Casino & Poker

What is the difference between European and American Roulette?

roulette table game

Here at NetBet online casino UK, we ensure that we cover all categories of games to satisfy the palate of all kinds of players. It’s safe to say that roulette online is one of the most popular table games in our lobby. When it comes to this game of chance, there are two classic variants you must try – European and American.

They’re different in rules and gameplay features, and if you want to learn more, read our guide on their differences here at NetBet Casino.

European Roulette

European roulette is the standard game of roulette. It’s pretty close to the original roulette game played in French aristocracy casinos centuries ago. The wheel consists of 37 pockets numbered 0-36. It has one green zero (0) pocket which represents the house edge. The house edge on this variant is 2.70%. This is the roulette game that many label classic, as it represents the original from which all variants are created.

Right next to the wheel, there’s a table with inside and outside bets. The inside bets are riskier and allow you to bet on a single number. The so-called straight up bet has a return of 35:1. It’s the riskiest option, of course, as are all inside bets. They offer a better return, but the risk of losing is much higher.

Outside bets offer different returns, including 50:50 splits on odd/even or red/black. They’re great for new players as they’re easier to grasp and offer a better chance at winning.

American Roulette

American roulette is a beefed-up version of the original European wheel. Unlike it, the American wheel has two zero pockets, which drastically increases the house edge. It’s also much riskier to play, but if you ask experienced players, that’s the thrill of it.

Main Differences

The main difference between European and American roulette is the extra double-zero (00) pocket on the American wheel. It takes the house edge from 2.70% to 5.26%. The good news is that it’s the only big difference between the wheels. European roulette is great for beginners, and you can play it for free right here at NetBet Casino.

You can also do the same with American roulette, but the risk of losing is much higher. All the inside and outside bets are the same, so save for the higher house edge, the gameplay remains the same.

When playing online roulette, it’s a good idea to play with a strategy. First and foremost, you should always play responsibly by setting a budget and sticking to it. 

When you choose NetBet, you can enjoy a whole range of top-quality slots. Whatever you choose, always remember to bet responsibly. Here at NetBet, player well-being is our number one priority – check out our Responsible Gambling tips and tools page for more information.