Roulette looks simple on the surface: place a bet, spin the wheel, and wait for the ball to land. But the version of roulette you play can have a big impact on your long-term results. The biggest difference is also the easiest to spot: European roulette typically uses a single-zero wheel, while American roulette uses a double-zero wheel.
That extra pocket in American roulette might feel like a small change, but it meaningfully increases the casino’s built-in advantage. The good news is that once you know what to look for, you can consistently choose roulette games with more favorable odds, especially when you find French roulette rules like La Partage or En Prison.
Quick Comparison: European vs American Roulette at a Glance
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel pockets | 37 (1–36 plus 0) | 38 (1–36 plus 0 and 00) |
| Zeros | Single-zero | Double-zero |
| Standard house edge | About 2.70% | About 5.26% |
| Standard RTP (expected return) | About 97.30% | About 94.74% |
| Best common rule upgrades | La Partage / En Prison (on many French tables) | Less common; most American tables keep standard rules |
If your goal is to stretch your bankroll and get more play time per session, the numbers above point to a clear favorite: single-zero roulette is usually the smarter pick.
Why the Extra 00 Matters: Pocket Counts and House Edge
Roulette payouts are generally based on the idea that there are 36 “main” numbers (1–36). The zeros are what create the casino advantage. When you add an extra zero pocket, you increase the chance that the ball lands on a result that is unfavorable to most bets.
European roulette: 37 pockets
- Numbers: 1–36
- Zero: 0
- Total pockets: 37
With standard European rules, the house edge is about 2.70%, meaning the expected return to player (RTP) is about 97.30% over the long run.
American roulette: 38 pockets
- Numbers: 1–36
- Zeros: 0 and 00
- Total pockets: 38
With two zero pockets, the house edge rises to about 5.26%, which corresponds to an RTP of about 94.74%.
That difference can be felt in real play: with a lower house edge, you tend to experience longer sessions on average, because less of each wager is mathematically “spent” on the house advantage.
European, French, and American Roulette: How the Variants Compare
People often say “European roulette” when they mean “single-zero roulette,” but in practice there are a few common variants you’ll run into. Knowing the labels helps you quickly identify the best value.
European roulette (single-zero, standard rules)
This is the most common single-zero format. It usually does not include special rules that refund part of your bet when 0 appears (unless it is explicitly labeled as French rules).
French roulette (single-zero, with favorable zero rules)
French roulette typically uses a single-zero wheel like European roulette, but it may add rules that improve outcomes on even-money bets (such as red / black, odd / even, and high / low). The two famous rules are La Partage and En Prison.
American roulette (double-zero)
American roulette includes both 0 and 00, increasing the house edge. It is widely available in many casinos and online lobbies, so it pays to slow down and verify the wheel type before you buy in.
La Partage and En Prison: How They Improve Your Odds
If you enjoy outside bets and want a more player-friendly game, French-style rules can be a major win. Both La Partage and En Prison are designed to soften the impact of the single zero, but they typically apply only to even-money bets.
What are even-money bets?
Even-money bets are the outside wagers that normally pay 1:1:
- Red or Black
- Odd or Even
- 1–18 (Low) or 19–36 (High)
La Partage (split the stake)
With La Partage, if you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on 0, you lose only half your stake instead of the full amount. This effectively cuts the house edge on even-money bets to about 1.35% (with an RTP of about 98.65% on those bets).
En Prison (the bet goes “to prison”)
With En Prison, if you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on 0, your bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If your bet wins on the next spin, you typically get your original stake back (not additional winnings). If it loses, you lose the stake. In many common rule sets, this produces a similar long-term improvement to about 1.35% house edge on even-money bets, though the exact handling can vary by venue.
The practical takeaway is simple: if you like betting red / black or odd / even, a French table with La Partage or En Prison can be one of the most value-friendly roulette options you’ll find.
Bet Types in Roulette: Inside vs Outside Bets (and What They Pay)
Roulette betting is often grouped into two categories: inside bets (specific numbers and small combinations) and outside bets (bigger groups of numbers). Understanding these helps you match your style to the table rules you choose.
Inside bets (higher payout, lower hit rate)
- Straight up: one number (pays 35:1)
- Split: two adjacent numbers (pays 17:1)
- Street: three numbers in a row (pays 11:1)
- Corner: four-number block (pays 8:1)
- Six line (double street): six numbers (pays 5:1)
Inside bets can deliver exciting wins, and they are popular for players who enjoy big payout potential. Keep in mind, though, that the house edge is still driven by the wheel layout: the single-zero vs double-zero difference still matters.
Outside bets (lower payout, higher hit rate)
- Red / Black (pays 1:1)
- Odd / Even (pays 1:1)
- 1–18 / 19–36 (pays 1:1)
- Dozens: 1–12, 13–24, 25–36 (pays 2:1)
- Columns: one of three columns (pays 2:1)
Outside bets pair especially well with French rules because La Partage and En Prison are usually focused on even-money bets, giving you a measurable edge reduction compared to standard rules.
Strategy Implications: How to Get More Value From Every Spin
Roulette is a negative expectation game in the long run, but you can absolutely make smarter choices that minimize the casino advantage and maximize entertainment value and session length. Here are the most practical, player-friendly moves.
1) Prefer single-zero tables whenever possible
The most impactful improvement is simply choosing European or French roulette (37 pockets) instead of American roulette (38 pockets). A standard shift from about 5.26% to about 2.70% is a meaningful upgrade for expected value.
2) Seek out La Partage or En Prison for even-money play
If your favorite bets are red / black, odd / even, or high / low, French rules can reduce the house edge on those wagers to around 1.35%. That’s one of the best “built-in” upgrades available in mainstream roulette.
3) Match your bet selection to the rule set
- If you have La Partage or En Prison, even-money outside bets become particularly attractive.
- If you are playing standard rules, you can still enjoy any bet type, but your best improvement still comes from choosing single-zero over double-zero.
4) Use bankroll structure to extend play time
Because roulette outcomes vary widely in the short run, a simple bankroll approach can improve your experience:
- Set a budget for the session and stick to it.
- Choose a base unit size that allows many spins (for example, 100 units instead of 20 units).
- Consider flatter staking (consistent bet sizes) if your goal is longer, steadier sessions.
These choices do not change the math of the wheel, but they do help you enjoy the lower house edge you gain by choosing the right roulette variant.
European vs American Roulette: Expected Return Examples (RTP)
RTP (return to player) is the long-run percentage of wagered money that is expected to be returned to players as winnings. It is not a promise for any single session, but it is a helpful way to compare games.
| Game / Rule Set | Typical house edge | Typical RTP |
|---|---|---|
| European roulette (single-zero) | About 2.70% | About 97.30% |
| French roulette (La Partage or En Prison on even-money bets) | About 1.35% (even-money bets) | About 98.65% (even-money bets) |
| American roulette (double-zero) | About 5.26% | About 94.74% |
From a value perspective, this is why experienced players often recommend: choose European or French roulette first, and only play American roulette if it is your only option or you specifically prefer that format.
How to Identify the Best Roulette Table (Casino or Online)
Whether you are in a live casino, browsing games online, or want to play blackjack online, a few quick checks can steer you toward better odds.
Look for the wheel zeros
- Best: single-zero (0)
- Less favorable: double-zero (0 and 00)
Check the table rules for French options
If you see La Partage or En Prison, that is a strong sign the game is designed to be more player-friendly for even-money bets.
Verify the payout structure is standard
Most roulette uses standard payouts (for example, straight up paying 35:1). If a game deviates from standard payouts, that can change the effective house edge. In general, sticking with well-known roulette formats and clearly stated rules is a smart way to keep things predictable.
Recommended Approach: The Most Player-Friendly Way to Play Roulette
If you want a roulette experience that combines excitement with stronger value, here is a simple, practical plan:
- Start by choosing European roulette (single-zero) over American roulette (double-zero).
- If available, upgrade to a French roulette table offering La Partage or En Prison, especially if you enjoy even-money bets.
- Use a bankroll plan that supports longer play, so you fully benefit from the lower house edge.
Roulette is all about the spin, the suspense, and the simplicity. By picking the right wheel and the right rules, you keep that fun feeling while giving yourself the best mathematical deal available in mainstream roulette.
FAQ: Common Questions About European and American Roulette
Is European roulette always better than American roulette?
From an odds standpoint, European roulette is typically better because the single-zero wheel creates a lower house edge (about 2.70%) than the double-zero wheel (about 5.26%).
Do La Partage and En Prison improve every roulette bet?
Usually, no. These rules most commonly apply to even-money outside bets. They are especially valuable if you like red / black, odd / even, or high / low.
Does the wheel layout order of numbers change the house edge?
The house edge is driven primarily by the number of pockets and the payout rules, not the sequence of numbers around the wheel.
What is the single best tip to improve roulette odds?
Choose a single-zero game. If you can also find La Partage or En Prison and you enjoy even-money bets, that is an additional upgrade that can further reduce the casino advantage on those bets.
