American Roulette vs. European Roulette

Attribute	American Roulette	European Roulette
Number of pockets	38	37
Pocket colors	Red and black	Red and black
Number sequence	0, 00, 1-36	0, 1-36
House edge	5.26%	2.70%
Additional bets	Five-number bet	None
En Prison rule	No	Yes
La Partage rule	No	Yes
Popular in	North America	Europe

Introduction

Roulette is one of the most popular casino games worldwide, known for its thrilling gameplay and the chance to win big. There are several variations of roulette, but two of the most widely played are American Roulette and European Roulette. While both games share similarities, they also have distinct differences that can significantly impact the player's experience and odds of winning. In this article, we will explore the attributes of American Roulette and European Roulette, highlighting their unique features and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Origin and History

European Roulette, also known as French Roulette, is the original version of the game. It was first introduced in the 18th century and quickly gained popularity across Europe. The game's layout and rules were refined over time, leading to the creation of the European Roulette we know today. On the other hand, American Roulette emerged in the United States during the 19th century. It was developed as a modification of the European version, with an additional double zero (00) pocket added to the wheel. This alteration was made to increase the house edge and provide more favorable odds for the casino.

Wheel Layout

One of the most noticeable differences between American and European Roulette is the wheel layout. In European Roulette, the wheel features 37 pockets numbered from 0 to 36. The numbers are alternately colored in red and black, with the zero pocket colored in green. On the other hand, the American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets, including the numbers 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). The additional double zero pocket in American Roulette increases the house edge, making it slightly more challenging for players to win.

Betting Options

Both American and European Roulette offer a wide range of betting options, allowing players to place bets on individual numbers, groups of numbers, colors, odd or even numbers, and more. However, there is a slight difference in the available bets. In European Roulette, players can make a "Call Bet" or "Announced Bet," which involves placing bets on specific sections of the wheel based on their proximity on the layout. These bets are not commonly found in American Roulette, where players typically stick to the standard inside and outside bets.

House Edge

The house edge is a crucial factor to consider when comparing American and European Roulette. The presence of the double zero pocket in American Roulette increases the house edge to 5.26%. In contrast, European Roulette offers better odds for players, with a lower house edge of 2.70%. This means that, statistically, players have a higher chance of winning in European Roulette compared to its American counterpart. The lower house edge in European Roulette is one of the reasons why it is often preferred by experienced players and those looking for better odds.

En Prison and La Partage Rules

Another significant difference between American and European Roulette lies in the application of the "En Prison" and "La Partage" rules. These rules are only found in European Roulette and can have a positive impact on the player's odds. The "En Prison" rule applies when the ball lands on the zero pocket, and the player has placed an even-money bet (e.g., red/black, odd/even). In this case, the bet remains on the table for the next spin, and if the player wins, they receive their original bet back without any additional winnings. The "La Partage" rule is similar but instead of keeping the bet for another spin, the player immediately receives half of their bet back. These rules effectively reduce the house edge in European Roulette, making it even more appealing to players seeking better chances of winning.

Availability

When it comes to availability, American Roulette is more commonly found in casinos across the United States, Canada, and South America. This is due to its historical roots and the preference of American players. On the other hand, European Roulette is widely played in Europe and is also popular in online casinos worldwide. However, it is worth noting that both versions of the game can be found in many land-based and online casinos, ensuring that players have the option to choose their preferred variation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, American Roulette and European Roulette are two exciting variations of the popular casino game. While they share similarities in terms of gameplay and betting options, their differences are significant and can impact the player's odds of winning. European Roulette offers a lower house edge, making it more favorable for players seeking better chances of success. Additionally, the inclusion of the "En Prison" and "La Partage" rules further enhances the player's odds in European Roulette. On the other hand, American Roulette's double zero pocket increases the house edge, making it slightly more challenging to win. Ultimately, the choice between American and European Roulette comes down to personal preference and the level of risk a player is willing to take.