American vs European Roulette: Which Version Should You Play?

I guess you’ve found yourself staring at the roulette and wondering which way to go: American or European? Honestly, I think every gambler has gone through this at some point.

As a former croupier, I’ve been around the roulette table more times than I can count, and let me tell you, the difference between American and European roulette is huge. So, what should you choose?

Stay tuned as I break down the main differences between American and European roulette, share some insider tips, and help you figure out which one works best for you.

How American Roulette Works

One of the most popular variations of roulette, especially in the United States, has a wheel with 38 pockets (1-36, a single zero, and a double zero). This double zero is what makes it stand out next to traditional European roulette.

What’s the deal? So, you place your chips on the roulette table and choose how to bet (betting on a single number, a group of numbers, colors, odd/even). Next, the dealer spins the roulette wheel. The winning players are those who have placed bets on the pockets where the ball lands. That’s all!

Pros of American Roulette

There are plenty of benefits to playing this version of roulette. Here are the main ones:

Various betting options. The available betting options suit both high-rollers and reserved players. You can opt for inside bets like single numbers for high payouts or outside bets like red/black or odd/even for low-risk wins.

Fast-paced game. The excitement level is always high as American roulette works on quick rounds – perfect for slot players who enjoy fast-paced games.

High payouts. The additional double zero ensures higher payouts on specific bets, especially if you bet on single numbers.

Interactive. American Roulette has that social element due to multiple players betting on the same spin. That works pretty well in live casino games.

Cons of American Roulette

Are there any, though? Let me see.

Huge house edge. I think the main drawback of American Roulette is the higher house edge. The additional 00 increases the house edge. It basically means that players are likely to lose more money in the long run.

Low odds for players. Whether you’re an experienced player or a newbie, the odds don’t work pretty much in your favor. So, there is a low probability of winning on any bet, especially single-number bets.

How European Roulette Works

European Roulette is the traditional version of the game with a less challenging gameplay. But is it good or bad? Let’s see!

The game revolves around a spinning wheel with 37 pockets (0 to 36). The lack of that extra 00 present in American Roulette offers better odds for the player in this game. It starts the same – players place their bets. Next, the dealer spins the roulette wheel. Once the winning number or color is announced, the winning bets are paid.

By the way, the payout varies. It depends on the bet. If you bet on a single number, the payout is 35 to 1, whereas if you bet on odd/even or red/black, it’s 1 to 1.

Pros of Playing European Roulette

There are many reasons why you should play this version. I’ll walk you through the main benefits.

Low house edge. Compared to American Roulette (5.26%), here, the house edge is significantly lower – 2.7%. Do you feel the difference? So, yes, European roulette is more favorable for newcomers.

Simple gameplay. The game rules are pretty simple. No extra 00 to mess up with you.

Various betting options. Similar to American roulette, the European version offers a range of betting options, starting with safer, even-money bets and reaching risky bets with high payouts.

Better odds for the player. The single zero on the wheel makes all the difference. So, the odds of winning are somewhat higher compared to other roulette variants, especially the American.

Cons of Playing European Roulette

We cannot have a clear picture without both sides of the coin.

Slow payouts. European Roulette usually has a slower pace, especially if it is a land-based casino. The crowded tables lead to long waits between spins.

Availability. Did you know that European Roulette is not that popular in North America? You’ll hardly find it in brick-and-mortar casinos. But you could always play online.

American vs European Roulette: Which to Choose?

On the one hand, the additional 00 in American Roulette adds more thrill to the game. On the other hand, the lack of 00 in European roulette lowers the house edge and boosts the odds for players. At the same time, the payouts are more or less the same. However, a higher house edge in American Roulette means more bets are needed. So, European Roulette is more rewarding in the long term.

Players usually choose American Roulette for its extra feel of risk, all due to that challenging double zero. The rush of adrenaline is unmatchable. But what if you prefer better odds and a slower-paced, strategic game? Then, European Roulette.

At the end of the day, it is up to you. If you asked me, I’d tell you that you could start with European Roulette as a new player to get a feel for the game and try American over time. Either way, you’ll get a feel for both games and understand which works best for you.

Generally, American Roulette is the best fit for those who want a more thrilling roulette session with higher risks and enjoy fast-paced games. And, if you want to enhance your chances of long-term success and prefer games with a more predictable outcome, European is the answer.

Hope you’ve found the answer to your question. Till the next time, may the odds be in your favor!