European vs. American Roulette: Spotting the Difference
Whether you find yourself in a lavish European casino or under the dazzling lights of an American gambling mecca, one thing is for certain – roulette is a game that captivates players from all walks of life. But did you know that there are subtle yet significant differences between European and American roulette? In this blog post, we’ll unravel the mysteries behind these two popular gambling variations and help you spot the key distinctions.
Number of Zeroes
Once you put these two roulettes head-to-head, you’ll see how the number of zeroes on the wheel differs so much. In European roulette, there is only a single zero pocket (marked as 0), while in its American counterpart, you’ll find both a single zero and a double zero (marked as 00). This seemingly small distinction can have a significant impact on your gameplay.
The presence of an additional zero in American roulette increases the house edge compared to European roulette. With two zeros instead of one, players face higher odds against them when placing their bets. This means that over time, statistically speaking, players are more likely to lose money playing American roulette than its European counterpart.
So why does this matter? Well, it all boils down to probabilities. The addition of another zero changes the odds for certain bets and ultimately affects your chances of winning. Whether you’re betting on red or black, odd or even numbers, or specific combinations like columns or dozens – that extra double-zero can tip the scales in favor of the house.
House Edge
Now, let’s talk about their house edge. In roulette, this advantage comes from the presence of zero (or double zero) pockets on the wheel. In European roulette, there is only one zero pocket, giving it a lower house edge compared to its American counterpart. With just a single zero pocket, the odds of winning are slightly higher for players betting on individual numbers or even/odd bets.
This means that in European roulette, you have a better chance of walking away with some winnings. On the other hand, American roulette features both a single zero and a double zero pocket. This additional pocket increases the house edge significantly and reduces your chances of winning overall. It means that for every dollar you bet on an American roulette table, you are more likely to lose compared to playing European roulette.
Bet Names and Layout
In European roulette, the numbers on the wheel are arranged in a specific order: 0-32-15-19-4-21-2-25-17-34-6…and so on. The betting layout also reflects this sequence, with various options for players to place their bets. Some common bet names you’ll come across include straight-up (betting on a single number), split (betting on two adjacent numbers), corner (betting on four connected numbers), and street (betting on three consecutive numbers).
On the other hand, American roulette has its unique arrangement. The wheel includes an additional double zero pocket alongside the single zero pocket found in European roulette. This extra pocket not only changes the odds but also affects some of the bet names and layouts. For instance, there is a special five-number bet available in American roulette that covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3.
En Prison & La Partage Rules
In European roulette, the En Prison rule allows players who have placed even-money bets (such as red/black or odd/even) to keep their bet “in prison” for another spin if the ball lands on zero. If their bet wins on that subsequent spin, they will receive their original wager back; however, if it loses again, they lose their bet.
On the other hand, in French roulette (a variation of European roulette), there is an alternative rule called “La Partage.” Under this rule, players also get half of their even-money bets returned immediately when zero hits. This reduces the house edge further and increases player odds slightly.
Now that we’ve explored the key differences between European and American Roulette, you may be wondering which one is better to play. Well, the answer ultimately depends on your personal preferences and playing style.
