Discover free Lucky 15 horse racing tips curated by WhichBookie experts, along with full access to our Lucky 15 Calculator further down the page.
Date published: March 8, 2025
Among the most beloved games in any casino, roulette offers excitement to both casual players and seasoned gamblers.
Initially brought to life by the French scientist Blaise Pascal back in 1655, roulette has been a staple in casinos since the late 1800s.
As roulette traveled across borders, small tweaks emerged in its gameplay. Today, European and American Roulette are the two primary versions, and grasping their distinctions can significantly impact your strategy and potential winnings.
At first glance, the fundamental difference between a European and an American Roulette wheel is the additional number featured on the latter.
While European Roulette numbers span from 0 to 36, American Roulette introduces a double zero (00) into the mix.
Furthermore, the sequence of numbers on the roulette wheel differs, often bewildering players swapping between European and American versions.
With the double zero in American Roulette, your odds of winning drop. Betting on a solitary number means a 1 in 38 chance in American Roulette, compared to a 1 in 37 chance in European Roulette.
Typically, reduced winning odds result in higher payout ratios, yet American Roulette diverges from this trend and mirrors European Roulette's payouts. Should you bet £1 on a lucky number, your reward remains £36 across both wheel types, despite lower winning chances in American Roulette!
Consequently, American Roulette carries a higher house advantage than its European counterpart.
| Bet Type | Payout Odds | Probability | House Edge | Return To Player (RTP) |
| Straight | 35/1 | 2.63% | 5.26% | 94.74% |
| Split | 17/1 | 5.26% | 5.26% | 94.74% |
| Street | 11/1 | 7.89% | 5.26% | 94.74% |
| Square or Corner | 8/1 | 10.53% | 5.26% | 94.74% |
| Five Line | 6/1 | 13.16% | 7.89% | 92.11% |
| Six Line | 5/1 | 15.79% | 5.26% | 94.74% |
| Column | 2/1 | 31.58% | 5.26% | 94.74% |
| Dozen | 2/1 | 31.58% | 5.26% | 94.74% |
| Red / Black | 1/1 | 46.37% | 5.26% | 94.74% |
| Odd / Even | 1/1 | 46.37% | 5.26% | 94.74% |
| High / Low | 1/1 | 46.37% | 5.26% | 94.74% |
| Bet Type | Payout Odds | Probability | House Edge | Return To Player (RTP) |
| Straight | 35/1 | 2.70% | 2.70% | 97.30% |
| Split | 17/1 | 5.41% | 2.70% | 97.30% |
| Street | 11/1 | 8.11% | 2.70% | 97.30% |
| Square or Corner | 8/1 | 10.81% | 2.70% | 97.30% |
| Six Line | 5/1 | 16.20% | 2.70% | 97.30% |
| Column | 2/1 | 32.40% | 2.70% | 97.30% |
| Dozen | 2/1 | 32.40% | 2.70% | 97.30% |
| Red / Black | 1/1 | 48.64% | 2.70% | 97.30% |
| Odd / Even | 1/1 | 48.64% | 2.70% | 97.30% |
| High / Low | 1/1 | 48.64% | 2.70% | 97.30% |
American Roulette's addition of the double zero almost doubles the house's edge compared to European Roulette.
Rules in both European and American Roulette largely align, though certain European Roulette rules can ofter tip the scales in the player's favor.
These rules are:
These beneficial rules for even-money bets are available only at select casinos in European Roulette.
The 'En Prison' rule allows players to retrieve bets if the ball lands on zero and their original bet thrives in the next round.
The 'La Partage' rule splits a player's evens bet 50/50 with the casino if zero is hit, substantially benefiting the player by reducing the house edge from 2.70% to 1.35%. This rule, while rare, persists in some French casinos.
Given its notably lower house edge, European Roulette is undoubtedly the superior option. When the games run in parallel fashion but one offers a higher payout, American Roulette pales in comparison.
The majority of land-based and digital casinos feature both roulette versions; hopefully, this guide helps direct you towards European Roulette for more favorable outcomes.
In any casino section of an online platform, you're likely to encounter variations such as American, European, Lightning, Speed, and Spread Bet Roulette.
Among our top choices for online roulette is Bet365, offering a diverse selection of virtual and live roulette gaming tables.
If you're not yet registered with Bet365, follow the link below to sign up and receive up to £100 in bet credits via their welcome offer.
A minimum deposit is needed. Bet credits are available after settling qualifying bets. Restrictions on minimum odds, betting, and payment methods apply. Winnings exclude original stake. Registration necessary. Time constraints and terms apply. GambleAware.org #ad
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Discover free Lucky 15 horse racing tips curated by WhichBookie experts, along with full access to our Lucky 15 Calculator further down the page.
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