American vs. European roulette: Which one to choose?

Roulette is undoubtedly one of the most popular casino games that is also often featured in casino movies. The player chooses a number and places a bet. All he has to do now is to hope that the ball lands on the chosen number. How simple is that? But whenever you step into an online or land-based casino, you'll quickly notice the different versions of the game. The two main variants are American roulette and European roulette.

But what are the differences, and which version is right for you? The biggest difference lies in the wheel itself. European roulette has 37 squares, with numbers ranging from 0 to 36. American roulette has an extra double zero (00), with a total of 38 squares. European roulette is suitable for the tactical player, and gives a better chance of winning. For thrill-seekers, American roulette is a better choice.

Short history of roulette

It all began in the 17th century, when Blaire Pascal, a French mathematician, tried to build a machine that could keep itself in perpetual motion. His attempt was a failure, but not entirely. The result of his attempts was an exciting game that people had enjoyed for centuries. The game quickly spread throughout Europe. It landed in the United States several years later. In Europe, the version with one zero remained popular. In America, however, they decided to differentiate themselves and add a double zero. This gave birth to the American version of the game.

Did you even know that roulette literally means “little wheel”?

Difference Between American and European Roulette

1. The wheel and the numbers

The wheel is the main difference between the two versions. You can bet on 37 numbers in European roulette, from 0 to 36. But on an American wheel, there is one extra slot: the double zero (00). In total American roulette thus has 38 slots. While it might not appear significant, even a single digit can dramatically impact your odds of success. You'll read more about that later!

European Roulette

American Roulette

2. House edge

Here’s the interesting (or frustrating) part: the house edge. This metric indicates the long-term profit of the casino. It is the inverse of the return players expect (return to player) during their games.

So yes, if you look at the numbers alone, European roulette gives you a better chance of winning.

3. Betting options

Both versions of roulette offer similar betting options, such as groups of numbers or colors. In addition to all these traditional bets, American roulette adds the five-number bet. This bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Despite its appeal, the statistical probability of success for this bet is significantly lower. This is why traditional bets are a more favorable option.

In European roulette, we find the “La Partage” or “En Prison” rule. The ball lands on 0? Then you either get half of your stake back or your stake remains for the next spin. This further reduces the house edge when betting on red/black, even/even, or high/low.

Understanding the different betting options and payouts is an important step before playing roulette.

4. Playing experience

If you look at where these games are most popular, European Roulette is the favorite in, you guessed it, Europe. In this variant, you have a slightly higher chance of winning because there is one less spot on the wheel. This, of course, makes it extra exciting for players who like to be tactical.

American Roulette is mainly popular in the United States. This game is just a tad faster and more exciting because here there is an extra spot on the wheel. That means more risk, but also more chance of a bigger win! No wonder this game is so popular in casinos around the world, like at PepperMill Casino.

Which version should you choose?

It all depends on your playing style. Are you looking for the best possible odds? Then go for European roulette. With only one zero and the chance to get half your stake back if the ball lands on zero, you play with the lowest house edge here.

But maybe you just love the excitement and challenge. In that case, American Roulette is more your thing. The extra risk due to the double zero makes it just a bit more exciting, especially if you are someone who likes to play all or nothing.

Both versions do allow you to employ different roulette betting strategies such as the hot and cold numbers strategy.

Playing roulette at PepperMill Casino

The choice between American and European Roulette can greatly influence your winning potential. With its lower house edge, European Roulette offers a better opportunity for success. However, American roulette is a better fit if you are looking for a bigger challenge and more excitement.

Regardless of the variant you choose, it's important to remember that roulette is a game of chance. The house or casino will always have an advantage. Make sure to learn the roulette rules well and play responsibly to fully enjoy the experience!