Key Differences Between European and American Roulette

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Roulette Wheel Layout

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The most noticeable difference is in the roulette wheel itself.

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• - European roulette features 37 pockets (0-36), with a single green zero (0).
• - American roulette has 38 pockets, adding a double zero (00) to the mix.

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At first glance, one extra number might not seem significant, but it affects the overall odds and house edge, making American roulette a riskier option.

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House Edge: Why European Roulette is Better

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One of the most crucial differences between the two versions is the house edge:

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• - European roulette: House edge of 2.70%
• - American roulette: House edge of 5.26%

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The additional 00 in American roulette nearly doubles the house edge, reducing your chances of winning. If you’re looking for better odds, European roulette is the clear winner.

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Special Rules: En Prison and La Partage

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European roulette has two optional rules that benefit players:

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• - En Prison: If the ball lands on zero, you can keep your even-money bet for the next spin instead of losing it.
• - La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, you get half of your bet back.

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These rules don’t exist in American roulette, further tilting the odds in favor of European roulette players.

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Unique Bets in Each Version

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• - Call Bets (European Roulette Only): These special bets cover specific sections of the wheel, such as Voisins du Zero and Orphelins.
• - Five-Number Bet (American Roulette Only): A high-risk bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, with an extreme house edge of 7.89%.

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RTP and Payouts: Are They the Same?

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Despite the differences in house edge, both versions of roulette have the same payout structure:

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• 1. Straight bet: 35:1
• 2. Split bet: 17:1
• 3. Street bet: 11:1
• 4. Even-money bets: 1:1

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However, European roulette offers a higher RTP (97.3%) compared to American roulette (94.7%), reinforcing why it’s the preferred choice.

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Which Roulette Version Should You Play?

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If you have the option, always choose European roulette. The lower house edge and additional player-friendly rules make it the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a challenge or just want to mix things up, American roulette can still provide an exciting experience.

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