What Is European Roulette

European Roulette European roulette is not simply the tuxedo-wearing cousin of the American roulette. There are some major differences that divide the two versions of roulette. Since the 18th century, roulette has been a popular game surrounded by fun and mystery. European Roulette is also widely known as a single-zero roulette. It is true, there is the only zero on its wheel (while the American roulette variation has two zero sectors — 0 and 00). The House Advantage on this is equal to the House Edge you get on the other main roulette bets: 5.26% for American Roulette (2 zero pockets) and 2.63% in a single zero European Roulette Wheel. The only exception to this House Edge rule, is the 5 Number Bet which is a bet you can only make in Double Zero Roulette (American). In European Roulette, if a player places a bet on a single number and then wins, the payout is 35 to 1. In this bet the original wager is returned so the total win is the bet multiplied by 36. However, players in European Roulette can bet on many numbers, combinations, ranges, odds and evens and even colors. Roulette is the most well-known game of chances in a casino. Invented in European France in the 17th century, it slowly started moving to Las Vegas in America. The original version of roulette is known as European roulette and this is the most famous and well known.

HOW TO PLAY EUROPEAN ROULETTE

EUROPEAN ROULETTE GUIDE

Get the inside track on how to play European roulette with our top tips and leading online casino picks.

If you’ve read our guide to online and mobile roulette, you’ll understand the reference to the ‘Devil’s Game’. If you haven’t read it, click here to learn more about the basics of online roulette. By visiting our roulette hub, you’ll learn the basic premise of the game, how to play it and where to find the best variants.

What

In this guide, we want to dive into some specifics and talk European Roulette. Even though there have been some clever innovations over the last few years – e.g. Multi-Wheel Roulette and Progressive Jackpot Roulette – it’s hard to beat the classics. In fact, virtually every new variant is based on European Roulette.

This article will teach you everything you need to know about this classic format. Starting with the fundamentals before covering the odds involved and the best bets, this guide is your key to understanding European roulette online.

European roulette payout

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What is European Roulette?

Without diving too far into the history of roulette, the European format is regarded as the original. In terms of mechanics, a European roulette table features 37 numbers that run from 0 to 36. For most of you that have played roulette online, this set-up will be familiar.

If you scroll through the lobbies of our top-rated casino sites, you’ll see that European roulette online is by far the most popular variant. The reason for this is the odds involved. When you look at the house edge in this game, it’s better than its American counterpart.

We’ll expand on this point in our guide to American roulette. However, for now, just know that European roulette odds are not only low but better than other formats. Indeed, because the top payout is 35:1 and there are only 37 numbers in play, the house edge is just 2.7%. Compared to other casino games, including the best video slots, that’s an attractive number.

What’s the best European roulette strategy?

When you visit our recommended European roulette online casino sites, standard tables feature the following betting options:

  • Inside Bets: Singles (35:1), doubles (17:1), street/trio (11:1) four-number-split (8:1), five-number-split (6:1) and a six-number line (5:1).
  • Outside bets: Odd/Even, Black/Red, 1-18/19-36 (1:1 payouts).
  • Additional Outside Bets:: First dozen/column, second dozen/column, third dozen/column (2:1 payouts).

Taking what we know about European roulette odds and the betting options, we can begin to devise a potentially profitable strategy. As ever, there’s no way to guarantee a win. However, we feel the best European roulette strategy is to bet on two dozens simultaneously. By betting equal amounts on these options, you can cover just under 66% of the board and make a one-unit profit if you’re successful.

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As you can see, each type of online roulette has its own nuances. If you check out our recommended online and mobile casino sites, you’ll be able to play European roulette in a way that suits you. From high stakes and low stakes to innovative versions and more, our top picks allow you to play in a way that suits you. Because of that, you should have the best overall experience and discover the true value of European roulette each to you go online.

FAQs

  • Is European roulette fair and safe online?

    Absolutely. In the same way European Roulette wheels in Las Vegas, London and any other live casino venue are tested and certified as fair, the same is true for online games. At every licensed online casino site, the operator has to prove their software is 100% random and fair.They do this by enlisting the services of a third-party testing agency such as eCOGRA. Only once they’ve proved their random number generator (RNG) is fair will an operator receive a licence. Therefore, when you use our trusted online casino sites, you can be fully confident that every round of European roulette you play will be 100% random and fair.

  • What is the best bet in European roulette online and live?

    In reality, it doesn’t matter if you’re betting online or live because the experience will be virtually identical. Therefore, when it comes to determining the best bet in European roulette, it will always be a matter of personal preference. Because games are 100% fair and no spin has a direct impact on any other, each outcome has an equal chance of occurring every time the wheel spins.Therefore, you should base your bets on the level of risk you want to accept. For example, if you prefer lower risk wagers with smaller returns, go for even money options such as red/black. Alternatively, if you don’t mind accepting slightly more risk in return for bigger payouts, go for single numbers.

  • How do you play European roulette online or mobile as a beginner?

    European roulette is a fantastic game because it allows you to manage risk. In other words, you can choose to be as general or specific as you like with your wagers. In our opinion, if you want to know how to play European roulette as a novice, it’s best look at outside bets.These options allow you to get a feel for the action, earn a return on your investment but no face too much risk. For example, red/black is basically a 50/50 proposition. So, if you’re new to European roulette, we’d suggest making outside bets until you feel more comfortable.

Laura Klusaite

Table Of Contents

  • American Roulette and European roulette are two similar yet very different games
  • The Roulette table layout changes in each version of the game
  • You should always choose the single zero roulette over the double zero wheels

No. More. Confusion. Do you want to know what is the real difference between American and European Roulette?

That's what you find on this guide.

Roulette is one of the most played Casino games, and such popularity comes (also) from the invention of many variants of the game.

The most popular versions are the American and European Roulette.

On this article, you find clear and easy to understand answers to questions like:

  • What do the American and European wheel have in common?
  • What is the difference between American and European Roulette?
  • What Roulette strategy is best on American vs European Roulette?

The Main Difference Between American and European Roulette

A quick look at the Roulette table layouts and at each Roulette wheel should be enough for you to notice the most important difference between American and European Roulette.

It doesn't matter whether you play Roulette online or you are standing next to a Roulette table at a brick-and-mortar Casino.

The difference is subtle yet clear. And the same difference affects both the design of the wheel and the house edge.

The Difference in Roulette Wheels

The American wheel has 38 pockets for the Roulette ball to rest in. Those are black and red numbers, from 1 to 36. And two extra green pockets for a single 0 (0) and a double 0 (00).

If you glimpse at European Roulette (often referred to as French Roulette), you will also see 36 numbered pockets that are either red or black. But only one green pocket for zero.

Also, you may notice that the numbers on the wheels are not in the exact same order. But that's a less relevant difference between European and American Roulette.

The main difference between an American and European Roulette wheel is the number of green pockets / zeroes. The European roulette wheel features one green pocket (0) whereas the American Roulette wheel (more popular in Las Vegas) features two of them: 0, 00.

The Difference Is in the House Edge

Although this subtle difference may seem irrelevant, it is one that can have an enormous impact on the outcome of your games.

American Roulette vs. European Roulette: the House Edge

The odds of winning when betting on particular numbers at American Roulette are lower. 1 in 38 compared to 1 in 37 when playing European Roulette.

In some games, when the odds are lower, the payouts are bigger. And that's logical, right?

But it's not the case with American Roulette.

Even with lower odds, for betting on the winning number you get paid the same - 35 to 1. Just like in European Roulette.

Having that extra green pocket was not the American Roulette designer's whim. It was a strategic move for the house to have a higher edge.

All in all, when you play American Roulette, the House Edge is 5.26%. And that's a lot. In the case of European Roulette, the House Edge is only 2.7%.

That's a huge difference, considering you are playing the same game, with exactly the same payouts, and the same level of excitement.

Which Variant of Roulette is Better?

Better odds, lower house edge… Do I need to spell it out?

The difference between American and European Roulette may be subtle. But the odds make European Roulette a better option.

Don't get me wrong.

I am not saying you should never ever play American Roulette. If you put a good Roulette strategy in place, you can lower the House Edge significantly no matter which variant you play.

What Is The Difference Between American And European Roulette

Plus, playing American or European Roulette for free doesn't make that much of a difference to your bankroll, does it?

And finally, there are more variants of European Roulette to try online. Don't limit yourself to only American or only European Roulette.

There are so many Roulette variants for you to choose from, that you can alternate between the games where you get better chances (European Roulette) and the ones you want to play to try something new.

For example, you can try the Double Ball Roulette (free, on this page) where you play with two balls at the same time. And you know how they say, 'double the action, double the fun!'

Where to Play American and European Roulette

No matter which version of Roulette you choose, you need a place to play it. And that should be a good place, too. Especially, if you want to play Roulette for real money at an online Casino.

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Here's a quick list of the different Roulette games available at Mongoose.

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Important Note: You need to register on the site (free) to access both the real money and the demo version of all Roulette games. I have included also some of the other Roulette variants you can play there, so you can understand how rich is their portfolio of Casino games.

Roulette GameDemoPlay
European Roulette GoldDemoPlay Game
European RouletteDemoPlay Game
Premier RouletteDemoPlay Game
Single-Zero RouletteDemoPlay Game
Premier Roulette Diamond EditionDemoPlay Game
RouletteDemoPlay Game
Astro RouletteDemoPlay Game
French RouletteDemoPlay Game
American RouletteDemoPlay Game
Chinese RouletteDemoPlay Game
Multi-Wheel RouletteDemoPlay Game
Common Draw RouletteDemoPlay Game
Zoom RouletteDemoPlay Game
VIP European RouletteDemoPlay Game
American RouletteDemoPlay Game
European RouletteDemoPlay Game
VIP American RouletteDemoPlay Game
3D RouletteDemoPlay Game

A selection like that one is great to discover the game, understand the differences between European Roulette and American Roulette, and enjoy even the craziest single-number bets.

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