Which Version of Roulette Offers the Best Odds for Players?
Roulette is one of the most popular and exciting casino games, but not all versions offer the same winning odds. If you want to maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to understand the differences between European, French, and American Roulette, as each version has a unique house edge and payout structure.
In this guide, we’ll compare the house edge, rules, and winning probabilities of different roulette variants to determine which version offers the best odds for players.
1. Understanding the House Edge in Roulette
The house edge is the built-in advantage that casinos have over players. The lower the house edge, the better the odds for players.
| Roulette Variant | Number of Zeros | House Edge | Best for Players? |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Roulette | 1 Zero (0) | 1.35% (on even-money bets) | ✅ Best Choice |
| European Roulette | 1 Zero (0) | 2.7% | ✅ Good Choice |
| American Roulette | 2 Zeros (0, 00) | 5.26% | ❌ Worst Choice |
💡 Fact: The fewer zero pockets, the lower the house edge, which improves your chances of winning.
2. Best Roulette Version for Players: French Roulette
Why French Roulette Has the Best Odds
French Roulette offers the best winning chances due to two unique rules:
✅ La Partage Rule (Best for Even-Money Bets)
- If you place an even-money bet (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) and the ball lands on zero (0), you get half your bet back instead of losing it all.
- This reduces the house edge to just 1.35%—the lowest among all roulette versions.
✅ En Prison Rule (Another Advantage for Even Bets)
- If you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, your bet is “imprisoned” instead of lost.
- If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your full bet back (but no profit).
- This rule further improves your long-term winning potential.
Winning Probability in French Roulette
- Even-Money Bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low): 48.64%
- Straight-Up Number Bets (Single Number): 2.7%
💡 Tip: If you want the best long-term roulette odds, French Roulette is the best option.
3. European Roulette: A Solid Second Choice
Why European Roulette is Better Than American Roulette
- Only One Zero (0) → House Edge: 2.7%
- No Double Zero (00) → Better odds than American Roulette
Winning Probability in European Roulette
- Even-Money Bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low): 48.64%
- Straight-Up Number Bets (Single Number): 2.7%
💡 Tip: If French Roulette isn’t available, European Roulette is the next best option!
4. American Roulette: Worst Odds for Players
Why American Roulette Has the Worst Odds
- Two Zeros (0 & 00) → House Edge: 5.26%
- The additional double zero (00) doubles the house edge compared to European Roulette.
Worst Bet in American Roulette: The Five-Number Bet
- Covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3
- House Edge: 7.89% (Worst bet in roulette!)
Winning Probability in American Roulette
- Even-Money Bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low): 47.37%
- Straight-Up Number Bets (Single Number): 2.63%
💡 Tip: Avoid American Roulette if you want the best winning odds!
5. Summary: Best Roulette Version for Winning
| Roulette Version | House Edge | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| French Roulette | 1.35% | ✅ Best Winning Odds |
| European Roulette | 2.7% | ✅ Good Choice |
| American Roulette | 5.26% | ❌ Worst Choice |
Final Verdict: Play French or European Roulette!
✅ French Roulette offers the best odds (1.35% house edge).
✅ European Roulette is a great alternative (2.7% house edge).
❌ Avoid American Roulette (5.26% house edge) to maximize your winnings.
🎰 Want to improve your roulette strategy? Choose French or European Roulette for the best odds! 🍀