When it comes to casino games, roulette is definitely one of the most popular. Over the years, this popularity has led to several roulette variants being developed, giving gamblers a wide selection to choose from. The most prominent versions are European Roulette and American Roulette, each of which has its own rules, regulations, and betting options. Both variants follow the standard roulette format; however, there are bets, rules, odds, and layouts that are specific to each type. In this article, we explore the difference between European Roulette and American Roulette in more detail. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a newbie, keep reading to improve your knowledge on the classic table game.
Numbers and Layout
The biggest difference between American and European Roulette is the layout. American Roulette has 38 pockets on the wheel, while European Roulette only has 37. This is because the European roulette wheel has one ‘0’ pocket while the American wheel has two – ‘0’ and ’00’. Despite having a different number of pockets, both variants have 18 black pockets and 18 red. The only difference is the number of zeros.
As well as having an extra zero pocket, American roulette wheels have a different sequence to the European version. Unlike the European roulette wheel, the American wheel has a counterclockwise setup. As you’ve probably guessed, this means that the numbers are laid out in counterclockwise order. This makes the structure of the wheel look slightly different; however, both wheels are precisely laid out to ensure that the reds and blacks and odds and evens are properly distributed. This allows you to rest easy, knowing that everything is fair and above board.
House Edge
Another key difference between American and European roulette is how the variation in numbers affects the house edge. This is one of the main factors to consider when choosing which type of roulette to play.
European roulette has a house edge of 2.70%. This is because the inclusion of the zero pocket tips the odds against you whenever you place a bet. For instance, if you bet on black, you’d think you have a 50% chance of winning, seeing as there are 18 black pockets and 18 red. However, as the zero pocket is green, the odds are tipped in favour of the house. This means that if the ball lands in black, you win, but if the ball falls in red or green, you lose.
The house edge in American roulette is 5.26%, which is almost double that of its European counterpart. This is because the American wheel has two zero pockets, giving the house an even greater advantage on even-money bets. The payouts remain the same across the different formats, so many people opt for European roulette as you stand a better chance of winning.
Rules and Regulations
The basic rules of the game remain the same across different variants. However, there are specific actions that you can take in each version of the game. It’s worth noting that some of these rules may not apply when you play European roulette online, so it’s always best to check before you get stuck in.
In European roulette, there are two key actions to consider. The first is the “En Prison” rule, which allows you to spin again if you make an even-money bet, but the ball lands in the zero pocket. Taking advantage of this action can reduce the house edge to 1.35%.
The second action to consider in European Roulette is ‘call bets.’ This bet type is announced by the dealer, rather than placing your chips on the table as you would usually. Call bets are typically reserved for more complex bets, such as red splits and neighbours.
So, what are the specific rules for American roulette? First of all, you’ve got the ‘five number bet.’ This is placed on 1, 2, 3, 0, and 00, which is why you can’t use it on a European roulette wheel. The house edge of the five-number bet is 7.9%, so it’s one of the riskier betting options. Despite the generous payout of 6:1, it’s seen as being one of the least profitable bets you can make. For this reason, most players tend to avoid it.
Which Roulette Type is Better?
So, now you know the difference between European Roulette and American Roulette, but which is better? The answer to that depends on what you want from the game. If you’re hoping to reduce the house edge, go for European roulette. With the already low house edge and the added option of the “En Prison” rule, you’ll have a better chance of winning with the European roulette system.
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