18+. New players only. Min deposit €20. 1st deposit: 50 spins on Big Bass Bonanza. 35x wagering applies, within 21 days. Spins expire after 24 hours. Full T&Cs Apply
European vs American Roulette: Which Is Better?
Roulette is one of the most well-known casino games, found both online and in land-based venues. But if you’ve taken a look at online tables, you may have seen different versions available—most commonly European and American roulette.
While both use a spinning wheel and numbered pockets, there are key differences that can affect how the game works, including your chances of winning.
This guide explains what sets these two versions apart. It covers how each wheel is designed, what that means for your odds, and how potential payouts are handled.
Whether you’re new to roulette, or simply want a clear breakdown before choosing a table, this article can help you understand how both types work. By the end, you’ll have the information you need to decide which version you prefer based on your own preferences and understanding.
What’s The Difference Between European and American Roulette?
The biggest difference between European and American roulette is the number of pockets on the wheel, which can influence both the structure of the game and your chances of winning.
European roulette has 37 numbered pockets. These include the numbers 1 to 36, plus a single green pocket marked with a 0. The numbers are coloured red and black, while the zero is green. This layout is used in most UK-based casinos, and is often the standard version on regulated online platforms.
American roulette adds an extra green pocket: the 00 (double zero). This means the wheel contains 38 pockets in total. Although the numbers are still 1 to 36 with red and black colours, the presence of both a 0 and 00 means there are now two green spaces.
This one change may sound small, but it has a direct impact on how the game plays out. The double zero alters the wheel’s layout and slightly shifts the number sequence. It also changes the mathematical edge the casino has over the player.
European vs American Roulette: Odds and Payouts Compared
Roulette bets are based on where the ball lands once the wheel stops spinning. You can place bets on individual numbers, groups of numbers, or broader categories like red/black or odd/even.
One common type of bet is the straight-up bet, where you choose a single number. This bet pays 35 to 1 if the ball lands on that number. For example, a £1 bet would return £35 in winnings, plus your £1 stake. This payout structure usually applies to both European and American versions.
However, while the potential payouts are the same, the chance of winning a straight-up bet is slightly better in European roulette. You have a 1 in 37 chance (about 2.70%) on a European wheel, but only a 1 in 38 chance (about 2.63%) on an American one. The same applies to other bet types. For example, a bet on red covers 18 of the 37 pockets in European roulette, but only 18 of 38 in American roulette. This small difference changes the overall probability.
The addition of the double zero means that all bets in American roulette carry slightly lower odds of winning, even though the potential payout amounts stay the same. The presence of this extra pocket increases the mathematical advantage held by the casino.
Does European or American Roulette Have a Higher House Edge?
The term house edge refers to the built-in advantage that the casino has over the player. It is usually shown as a percentage and tells you how much, on average, the casino expects to keep from all the bets placed on a game over time.
In European roulette, the house edge is about 2.70%, which means that for every £100 bet, the expected long-term casino return is around £2.70. In American roulette, due to the extra 00 pocket, the house edge increases to approximately 5.26%.
This means European roulette has a lower house edge compared to American roulette, which may appeal to players who are comparing the potential returns of each version.
That said, the house edge is just one part of the overall experience. Some people might prefer one version over the other based on factors like the layout of the wheel, how the game flows, or their personal preferences. What feels right will be different for each person.
Play Roulette Online at Dream Jackpot
Dream Jackpot online casino offers access to both European and American roulette, giving you the option to try each and see which one suits you. You’ll also find a wide range of other games, including digital slot machines and card tables.
All games on the site operate under a licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This means they follow strict standards for fairness, safety, and responsible gambling. Before playing, it can be helpful to check the specific game rules, as some versions may offer slightly different layouts, side bets, or optional features.
Online roulette games may be either software-based (using a Random Number Generator) or live dealer games streamed in real time. The game type can influence how you engage with it, so it may be worth exploring a few options.
Roulette is a game of chance. Each spin is independent and random, and there’s no strategy that can guarantee a win. It may be a good idea to decide on a budget before playing and to take regular breaks.
Responsible gambling can help keep your experience enjoyable. If you ever feel you need support, help is available through services such as GamCare and BeGambleAware.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
Roulette is one of the most well-known casino games, found both online and in land-based venues. But if you’ve taken a look at online tables, you may have seen different versions available—most commonly European and American roulette.
While both use a spinning wheel and numbered pockets, there are key differences that can affect how the game works, including your chances of winning.
This guide explains what sets these two versions apart. It covers how each wheel is designed, what that means for your odds, and how potential payouts are handled.
Whether you’re new to roulette, or simply want a clear breakdown before choosing a table, this article can help you understand how both types work. By the end, you’ll have the information you need to decide which version you prefer based on your own preferences and understanding.
What’s The Difference Between European and American Roulette?
The biggest difference between European and American roulette is the number of pockets on the wheel, which can influence both the structure of the game and your chances of winning.
European roulette has 37 numbered pockets. These include the numbers 1 to 36, plus a single green pocket marked with a 0. The numbers are coloured red and black, while the zero is green. This layout is used in most UK-based casinos, and is often the standard version on regulated online platforms.
American roulette adds an extra green pocket: the 00 (double zero). This means the wheel contains 38 pockets in total. Although the numbers are still 1 to 36 with red and black colours, the presence of both a 0 and 00 means there are now two green spaces.
This one change may sound small, but it has a direct impact on how the game plays out. The double zero alters the wheel’s layout and slightly shifts the number sequence. It also changes the mathematical edge the casino has over the player.
European vs American Roulette: Odds and Payouts Compared
Roulette bets are based on where the ball lands once the wheel stops spinning. You can place bets on individual numbers, groups of numbers, or broader categories like red/black or odd/even.
One common type of bet is the straight-up bet, where you choose a single number. This bet pays 35 to 1 if the ball lands on that number. For example, a £1 bet would return £35 in winnings, plus your £1 stake. This payout structure usually applies to both European and American versions.
However, while the potential payouts are the same, the chance of winning a straight-up bet is slightly better in European roulette. You have a 1 in 37 chance (about 2.70%) on a European wheel, but only a 1 in 38 chance (about 2.63%) on an American one. The same applies to other bet types. For example, a bet on red covers 18 of the 37 pockets in European roulette, but only 18 of 38 in American roulette. This small difference changes the overall probability.
The addition of the double zero means that all bets in American roulette carry slightly lower odds of winning, even though the potential payout amounts stay the same. The presence of this extra pocket increases the mathematical advantage held by the casino.
Does European or American Roulette Have a Higher House Edge?
The term house edge refers to the built-in advantage that the casino has over the player. It is usually shown as a percentage and tells you how much, on average, the casino expects to keep from all the bets placed on a game over time.
In European roulette, the house edge is about 2.70%, which means that for every £100 bet, the expected long-term casino return is around £2.70. In American roulette, due to the extra 00 pocket, the house edge increases to approximately 5.26%.
This means European roulette has a lower house edge compared to American roulette, which may appeal to players who are comparing the potential returns of each version.
That said, the house edge is just one part of the overall experience. Some people might prefer one version over the other based on factors like the layout of the wheel, how the game flows, or their personal preferences. What feels right will be different for each person.
Play Roulette Online at Dream Jackpot
Dream Jackpot online casino offers access to both European and American roulette, giving you the option to try each and see which one suits you. You’ll also find a wide range of other games, including digital slot machines and card tables.
All games on the site operate under a licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This means they follow strict standards for fairness, safety, and responsible gambling. Before playing, it can be helpful to check the specific game rules, as some versions may offer slightly different layouts, side bets, or optional features.
Online roulette games may be either software-based (using a Random Number Generator) or live dealer games streamed in real time. The game type can influence how you engage with it, so it may be worth exploring a few options.
Roulette is a game of chance. Each spin is independent and random, and there’s no strategy that can guarantee a win. It may be a good idea to decide on a budget before playing and to take regular breaks.
Responsible gambling can help keep your experience enjoyable. If you ever feel you need support, help is available through services such as GamCare and BeGambleAware.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
