American vs. European Roulette

let’s take a look at American vs. European Roulette, When we look at the history of Roulette, it is somewhat unclear where the game came from, but many believe it started with a wheel of fortune style game, which dates back to medieval times. The first variation of Roulette as we know it today was created in Europe in the 17th century by Blaise Pascal, a well-known figure in mathematics and science.

The game started with multiple variations, including Italian Roulette and big Roulette, played with 38 numbers, and 18-number variations were referred to as German or petite Roulette. The standard single-zero European roulette variation was first introduced in the 18th century and quickly became popular in casinos across Germany and France.

In the same century, the game also made its way to American borders when it was first introduced in New Orleans. However, the Americans had adjusted the game to include a more considerable house edge by adding zero and an eagle pocket that extended the house edge even more. The eagle pocket, representing liberty, could not provide any winnings, but instead, it was simple and landed in this pocket, and everyone would lose. This variation had only 28 standard numbers, a single zero, a double zero, and the eagle pockets. Therefore, the house edge was much higher than the modern variation.

european vs american roulette wheel

Even today, the American variation of Roulette has a higher house edge than European Roulette, as it still includes a double zero. This zero in Roulette represents the house edge as the game provides winnings of 35:1 on 36 numbers, meaning if the game did not have a zero, the payout percentage would be 100%. Therefore, you would not win or lose if you had to bet on every single number. Whereas if you bet on every single number in the modern game, you will lose the bets on zero as the payout is still 35:1, but there are now 37 or 38 betting options, depending on the variation of Roulette played.

American vs. European Roulette Table and Wheel Differences

When you look at an American and European roulette wheel and table, you will find only minor differences that change the game. This is the course. The American variation is based on the same rules as European Roulette but includes the additional zero pocket. To accommodate the extra zero, the Americans had to change around the numbers on the wheel as the single, and double zero had to appear on opposite sides of the wheel.

Regarding the table, you will find the same betting options available in European and American Roulette. You can place inside and outside bets on both tables, and the same winnings apply. The only difference comes at the top of the table as the European variation would only have a single zero covering the top, whereas American Roulette offers a double zero.

Roulette Wheel

Surprisingly, it is still possible to use many different split betting options to cover both the zeros and the first three numbers, as seen with European Roulette. However, since there are other numbers, your payout will not be the same as with European Roulette.

European vs. American Roulette Popularity

Since European Roulette offers a minor house edge, it has become the preferred variation at online and land-based casinos for players worldwide. Yet, American Roulette remains popular among professional players who prefer the additional challenge and lower house edge. There is no other reason you would choose American above European Roulette as the latter offers off a house edge.

American Roulette provides a house edge of 5.12% due to the additional zero. In contrast, European Roulette comes in with 2.70%, meaning the payout percentage for European Roulette is at an impressive 97.30%, while the American variation is lower than some pokies by offering only 94.88%.

Online Roulette

With the introduction of online casinos, these variations have become more popular as players explore both options and find a game they enjoy most. In addition to these dealer games, online casino game developers have also developed new and exciting roulette variations that refer back to older roulette types.

This includes what is now called Mini Roulette, which resembles similar features to German Roulette in the 17th century. The game offers the same rules and features as European Roulette, as only a single zero is featured. There are only 18 other numbers, ranging from 1 to 18, and the payouts are half the standard game. The benefit of this variation is that you can cover the table with fewer bets, allowing players to either wager less per round or increase the betting values of each game.

The online world has also introduced different gaming options on the entire table, including double ball roulette, which offers a similar layout but with many more betting options for the balls used in each round. It is possible to wager on the results of both balls, which introduces new winning opportunities and payouts.

Online Roulette

Regardless of which version of Roulette you prefer, you can find both at all our online casinos in New Zealand.

See Related Articles

Roulette online

Roulette strategy

Last Updated: December 11, 2023