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.

Understanding the Wheel Layouts

A standard European wheel contains only one green slot (the 0), giving the house its mathematical advantage.

The American wheel, however, features 38 slots: numbers 1 through 36, a single zero, AND a double zero (00).

• The payouts for hitting a single number are exactly the same (35 to 1) on both wheels
• Because the payouts are identical but the American wheel has an extra number, your odds of winning decrease
• You are taking on more risk for the exact same potential reward when playing the American version

The ‘En Prison’ and ‘La Partage’ Rules

Certain high-end European tables utilize the ‘La Partage’ rule, which further reduces the house advantage.

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.

By simply choosing the European wheel, you instantly double your expected mathematical longevity at the casino.