
Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.
Understanding the subtle differences between the wheels is crucial for maximizing your chances of winning.
The Extra Green Zero
The American wheel, however, has 38 pockets: numbers 1 through 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00).
This single extra pocket on the American wheel drastically alters the mathematical probabilities of the game.
- The extra number changes all probability calculations
- The betting layout is slightly larger on the American table
- European tables often use a different chip system
The Mathematics of the Two Wheels
Because the European wheel has only one zero, the house edge is a very reasonable 2.70%.
Statistically, for every $100 you wager, you expect to lose $2.70 on European and $5.26 on American.
Lowering the Edge Even Further
The "La Partage" rule dictates that if the ball lands on zero, you only lose half of your even-money bet.
This makes French roulette one of the most mathematically favorable table games on the entire casino floor.
| Type | Long Term Loss per $100 | Player Value |
|---|---|---|
| Single Zero | $2.70 | Excellent |
| Double Zero | $5.26 | Terrible |
The conclusion is incredibly simple: you should always seek out and exclusively play European or French roulette.