Roulette can look identical at a glance: the same felt layout, the same iconic wheel, and the same mix of inside and outside bets. Yet one small detail changes everything for your long-term results: whether the wheel uses a single zero or a double zero. That difference alters the number of pockets 37 vs 38 and, in turn, the house edge you face.
In practical terms, European roulette generally offers better value (higher RTP) than American roulette, and some European-style tables may include rules like en prison or la partage that further improve even-money bets. Below is a clear, player-focused breakdown so you can quickly recognize which game is more favorable before you place your first chip.
The core difference: 37 pockets vs 38 pockets
Both games use numbers 1 through 36. The difference is in the zero pockets:
- European roulette: numbers 1–36 plus single zero (0) =37 pockets
- American roulette: numbers 1–36 plus single zero (0) and double zero (00) =38 pockets
That extra double zero might not feel like a big change, but it adds an additional losing outcome against most bets, which is why the house advantage rises.
House edge explained (and why it should guide your choice)
The house edge is the built-in mathematical advantage the casino has over time. It does not mean you cannot win in a session; it means that across many spins, the game is designed so the casino retains a predictable percentage of total wagers.
For standard rules and standard payouts:
- European roulette house edge: about 2.70%
- American roulette house edge: roughly 5.26%
That’s a meaningful difference. In simple terms, American roulette typically costs about nearly double the house advantage compared to European roulette, even though the bet types and payouts look the same.
Quick comparison table: European vs American roulette
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel layout | 1–36 +single zero (0) | 1–36 +single zero (0) +double zero (00) |
| Total pockets | 37 pockets | 38 pockets |
| Typical house edge | ~2.70% | ~5.26% |
| Bet types | Same core bets (inside and outside) | Same core bets (inside and outside) |
| Payouts | Typically identical to American for the same bet types | Typically identical to European for the same bet types |
| Player-friendly rule variants | May offer en prison or la partage (usually on even-money bets) | Less commonly includes those European variants |
Key point: payouts and bet types are otherwise identical
This is what makes roulette comparisons so powerful for players: you are usually not trading away “fun” features or familiar bets when you choose the better-value wheel. In most casinos, both European and American roulette offer the same menu of bets, such as:
- Inside bets: straight up, split, street, corner, six line
- Outside bets: red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, columns
The standard payouts for these bets are typically the same across both variants (for example, a straight-up bet commonly pays 35 to 1). The difference is that the American wheel includes an extra zero pocket, which increases the chance that the outcome doesn’t match your selection.
What the extra double zero does to your odds
Because roulette outcomes are equally likely, adding a pocket changes the probability of winning each bet while the payout stays the same. That mismatch is what increases the casino advantage.
Example: even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low)
Even-money bets are popular because they are simple and deliver frequent results. But zeros matter a lot here:
- On a single zero wheel (37 pockets), you win 18 outcomes and lose 19 outcomes (the extra loss is the 0).
- On a double zero wheel (38 pockets), you still win 18 outcomes but now lose 20 outcomes (0 and 00 both act as losing results under typical rules).
In other words, the American wheel adds one more “built-in” losing outcome for many bets, without increasing your payout when you win. Over time, that’s why the house edge increases from about 2.70% to roughly 5.26%.
How en prison and la partage can improve your results on European tables
Many European-style roulette tables may offer special rules that soften the impact of the zero on even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low). Two famous variants are en prison and la partage.
La partage: “share” half your bet on zero
Under la partage, if you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on 0, you lose only half your stake (and get the other half back). This rule reduces the disadvantage on those bets compared to standard single-zero rules.
En prison: “imprison” your bet for one more spin
Under en prison, if you place an even-money bet and 0 hits, your stake is not immediately lost. Instead, it is “imprisoned” and carried over to the next spin. If your bet wins on that next spin, you typically recover your original stake (without extra profit). If it loses, you lose the stake.
Practical benefit: lower effective house edge on even-money bets
When either en prison or la partage is used on a single zero wheel, the effectivehouse edge on even-money bets can drop to about 1.35% (half of the usual European edge for those specific bets). That’s a real step up in value if you like the simplicity and lower volatility of outside bets.
Important: these rules usually apply only to even-money bets, not to all bet types. Always confirm the table’s rules.
What this means for strategy: choose the wheel that pays you more over time
Roulette is a game of fixed odds, so “strategy” is less about beating the wheel and more about making smart, value-focused decisions that improve your expected results while keeping the experience enjoyable.
1) Prefer European roulette for better RTP
If you have a choice, picking the single zero wheel is one of the simplest upgrades you can make. With a lower house edge (about 2.70% versus roughly 5.26%), European roulette generally gives your bankroll more staying power and better long-run value.
2) If available, use la partage or en prison for even-money bets
If you enjoy red/black or odd/even style betting, a European table offering la partage or en prison can be even more attractive. Those rules can lower the effective disadvantage on even-money bets to about 1.35%, which is a notable improvement without changing how you play.
3) Keep your bet selection aligned with your goals
- If your goal is steadier results and frequent wins, outside bets (like red/black) provide higher hit rates, and they benefit most from en prison or la partage when offered.
- If your goal is bigger payouts and higher excitement, inside bets (like straight up) offer larger returns but lower hit rates. The wheel choice still matters, because the underlying probability changes with pockets 37 vs 38.
4) Manage bankroll with value in mind
A lower house edge does not guarantee a win, but it can reduce the average cost of play over time. That often translates to longer sessions, more chances to hit your preferred outcomes, and a smoother experience overall—especially when you consistently choose the most favorable rules.
Land-based vs online roulette: rule sets can vary, so always check
One of the most practical tips for players is also one of the easiest to overlook: not every “European roulette” table uses the same exact rules, and not every casino labels things consistently, and you may also find games like blackjack online.
Depending on whether you’re playing in a land-based casino or online, you may encounter differences such as:
- Whether the game is clearly identified as single zero (European) or double zero (American)
- Whether en prison or la partage is available (and which bets it applies to)
- Table limits, betting time, and how the game handles special outcomes
- Published RTP information or help screens that confirm the effective house edge
The best habit: before you play, review the game rules and any posted RTP/house edge details. A quick check can be the difference between playing a strong-value roulette variant and unknowingly choosing a higher-cost option.
Bottom line: the best roulette choice is usually the single-zero wheel
If you want the most player-friendly version between the two classic options, European roulette is typically the better pick because it uses a single zero and therefore has a lower house edge (about 2.70%) than American roulette with its double zero (roughly 5.26%).
And if you can find a European table that also offers en prison or la partage, you may improve the value even further on even-money bets—while still enjoying the same familiar bet types and payouts. Choose the right wheel, confirm the rules, and you’ll be playing roulette with the odds tilted as much in your favor as the game allows.
