If you’re searching for European roulette vs American roulette, you’re already thinking like a smart player: the two games look almost identical, but a small design change on the wheel creates a big difference in odds and house edge. The good news is that once you understand single zero vs double zero, you can confidently pick the better table, manage your bankroll more effectively, and get more value out of every spin.
This guide compares rules, wheel layout, payout math, and special European rules like en prison and la partage. It also includes practical, player-friendly tips for choosing the best roulette table online or in a casino.
Quick comparison: European roulette vs American roulette
At a glance, the core difference is simple: European roulette has one zero, American roulette has two. Everything else flows from that.
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel pockets | 37 (numbers 1–36 plus 0) | 38 (numbers 1–36 plus 0 and 00) |
| Zero layout | Single zero | Double zero |
| Typical house edge | About 2.7% | About 5.26% |
| Common even-money rules | Sometimes includes la partage or en prison | Typically no special zero rules |
| Standard straight-up payout | 35:1 (same as American) | 35:1 (same as European) |
Single zero vs double zero: why one extra pocket matters
Roulette payouts are designed around the idea that the wheel has a certain number of outcomes. But in both European and American roulette, the most iconic payout (a straight-up bet on one number paying 35:1) is the same. That’s where the casino advantage comes from: the payout doesn’t fully match the true odds.
Adding the 00 pocket makes the mismatch bigger, which is why American roulette has a higher house edge.
European roulette wheel (37 pockets)
- Outcomes: 37 total
- Probability of any specific number (including 0): 1/37 (about 2.70%)
American roulette wheel (38 pockets)
- Outcomes: 38 total
- Probability of any specific number (including 0 and 00): 1/38 (about 2.63%)
House edge explained with simple payout math
Understanding the house edge doesn’t require advanced math. You just compare (1) how often you should win and (2) what the game pays you when you do.
Example: straight-up bet payout (35:1) on European roulette
A straight-up bet wins if your chosen number hits. On a European wheel, that’s 1 out of 37 spins. When you win, the payout is 35:1 plus you keep your original stake. Measured as profit, that’s +35 units on a win and -1 unit on a loss.
Expected value in units (per 1 unit bet):
EV = (1/37 * 35) + (36/37 * -1) = (35/37) - (36/37) = -1/37 ≈ -0.0270 ( -2.70% )That matches the commonly cited European roulette house edge of about 2.7%.
Example: straight-up bet payout (35:1) on American roulette
On an American wheel, the win chance is 1 out of 38. Same payout, lower win probability.
EV = (1/38 * 35) + (37/38 * -1) = (35/38) - (37/38) = -2/38 = -1/19 ≈ -0.0526 ( -5.26% )That’s why American roulette is typically quoted around 5.26% house edge: nearly double the European edge.
Key takeaway
Payouts can look the same, but the wheel structure changes the probability. The extra 00 increases how often the casino keeps bets without paying out, which is why a single-zero table is usually the better choice for players seeking stronger value.
Roulette odds by bet type (European vs American)
Most roulette bets share the same payout schedule across both versions, but the probability of winning shifts slightly because the total pockets differ.
| Bet type | Covers | Payout (profit) | Win probability (European) | Win probability (American) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight-up | 1 number | 35:1 | 1/37 (2.70%) | 1/38 (2.63%) |
| Split | 2 numbers | 17:1 | 2/37 (5.41%) | 2/38 (5.26%) |
| Street | 3 numbers | 11:1 | 3/37 (8.11%) | 3/38 (7.89%) |
| Corner | 4 numbers | 8:1 | 4/37 (10.81%) | 4/38 (10.53%) |
| Six line | 6 numbers | 5:1 | 6/37 (16.22%) | 6/38 (15.79%) |
| Dozen / Column | 12 numbers | 2:1 | 12/37 (32.43%) | 12/38 (31.58%) |
| Even-money (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 18/37 (48.65%) | 18/38 (47.37%) |
Across standard rules, both versions are built so the house edge stays consistent within that version. In other words, switching bet types doesn’t “beat” the game by itself, but choosing the better wheel and rules can meaningfully improve your long-term value.
What are “en prison” and “la partage” (and why they’re great for players)?
Some European roulette tables offer special rules on even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) when the ball lands on 0. These rules don’t guarantee profit, but they can reduce the casino’s advantage for those specific bets.
La partage
With la partage, if you make an even-money bet and the result is 0, you lose only half your stake (the other half is returned).
- Benefit: lower effective house edge on even-money bets
- Why it helps: instead of losing the full bet on 0, you lose only half
En prison
With en prison, if you make an even-money bet and the result is 0, your bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. On the next spin:
- If your even-money bet wins, you get your stake back (typically without additional profit for that round).
- If it loses, you lose the stake.
- If 0 appears again, table rules vary (often the bet remains imprisoned).
Benefit: it gives you a chance to recover instead of taking an immediate full loss on 0.
How much do these rules reduce the house edge?
On a standard European single-zero wheel, even-money bets normally face a house edge of about 2.7%. With la partage or en prison (applied to even-money bets), the effective house edge on those bets commonly drops to about 1.35% because the zero outcome is partially softened.
This is a strong example of a small rule tweak creating a meaningful player benefit over time, especially if you enjoy steady, lower-volatility betting.
Which is better: European roulette or American roulette?
If your goal is to get the best odds available under standard casino conditions, European roulette is usually better than American roulette because:
- The single zero wheel has fewer pockets, so your win probability is slightly higher on every bet.
- The average house edge is about 2.7% vs about 5.26% on American roulette.
- If available, la partage or en prison can reduce the edge further on even-money bets.
American roulette can still be fun and fast-paced, and it’s widely available in some venues where you can play blackjack online online. But if you’re deciding where your bankroll will last longer or where you’ll get more value per spin, the numbers clearly favor the single-zero game.
How to choose the best roulette table (a practical checklist)
Picking a good table is one of the highest-impact decisions you can make in roulette. Use this quick checklist before you place your first chip.
1) Prefer single-zero tables
- Look for European roulette with only 0.
- Avoid American roulette wheels with both 0 and 00 when you have a choice.
2) Seek out la partage or en prison (especially for even-money play)
- If you like Red/Black or Odd/Even, these rules can noticeably improve your long-run results.
- Confirm the rule applies to even-money bets and ask how repeat zeros are handled for en prison.
3) Check the rule set (online vs land-based)
Rule names are similar across casinos, but details can differ. Before you commit to a long session, verify:
- Whether the game is single zero or double zero
- Whether la partage or en prison is offered (and on which bets)
- Table limits (minimum and maximum bets)
- Any special conditions (for example, side bets or bonus rules) that might change the effective cost of play
4) Don’t confuse “roulette strategy” with changing the house edge
Many popular systems (like increasing bets after losses) can change the pattern of wins and losses, but they do not change the underlying house edge built into the wheel and payout structure. The most reliable “strategy” for improving your value is table selection: single zero, plus la partage or en prison if available.
Roulette strategy tips that actually help (without pretending to beat the math)
Roulette is a game of chance, and each spin is independent. Still, you can take practical steps that support better outcomes like longer playtime, smoother bankroll swings, and clearer decision-making.
Use bankroll management to extend your session
- Set a session bankroll you’re comfortable with and keep it separate from essential money.
- Choose a base bet that makes sense for your bankroll (many players use a small fraction per spin so variance doesn’t end the session too quickly).
- Decide in advance what “done for the day” means: a stop-loss and a stop-win can both be useful.
Match your bet style to the experience you want
- Even-money bets (especially with la partage or en prison) often provide a steadier ride and can be a great fit for longer sessions.
- Inside bets (like straight-up, splits, corners) can deliver bigger single-hit wins but typically come with higher volatility.
Keep your play clean and consistent
- Focus on a small set of bets you understand well (this reduces mistakes and helps you track results).
- Know exactly where chips must be placed for each bet type, especially on crowded layouts.
- Remember that previous results don’t predict the next outcome, so avoid chasing patterns as if they guarantee a reversal.
FAQ: European roulette vs American roulette
Are payouts the same in European and American roulette?
Most standard payouts are the same (for example, a straight-up typically pays 35:1). The difference is the number of pockets, which changes the odds and increases the casino advantage on American roulette.
Why is the American roulette house edge higher?
American roulette adds a 00 pocket, increasing the total outcomes from 37 to 38. Since payouts usually don’t change to compensate, the extra pocket increases the gap between true odds and paid odds, raising the house edge to about 5.26%.
Does en prison or la partage apply to all bets?
Typically, en prison and la partage apply to even-money bets only. Rules can vary by venue, so it’s worth confirming before you play.
Which roulette table should I choose if I’m new?
If you want a beginner-friendly experience with better value, choose a single-zero European roulette table. If you can find a table with la partage or en prison and you like even-money bets, that can be an even stronger choice.
Bottom line: make the wheel work for you
When it comes to European roulette vs American roulette, the best move is simple and powerful: choose the wheel with fewer zeros. A single-zero European table typically offers a house edge of about 2.7% versus about 5.26% on double-zero American roulette, and special rules like la partage or en prison can further improve the value of even-money bets.
Combine smart table selection with steady bankroll management, and you’ll put yourself in the best position to enjoy roulette longer, play more confidently, and get more out of every session.
