Why Does American Roulette Have a Higher House Edge Than European?
Roulette is one of the most popular casino games, but not all versions offer the same odds for players. The house edge—the mathematical advantage that casinos have—varies significantly between American Roulette and European Roulette. The main reason for this difference is the additional “double zero” (00) on the American Roulette wheel, which increases the house’s advantage.
In this article, we’ll explain why American Roulette has a higher house edge than European Roulette, compare their odds and payouts, and discuss how this affects your chances of winning.
1. The Extra Double Zero (00) in American Roulette
The biggest difference between European and American Roulette is the number of zeros on the wheel:
- European Roulette has one zero (0) → 37 total pockets (0-36).
- American Roulette has two zeros (0 and 00) → 38 total pockets (0, 00, 1-36).
How Does the Extra Zero Affect the Game?
- The extra (00) pocket increases the number of losing outcomes for players.
- Because roulette payouts are the same in both versions, but the chances of winning decrease, the casino’s advantage increases in American Roulette.
2. House Edge: European vs. American Roulette
European Roulette House Edge
- In European Roulette, there are 37 numbers (1-36 and a single 0).
- The house edge is calculated as:
House Edge = (Casino Advantage / Total Numbers) × 100%
= (1 / 37) × 100%
= 2.7%
American Roulette House Edge
- In American Roulette, there are 38 numbers (1-36, 0, and 00).
- The house edge calculation:
House Edge = (Casino Advantage / Total Numbers) × 100%
= (2 / 38) × 100%
= 5.26%
Why This Matters
- American Roulette has almost DOUBLE the house edge of European Roulette.
- Players will lose money twice as fast in the long run when playing American Roulette compared to European Roulette.
| Roulette Variant | Number of Zeros | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| European Roulette | 1 Zero (0) | 2.7% |
| American Roulette | 2 Zeros (0 and 00) | 5.26% |
3. How the House Edge Affects Your Chances of Winning
Probability of Winning an Even-Money Bet (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low)
- European Roulette: Winning probability = 48.6%
- American Roulette: Winning probability = 47.4%
Even though the difference seems small, over many spins, this extra 1.2% disadvantage in American Roulette results in more frequent losses.
Impact on Long-Term Betting
Let’s say you place 100 bets of $10 each:
- In European Roulette, you would expect to lose $27.
- In American Roulette, you would expect to lose $52.60.
- Over time, American Roulette players will lose money faster due to the higher house edge.
4. The Worst Bet in American Roulette: The Five-Number Bet
The worst possible bet in American Roulette is the Five-Number Bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3).
- This bet pays 6:1, but the house edge jumps to 7.89%, making it the worst bet in roulette.
Quick Tip:
💡 Avoid the Five-Number Bet in American Roulette—it has the worst odds for players.
5. Why Do Casinos Still Offer American Roulette?
If European Roulette has a lower house edge, why do so many casinos offer American Roulette?
1. Higher Profits for Casinos
- The 5.26% house edge in American Roulette means casinos earn more money from each bet.
- This is why American casinos prefer double-zero wheels—they maximize casino revenue.
2. Availability in North America
- Most land-based casinos in the U.S. offer only American Roulette.
- European Roulette is harder to find in U.S. casinos but is more common in European casinos and online gambling sites.
3. Uninformed Players
- Many casual players don’t realize the difference in house edge.
- They play American Roulette without knowing that European Roulette offers better odds.
6. How to Increase Your Chances of Winning at Roulette
If you want the best odds and strategy for winning at roulette, follow these tips:
✅ 1. Always Play European Roulette (or French Roulette) If Available
- European Roulette’s 2.7% house edge gives you a better chance of winning.
- French Roulette is even better—it offers the La Partage rule, reducing the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35%.
✅ 2. Avoid American Roulette
- If you must play American Roulette, focus on even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low).
✅ 3. Use a Betting Strategy
- Try Martingale, Fibonacci, or D’Alembert to manage your bankroll.
- No strategy guarantees a win, but betting systems can help control losses.
✅ 4. Stay Away from the Five-Number Bet
- This worst bet in American Roulette (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) has a 7.89% house edge—AVOID IT.
✅ 5. Play Online for Better Options
- Online casinos often have European and French Roulette, which are better than American Roulette.
7. Final Verdict: Why American Roulette Has a Higher House Edge
Key Takeaways:
- American Roulette has a higher house edge (5.26%) because of the extra double zero (00).
- European Roulette has only one zero (0), resulting in a lower house edge (2.7%).
- Over time, American Roulette players will lose money nearly twice as fast compared to European Roulette players.
- Casinos offer American Roulette because it’s more profitable for them—not because it’s better for players.
- Always choose European or French Roulette if you want better odds and a higher chance of winning.
Final Tip:
💡 If you want to maximize your chances of winning, avoid American Roulette and look for European or French Roulette instead!
🎰 Now that you know the difference, are you ready to play? Choose wisely and may luck be on your side! 🍀