Meta Title: Roulette Variations: American vs. European vs. French Compared
Meta Description: Discover the key differences between American, European, and French roulette. Learn about house edges, special rules, and betting options to choose the right variant for your playing style and improve your chances.
The iconic spinning wheel and bouncing ball of roulette have captivated casino patrons for centuries. However, not all roulette games are created equal. The version you choose at casino Verde can significantly impact your odds, gameplay experience, and potential returns. Understanding the differences between American, European, and French roulette variations is essential for making informed decisions at the table.
The Evolution of Roulette Through History
Before diving into the specific variations, it’s worth understanding roulette’s fascinating evolution from an 18th-century invention to a global casino staple.
From Blaise Pascal to Modern Casinos
Roulette’s origins trace back to 18th century France, where mathematician Blaise Pascal inadvertently created an early version while attempting to design a perpetual motion machine. The game evolved through European gambling houses before crossing the Atlantic and undergoing further transformations in American casinos.
Each major variation we know today emerged from this historical journey:
- European roulette developed in Bad Homburg, Germany in the 1840s when François and Louis Blanc removed the double zero to create a single-zero wheel
- American roulette maintained both the single and double zero pockets from early variations
- French roulette retained the single-zero European wheel but added special rules to further benefit players
Today, these three primary variants coexist in casinos worldwide, each offering distinct characteristics and odds for players to consider.
Key Differences at First Glance
The most obvious differences between roulette variations appear on the wheel itself, but the variations extend to the table layout, betting options, and special rules.
Wheel Layout and Number Sequence
The physical wheel configuration provides the most apparent distinction between variants:
|
Variation |
Number of Pockets |
Pockets Present |
House Edge |
|
European |
37 |
0, 1-36 |
2.70% |
|
French |
37 |
0, 1-36 |
1.35% with En Prison/La Partage |
|
American |
38 |
00, 0, 1-36 |
5.26% |
While all variations include numbers 1-36 (alternating between red and black), the addition of the double-zero (00) pocket in American roulette significantly impacts the odds. Both zero pockets are typically colored green, creating a visual distinction from the standard red and black numbers.
The sequence of numbers also differs between variations. European and French wheels follow a carefully designed arrangement to alternate between high/low and odd/even numbers while distributing red and black pockets. The American wheel uses a different sequence that places opposing numbers across from each other.
American Roulette: The Double-Zero Game
American roulette stands out as the most common variation found in U.S. casinos, particularly in gambling hubs like Las Vegas. Its distinctive feature—the additional double-zero pocket—fundamentally alters the game’s mathematics.
How the Double Zero Affects Your Odds
The addition of the double-zero pocket increases the house edge substantially:
- European/French Roulette: 1 zero ÷ 37 total pockets = 2.70% house edge.
- American Roulette: 2 zeros ÷ 38 total pockets = 5.26% house edge.
This means American roulette’s house advantage is nearly twice that of European roulette, making it significantly less favorable for players in the long run. Both zero and double-zero serve the same function—when the ball lands in either pocket, most standard bets lose.
The Five-Number Bet: A Special Wager
American roulette offers a unique betting option not found in other variations: the five-number bet (or “basket bet”) covering numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. While tempting for its coverage, this bet carries the highest house edge of any roulette wager at 7.89%.
This bet should generally be avoided by strategic players, as even standard American roulette bets offer better odds than this particular wager.
When visiting online casinos you’ll find American roulette among the available options, though savvy players often seek out its European counterpart for the more favorable odds when playing casino games online.
European Roulette: The Single-Zero Standard
European roulette has become the global standard, offering a more favorable house edge and a cleaner wheel layout with its single-zero configuration.
Why the Single Zero Makes a Difference
The elimination of the double-zero pocket creates several advantages:
- Reduced house edge (2.70% vs. 5.26%).
- Better odds on all standard bets.
- Simplified wheel layout.
- More predictable results (relatively speaking).
Over an extended playing session, this difference in house edge becomes increasingly significant. On average, a player betting $100 per spin for 100 spins would theoretically lose $270 on a European wheel versus $526 on an American wheel—a substantial difference in expected outcome.
The Wheel Sequence Design
European roulette’s wheel layout follows a carefully designed sequence that creates a more balanced distribution of numbers. High/low, odd/even, and red/black numbers are alternated in a pattern that prevents clusters of similar outcomes.
This balanced distribution doesn’t change the mathematical odds but does create a more aesthetically pleasing experience for many players. The European wheel layout is often considered the standard design in most international casinos.
French Roulette: The Player-Friendly Option
French roulette takes the European wheel as its foundation but adds special rules that further benefit the player, making it mathematically the most advantageous variation.
La Partage and En Prison Rules
What truly distinguishes French roulette are two optional rules that apply to even-money bets (such as red/black, odd/even, high/low):
- La Partage Rule: When the ball lands on zero, players lose only half their even-money bet rather than the entire wager. This single modification reduces the house edge on these bets from 2.70% to just 1.35%.
- En Prison Rule: An alternative to La Partage, this rule “imprisons” the player’s even-money bet when zero appears. If the player’s chosen outcome (red/black, odd/even, etc.) appears on the next spin, they receive their original bet back without winning anything. If any other outcome occurs, they lose the bet. This rule also reduces the house edge to 1.35% on even-money bets.
These player-friendly rules make French roulette arguably the best choice for strategic players focused on maximizing their odds.
Finding the Ideal Variation for Your Play Style
When selecting an online roulette game, consider:
- Always prioritize European or French roulette when available.
- Look for clearly stated La Partage or En Prison rules in game descriptions.
- Check minimum and maximum bet limits to ensure they match your bankroll.
- Consider the pace of play (automated RNG games are significantly faster).
- Review the user interface for features that enhance your experience.
Many online casinos prominently advertise their French and European roulette options given the player-friendly odds compared to American roulette. After examining American roulette, European roulette, and French roulette in detail, the verdict on which offers the best overall experience depends primarily on what you value most as a player.
