American Roulette and European Roulette are two popular variants of the classic casino game. While the basic rules are similar, there are key differences between the two versions:
1. Wheel Design:
- American Roulette: The wheel has 38 pockets, numbered 1-36 and two zeros (0 and 00). The additional double zero increases the house edge.
- European Roulette: The wheel has 37 pockets, numbered 1-36 and a single zero (0). The absence of the double zero gives European Roulette a lower house edge compared to its American counterpart.
2. House Edge:
- American Roulette: The presence of the double zero increases the house edge to 5.26%. This means that, on average, the casino retains 5.26% of each bet over the long term.
- European Roulette: With only one zero, European Roulette has a lower house edge of 2.70%, making it more favorable for players.
3. Number Arrangement:
- The numbers on the wheel are arranged differently in American and European Roulette. However, both versions maintain the alternating red and black colors.
4. La Partage and En Prison Rules:
- European Roulette: Some European Roulette tables offer the “La Partage” or “En Prison” rules. With La Partage, if the ball lands on zero, half of even-money bets (like red/black or odd/even) are returned to the player. En Prison allows the player to leave the bet “imprisoned” for the next spin, effectively giving them another chance to win.
5. Betting Layout:
- The betting layout on the table is similar in both versions, with inside and outside bets available. Inside bets involve specific numbers or small groups of numbers, while outside bets cover larger sections of the layout.
6. Popular in Different Regions:
- American Roulette is more commonly found in casinos in the United States, South America, and some parts of Asia.
- European Roulette is the standard version in European casinos and is also widely played around the world.
7. Strategy Differences:
- Due to the lower house edge, some players prefer European Roulette when employing strategies like the Martingale system or other betting systems.
8. Racetrack Bets:
- Some European Roulette tables include a racetrack layout that allows players to place bets on specific sectors of the wheel, such as the neighbors of a particular number.
9. Availability:
- Online casinos often offer both American and European Roulette, allowing players to choose their preferred version.
In summary, the main distinctions between American and European Roulette lie in the number of pockets on the wheel, resulting in differences in house edge and certain rules. European Roulette is generally considered more favorable for players due to its lower house edge, but both versions offer an exciting and iconic casino experience.
