European Roulette
Definition
A roulette variant with 37 numbers (0-36) and a house edge of 2.7%. Has a single zero pocket, unlike American roulette which has two. Always choose European over American roulette for better odds.
European roulette is the original form of the game, featuring a wheel with 37 numbered pockets (0 through 36) and a single green zero. The house edge on all standard bets is 2.70%, making it significantly more favorable for players than American roulette, which adds a second zero (00) and nearly doubles the house edge to 5.26%.
The single-zero wheel means that even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) win 18 out of 37 times (48.65%), while in American roulette they win only 18 out of 38 times (47.37%). Over hundreds of bets, this difference translates into substantially lower losses for players choosing the European wheel.
Many European roulette games, particularly those labeled as French roulette, include the la partage or en prison rules on even-money bets. These rules further reduce the house edge to just 1.35% when the ball lands on zero. This makes European roulette with la partage one of the best bets in the casino, comparable to blackjack with basic strategy.
When playing roulette, always choose a European or French wheel over an American wheel. The mathematical advantage is clear and significant. If a casino offers both, there is never a reason to play American roulette. Online casinos almost always offer European roulette, and many live dealer games use the single-zero wheel as well.
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Related Terms
A roulette variant with 38 numbers (0, 00, 1-36) and a house edge of 5.26%. The extra double-zero pocket nearly doubles the house edge compared to European roulette. Mathematically inferior for the player.
House EdgeThe mathematical advantage the casino has over the player, expressed as a percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over the long run. For example, a 2% house edge means the casino expects to keep $2 for every $100 wagered. Different games and bets within games have different house edges.
En Prison RuleA European roulette rule where even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) are 'imprisoned' when the ball lands on zero. If the next spin wins, the bet is returned without profit. Reduces the house edge from 2.7% to 1.35%.
French RouletteA roulette variant with the same single-zero wheel as European roulette but featuring the la partage or en prison rules on even-money bets. Offers the lowest house edge in roulette at 1.35% on even-money wagers.
Biased WheelA roulette wheel with physical imperfections causing certain numbers to hit more frequently than expected. Historically, players like Joseph Jagger and Gonzalo Garc铆a-Pelayo exploited biased wheels. Modern casinos regularly test and replace wheels.
Zero (Roulette)The green pocket numbered 0 on the roulette wheel. Zero gives the house its edge because even-money bets (red/black) lose on zero. European roulette has one zero (2.7% edge); American roulette adds a double zero (5.26% edge).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is European Roulette?
A roulette variant with 37 numbers (0-36) and a house edge of 2.7%. Has a single zero pocket, unlike American roulette which has two. Always choose European over American roulette for better odds.
What terms are related to European Roulette?
Related concepts include: American Roulette, House Edge, En Prison Rule, French Roulette, Biased Wheel, Zero (Roulette). Understanding these terms together gives you a more complete picture of the concept.
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