely High) |
Ultimately, there is no mathematical excuse to sit down at an American roulette wheel if a European wheel is available. Always seek out the European table to give yourself the best possible chance.</p
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