American vs European roulette: odds and key differences

American vs European roulette comes down to one extra green pocket, a different wheel order, and a much larger standard house edge. European roulette has a single zero and 37 pockets. American roulette adds 00 for a total of 38.

That extra pocket changes every probability while most standard payouts stay fixed. This guide compares the wheels, odds, payouts, RTP, First Four and First Five bets, plus special rules that can change the usual ranking. New players can first review our live roulette tutorial.

Standard European roulette has 37 pockets and a 2.70% house edge. Standard American roulette has 38 pockets and a 5.26% edge, while its First Five bet rises to 7.89%.

Table of Contents

American vs European roulette at a glance

The quickest way to identify a standard roulette game is to count its green pockets. A European wheel has 0. An American wheel has 0 and 00. The numbered grid still uses 1 through 36, and those numbers keep the same red and black colors.

Feature	European roulette	American roulette
Total pockets	37	38
Green pockets	0	0 and 00
Standard house edge	1/37 = 2.70%	2/38 = 5.26%
Standard RTP	36/37 = 97.30%	36/38 = 94.74%
Zero-area bet	First Four: 0/1/2/3 at 8:1	First Five: 0/00/1/2/3 at 6:1
Wheel sequence	Single-zero sequence	Different double-zero sequence
Possible favorable rule	La Partage or En Prison on eligible bets	Surrender on eligible bets
Classic French sector map	Matches the single-zero sequence	Does not form the same physical sectors

The standard European edge is 2.70% across its regular bets when the listed payouts are used. The standard American edge is 5.26% across its shared regular bets. Its First Five bet is a separate case with a 7.89% edge.

Why the extra zero changes the odds

A straight-up number on a European wheel wins on one of 37 pockets. The same selection on an American wheel wins on one of 38. Both commonly pay 35:1, so the American game gives the casino an extra losing result without increasing that payout.

The same denominator change affects every shared bet. Red covers 18 numbers on both wheels. Its hit chance is 18/37, or 48.65%, on European roulette and 18/38, or 47.37%, on American roulette. Under standard rules without special zero treatment, the green pocket or pockets lose for red, black, odd, even, 1-18, 19-36, dozens, and columns.

Bet	Standard payout	European chance	American chance	European edge	American edge
Straight Up, 1 number	35:1	1/37 = 2.70%	1/38 = 2.63%	2.70%	5.26%
Split, 2 numbers	17:1	2/37 = 5.41%	2/38 = 5.26%	2.70%	5.26%
Street, 3 numbers	11:1	3/37 = 8.11%	3/38 = 7.89%	2.70%	5.26%
Corner, 4 numbers	8:1	4/37 = 10.81%	4/38 = 10.53%	2.70%	5.26%
Six Line, 6 numbers	5:1	6/37 = 16.22%	6/38 = 15.79%	2.70%	5.26%
Dozen or Column, 12 numbers	2:1	12/37 = 32.43%	12/38 = 31.58%	2.70%	5.26%
Even-money, 18 numbers	1:1	18/37 = 48.65%	18/38 = 47.37%	2.70%	5.26%

A listed payout shows profit relative to the winning stake. A $10 Straight Up win at 35:1 produces $350 in profit and returns the $10 winning stake as well. Our roulette bets guide covers the placement and payout for every standard selection.

House edge and RTP compared

House edge measures the theoretical average share of total stakes retained by the game over a very large number of independent spins. RTP is its complement. A 2.70% edge corresponds to 97.30% RTP, while a 5.26% edge corresponds to 94.74% RTP.

These figures cannot predict a short session. A player can finish ahead or behind either average because roulette results vary. Each valid spin starts a new random event, so previous results do not make a pocket due.

How the same payout creates two different edges

Consider a one-unit Straight Up bet. European roulette produces 35 units of profit on one winning pocket and loses one unit on the other 36. Its expected value is (1 × 35 – 36 × 1) / 37, which equals -1/37 or -2.70%.

The American version still produces 35 units of profit, but the wager now loses on 37 pockets. Its expected value is (1 × 35 – 37 × 1) / 38, which equals -2/38 or -5.26%. The extra 00 creates the difference.

An even-money bet reaches the same result another way. A European red bet wins on 18 pockets and loses on 19, giving (18 – 19) / 37 = -2.70%. American red still has 18 winning pockets and now has 20 losing pockets, giving (18 – 20) / 38 = -5.26%.

This pattern holds for the shared standard bets because each payout was built around the number of winning selections while the green pocket or pockets create the casino margin. Covering more numbers changes hit frequency and payout size. It does not remove the edge. Our roulette odds guide develops the probability, implied fair payout, and expected-value formulas further.

Rule and bet	House edge	Theoretical loss per $100 wagered	Theoretical loss per $1,000 wagered
Standard European regular bet	2.70%	$2.70	$27.03
Standard American regular bet	5.26%	$5.26	$52.63
American First Five	7.89%	$7.89	$78.95
American Surrender, eligible even-money bet	2.63%	$2.63	$26.32
European La Partage, eligible even-money bet	1.35%	$1.35	$13.51

The expected-loss examples apply the listed edge to total action. They do not say how much one visit will lose. A player who places ten separate $10 bets has $100 in total action, even if some returned chips are reused.

What the edge means at the same total action

Total action is the sum of every stake placed, including chips that were returned and wagered again. Fifty spins at $5 per spin create $250 of total action. Multiplying that amount by each house edge gives a useful long-run comparison:

Standard European roulette: $250 × 1/37 = $6.76 in theoretical loss.
Standard American roulette: $250 × 2/38 = $13.16 in theoretical loss.
American First Five: $250 × 3/38 = $19.74 in theoretical loss.
American Surrender on an eligible even-money bet: $250 × 1/38 = $6.58 in theoretical loss.
European La Partage on an eligible even-money bet: $250 × 1/74 = $3.38 in theoretical loss.

These amounts are mathematical averages across repeated play. Any one set of 50 spins can finish far above or below them. The comparison also requires the same total action, since a faster table or larger stake creates more exposure even when its percentage edge is lower.

Bet shape affects volatility as well. A Straight Up selection wins rarely and pays more when it hits. Red or black wins more often and pays 1:1. On the same standard wheel, those choices share the same house edge even though their session paths can look very different.

First Four vs First Five

The zero area creates a layout-specific exception to the otherwise consistent house edge. On a single-zero layout, the First Four covers 0, 1, 2, and 3. Four winning pockets out of 37 with an 8:1 payout preserve the standard 2.70% European edge.

On a double-zero layout, the First Five covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. It is also called the Top Line, Basket, or Five Number bet. Five winning pockets out of 38 at 6:1 create a 7.89% house edge, higher than the standard 5.26% American edge.

Bet	Numbers	Payout	Hit chance	House edge
European First Four	0, 1, 2, 3	8:1	4/37 = 10.81%	2.70%
American First Five	0, 00, 1, 2, 3	6:1	5/38 = 13.16%	7.89%

Check the paytable if a branded or modified roulette game uses different payouts. The calculations above apply to the standard values shown in the table.

Wheel order and table layout

The betting grid looks familiar on both versions, but the pockets around the physical wheel follow different sequences. On a common European wheel, zero sits between 26 and 32. On a common American wheel, 0 sits between 2 and 28, while 00 appears on the opposite side between 1 and 27.

This matters for racetrack placement and neighbor selections. Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, Orphelins, and Jeu Zéro were built around the single-zero sequence. The same number groups do not cover matching physical arcs on a double-zero wheel. See our roulette sector bets guide for the exact single-zero chip maps and our roulette wheel numbers guide for the full sequences.

Count the green pockets first

Zero and double zero are green. They do not count as red, black, odd, even, low, high, a dozen, or a column. The extra 00 raises the standard edge because most payouts stay unchanged.

Which roulette version is the better choice?

Standard European roulette is the stronger mathematical choice because it gives the casino less expected value from each dollar wagered. Its 2.70% edge is lower than the 5.26% edge on a standard American table.

That comparison assumes the usual payouts and no favorable special rule. A clearly labeled Surrender game can reduce the edge on eligible American even-money bets to 2.63%. A European table with La Partage can reduce the same category to 1.35%. Availability varies, so read the rules attached to the exact table.

European roulette strengths	European roulette tradeoffs
Lower standard house edge at 2.70% Higher standard RTP at 97.30% First Four retains the standard edge Classic French sector map fits the wheel sequence La Partage or En Prison may be available	Favorable rules are table-specific Bet limits and available variants can differ by casino Multiplier or modified games may use another paytable

American roulette strengths	American roulette tradeoffs
Familiar double-zero format at many US-facing tables Surrender can lower the edge on eligible even-money bets The extra 00 creates distinct wheel and layout options	Higher standard edge at 5.26% Lower standard RTP at 94.74% First Five carries a 7.89% edge Classic single-zero sector maps do not match the wheel

Check special rules before choosing

La Partage

La Partage applies to qualifying even-money bets on a single-zero wheel. When zero wins, half of the affected stake is returned. This cuts the edge on those selections from 2.70% to 1.35%.

En Prison

En Prison also concerns qualifying even-money bets when zero wins. The stake is held for the next spin under the table rules. The exact resolution procedure can vary, so use the help screen rather than assuming every French or European game applies the same version.

Surrender

Surrender is the double-zero counterpart seen on some American games. If 0 or 00 wins, half of an eligible even-money stake is returned. That produces a 2.63% edge for those bets, slightly below the 2.70% standard European figure.

These rules apply to selected even-money bets. They do not reduce the edge for Straight Up, Split, Street, Corner, dozen, column, First Four, or First Five selections. Our comparison of La Partage, En Prison, Surrender, and no special rule explains the spin-by-spin settlement.

What about French and triple-zero roulette?

French roulette normally uses a single-zero wheel and French labels on the layout. It may offer La Partage or En Prison, which can make eligible even-money bets cheaper in expected-loss terms. Confirm the rule panel because the name of the game alone is not enough. Our French roulette guide covers that version in detail.

Triple-zero roulette falls outside the standard two-way comparison. It has 39 pockets: 1 through 36 plus three green outcomes, commonly 0, 00, and 000 or a branded symbol. With normal roulette payouts, three losing green outcomes create a 3/39 house edge, or 7.69%, and 92.31% RTP.

Some online games use branded bonus pockets, multipliers, or altered payouts. Count the green outcomes and read the paytable before applying any figure from a standard wheel.

How to identify the better table

Count the green pockets. One indicates single-zero, two indicate double-zero, and three indicate a triple-zero or branded variant.
Open the paytable. Confirm 35:1 for Straight Up, 17:1 for Split, 11:1 for Street, 8:1 for Corner, 5:1 for Six Line, 2:1 for dozens and columns, and 1:1 for even-money bets.
Check the zero-area bet. European First Four should show 0/1/2/3 at 8:1. American First Five should show 0/00/1/2/3 at 6:1.
Look for a named favorable rule. Confirm La Partage, En Prison, or Surrender in the game rules and note which bets qualify.
Review limits and total stake. Choose a table whose minimum lets the planned bet fit the session budget.
Treat every spin independently. History boards describe past results and do not change the next pocket probabilities.

The lower edge controls the mathematical ranking. Table pace also affects total action: more completed spins at the same stake create more exposure to the edge. Set a session budget and time limit before playing. Never chase losses by increasing stakes beyond that plan.

Does a betting system change the comparison?

No staking pattern changes the wheel probabilities or payout table. Martingale, Fibonacci, D’Alembert, and flat betting can create different sequences of wins, losses, and stake sizes, but the expected value of each underlying bet remains tied to the game rules.

For that reason, the European advantage continues under the same betting pattern. If two games use standard rules and the same total action, the one with the lower house edge has the lower theoretical cost. See our mathematical roulette strategy analysis and live roulette strategy guide for bankroll and system limits.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between American and European roulette?

European roulette has one green zero and 37 total pockets. American roulette adds 00 and has 38. The extra losing pocket raises the standard house edge from 2.70% to 5.26% while most standard payouts stay the same.

Is European roulette always better than American roulette?

Standard European roulette has the lower edge. A double-zero American table with Surrender can offer a 2.63% edge on eligible even-money bets, slightly below the 2.70% standard European edge. A European game with La Partage is lower again at 1.35% on eligible bets.

Do American and European roulette have the same payouts?

They commonly share the standard payouts for Straight Up, Split, Street, Corner, Six Line, dozen, column, and even-money bets. The zero-area bet differs: European First Four commonly pays 8:1, while American First Five commonly pays 6:1.

What are the house edges on American and European roulette?

The standard edge is 5.26% on regular double-zero American bets and 2.70% on single-zero European bets. The American First Five bet has a 7.89% edge. On qualifying even-money bets, Surrender can lower the American edge to 2.63%, while La Partage can lower the European edge to 1.35%. These rules must be offered by the table. Modified paytables can produce other figures, so check the rules.

Do zero and double zero count as even bets in roulette?

No. On a roulette layout, 0 and 00 are green outcomes outside red, black, odd, even, low, high, dozens, and columns.

Should I avoid the American First Five bet?

Its 7.89% house edge is higher than the 5.26% edge on standard American bets and the 2.70% edge on standard European bets. Players comparing theoretical cost have lower-edge choices available.

Verdict

Choose standard European roulette when the alternative is a standard American table with comparable limits and payouts. One zero produces a 2.70% edge and 97.30% RTP, compared with 5.26% and 94.74% on double-zero roulette.

Check the actual rule panel before deciding. La Partage, En Prison, Surrender, First Five, bonus pockets, and modified payouts can change the relevant figure for a specific selection. Once those conditions are clear, the live roulette hub can be used to compare available tables.

American vs European roulette: odds and key differences

American vs European roulette at a glance

Why the extra zero changes the odds

House edge and RTP compared

How the same payout creates two different edges

What the edge means at the same total action

First Four vs First Five

Wheel order and table layout

Count the green pockets first

Which roulette version is the better choice?

Check special rules before choosing

La Partage

En Prison

Surrender

What about French and triple-zero roulette?

How to identify the better table

Does a betting system change the comparison?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between American and European roulette?

Is European roulette always better than American roulette?

Do American and European roulette have the same payouts?

What are the house edges on American and European roulette?

Do zero and double zero count as even bets in roulette?

Should I avoid the American First Five bet?

Verdict

References

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