Roulette Variations: European, American & French
Discover the differences between European, American, and French roulette. Learn about house edges, special rules, and which variation offers the best odds for players.
European Roulette
European roulette features a wheel with 37 pockets (numbers 0-36) with a single zero. This is the most popular variation and offers the best standard house edge.
Key Features
- • Pockets: 37 (0-36)
- • House Edge: 2.7%
- • Layout: Numbers arranged differently than American
- • Best For: Players seeking better odds
American Roulette
American roulette has 38 pockets including both single zero (0) and double zero (00). The additional pocket increases the house edge compared to European roulette.
Key Features
- • Pockets: 38 (0, 00, 1-36)
- • House Edge: 5.26%
- • Layout: Numbers arranged in different pattern
- • Note: Higher house edge due to double zero
French Roulette
French roulette uses the same 37-pocket wheel as European, but includes special rules (La Partage and En Prison) that reduce the house edge on even-money bets to just 1.35%.
Special Rules
- • La Partage: Get half your bet back when zero hits on even-money bets
- • En Prison: Your bet stays for another spin when zero hits
- • House Edge: 1.35% on even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low)
- • Best For: Players betting on even-money options
Comparison Table
| Feature | European | American | French |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pockets | 37 | 38 | 37 |
| Zeros | 1 (0) | 2 (0, 00) | 1 (0) |
| House Edge | 2.7% | 5.26% | 1.35%* |
| Special Rules | None | None | La Partage, En Prison |
*House edge on even-money bets only
Which Variation is Best?
Best Overall Odds
French Roulette offers the best odds with a house edge of just 1.35% on even-money bets thanks to La Partage and En Prison rules.
Most Common
European Roulette is the most widely available and offers good odds with a 2.7% house edge.
Avoid If Possible
American Roulette has the highest house edge at 5.26% due to the double zero. Only play if no other options are available.
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