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

The European roulette wheel features 37 slots in total: numbers 1 through 36, plus a single green zero.

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

• European roulette has a house edge of 2.70%, which is relatively standard for a table game
• American roulette has a house edge of 5.26%, making it one of the worst bets on the entire floor
• Always check the wheel before placing a chip to see how many green slots exist

Advanced European Roulette Rules

In addition to the better wheel layout, some European (often called French) tables offer incredibly favorable special rules.

These rules effectively cut the house edge in half again, dropping it to a phenomenally low 1.35% on outside bets.

There is absolutely no strategic reason to ever play the double-zero variation if a single-zero table is available.