Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.

European and American roulette may look nearly identical to the untrained eye, but the math differs wildly.

The Difference is in the Zeros

A European roulette wheel features 37 pockets in total: the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0).

This single extra pocket on the American wheel drastically alters the mathematical probabilities of the game.

• The extra number changes all probability calculations
• The betting layout is slightly larger on the American table
• European tables often use a different chip system

Why the House Edge Matters

With a house edge of 2.70%, European roulette is relatively fair compared to many other casino games.

There is absolutely no mathematical justification for ever choosing to play American roulette if European is available.

Lowering the Edge Even Further

The "En Prison" rule "imprisons" your bet for the next spin if the zero hits, giving you a second chance.

American roulette essentially never offers these rules, further cementing its status as the inferior option.

Online casinos almost always offer both, so be vigilant and always click on the European wheel.