The differences between European and American online roulette

A true emblem of both land-based and Belgian online casinos, roulette is undoubtedly the casino game everyone knows. Who hasn’t heard the famous phrases “Rien ne va plus!” or “Les jeux sont faits!” that dealers announce during every game?

Today, let’s focus on two popular roulette variants: European roulette and American roulette. We’ll compare them and highlight the key differences. Casino King, your 100% Belgian and legal online casino, explains all the nuances in this blog.

First, a bit of roulette history

Let’s begin with the first variant, European roulette, which is believed to have evolved from a 17th-century Italian game called Biribi. The first version of roulette was developed in France in the 18th century. Initially, it featured both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00).

A century later, the double zero was removed from European roulette. Over the years, the game spread across Europe and became a massive success. Around the same time, French expatriates brought roulette to the United States, where the double zero was reintroduced to increase profits and attract thrill-seeking players. This rivalry between the two versions still exists today on casino tables worldwide.

The basics of European and American Roulette

European Roulette

This is generally considered the classic version of the game. It features a wheel divided into 37 numbered pockets, ranging from 0 to 36. The zero is green, while the other numbers alternate between red and black.

You can enjoy European roulette on games like Pragmatic Play’s Auto Roulette or Amusnet’s Virtual Vegas Roulette.

American Roulette

As seen in games like Gaming 1’s American Roulette or RedPanda’s American Roulette, the American roulette wheel has 38 pockets. In addition to the single zero, it also features a double zero (00).

Different types of bets in European and American roulette

Both versions offer a wide range of betting options:

Simple Bets

These are the most basic bets. You wager on a color (red or black), an odd or even number, or one-half of the wheel (numbers 1–18 or 19–36).

Compound Bets

These bets cover multiple numbers at once. You can bet on a dozen numbers, a column, a square of four numbers, a line of three numbers, or two adjacent numbers.

Special Bets

These are more advanced bets that cover specific groups of numbers, such as numbers near zero.

Specific Betting Features

The “En Prison” Rule

In European roulette, if you bet on a color or column and the ball lands on zero, your bet isn’t immediately lost. You can either reclaim half your stake or leave it “in prison” for the next round.

The “Five Number” Bet:

This unique bet is exclusive to American roulette. It’s a bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3.

Strategies for Online Roulette

Many roulette strategies circulate, but which one should you choose? The Martingale, Fibonacci, or other more complex methods? While these systems may seem intriguing, it is essential to understand that roulette is primarily a game of chance. The house edge is always present, and no system can guarantee long-term winnings.

However, understanding the rules and the various types of bets can help you make more informed decisions and maximize your enjoyment of the game.

European vs American Roulette: The final verdict

In summary, European roulette is clearly the best option for online casino players looking to maximize their chances of winning. With a lower house edge compared to American roulette, it offers more favorable odds.

While American roulette has its charm for some, European roulette is the superior option from a mathematical perspective.