Roulette is one of the most iconic and visually thrilling games available on any casino floor.

Understanding the difference between the American and European variations is the most crucial strategy in the game.

The Green Zero: The House’s Secret Weapon

On a European table, the presence of the single zero is what prevents the even-money bets from being perfectly 50/50.

Conversely, the American layout adds an extra green slot—the double zero—significantly altering the math of the game.

• The single zero is the only reason the casino makes a profit on Red/Black or Odd/Even wagers
• Adding a second zero effectively doubles the speed at which you will statistically lose your bankroll
• The visual layout of the numbers on the wheel itself is also completely different between the two versions

The ‘En Prison’ and ‘La Partage’ Rules

If you can find a French roulette table, you will encounter the best possible odds for this specific game.

The ‘En Prison’ rule allows your even-money bet to remain ‘in prison’ for the next spin if a zero hits, giving you a second chance.

If you have the option, you should absolutely never sit down at an American roulette table.