When you play roulette, it looks simple: pick numbers or colors, watch the wheel spin, and hope the ball lands your way. But one small design detail can make a big difference to your long-term outcomes: whether the wheel has a single zero (European-style) or a double zero (American-style).
This guide breaks down the practical differences between European roulette and American roulette, explains the single zero vs double zero math in plain English, and shows why many value-focused players prefer single-zero games. We will also cover French roulette en prison / la partage, a popular single-zero variant that can reduce the effective house edge on even-money bets even further.
The core difference: 37 pockets vs 38 pockets
At a glance, European and American roulette share the same familiar betting options and payout structure (for example, a straight-up number typically pays 35:1). The key difference is the wheel:
- European roulette: 37 pockets total, numbered 0 to 36 (one zero).
- American roulette: 38 pockets total, numbered 0 to 36 plus 00 (two zero pockets: 0 and 00).
That added 00 is not just a cosmetic change. It slightly reduces the probability of winning on nearly every bet while keeping payouts mostly the same, which increases the casino’s advantage.
House edge comparison: why the extra 00 matters
In roulette, the casino advantage comes from the fact that payouts are based on a 36-to-1 framework (for single-number bets), while the wheel contains more than 36 pockets. The extra pocket(s) are what create the house edge.
Here is the standard house edge comparison most players care about, especially on even-money bets like red/black, odd/even, or high/low:
| Game type | Wheel pockets | Zeros | Standard house edge (even-money bets) |
|---|---|---|---|
| European roulette | 37 | 0 | About 2.70% |
| American roulette | 38 | 0 and 00 | About 5.26% |
| French roulette with la partage or en prison | 37 | 0 | About 1.35% (on eligible even-money bets) |
In practical terms, European roulette already offers a meaningful value upgrade over American roulette. And if you can find French roulette with en prison or la partage, the value can improve again (for specific bets).
European roulette odds vs American roulette odds (single-number probability)
If you place a straight-up bet (a bet on a single number), your win probability is tied directly to how many pockets are on the wheel.
- European roulette odds for a single number: 1/37≈2.70%
- American roulette odds for a single number: 1/38≈2.63%
That difference may look small, but it is consistent and repeats on every spin. Over time, those fractions add up.
“But the payouts are the same” (and that is the point)
One reason roulette is so approachable is that the payout table is typically the same across regions:
- Straight-up (single number): 35:1
- Split (two numbers): 17:1
- Street (three numbers): 11:1
- Corner (four numbers): 8:1
- Six line (six numbers): 5:1
- Dozen or column: 2:1
- Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low): 1:1
Because payouts usually stay the same while the American wheel adds an extra losing pocket (the 00), the casino edge increases. This is why the single zero vs double zero question is one of the most important decisions you can make before placing your first chip.
A quick expected value example (even-money bets)
If you enjoy the rhythm of betting on red/black or odd/even, the difference between European and American roulette can be illustrated with a simple expected-value view.
European roulette (single zero)
- Winning outcomes on red: 18
- Losing outcomes: 19 (the 18 black numbers plus 0)
- Win probability: 18/37
- Lose probability: 19/37
For a $1 even-money bet, the expected value is:
EV = (18/37)*($1) + (19/37)*(-$1) = (18 - 19)/37 = -1/37 ≈ -0.0270That aligns with the ~2.70% house edge.
American roulette (double zero)
- Winning outcomes on red: 18
- Losing outcomes: 20 (18 black numbers plus 0 and 00)
- Win probability: 18/38
- Lose probability: 20/38
For a $1 even-money bet:
EV = (18/38)*($1) + (20/38)*(-$1) = (18 - 20)/38 = -2/38 ≈ -0.0526That aligns with the ~5.26% house edge.
The big takeaway is not that any single spin will feel different (roulette is still roulette), but that choosing the game with a lower edge can help your bankroll last longer and can improve your long-term value per spin.
French roulette: how en prison and la partage can lower the edge
French roulette typically uses the same single-zero wheel format as European roulette, but may include special rules that apply to even-money bets when the ball lands on 0. The two most well-known are la partage and en prison.
La partage ("the sharing")
With la partage, if you place an even-money bet (like red/black) and the ball lands on 0, you typically lose only half your bet instead of the full amount.
This rule can reduce the effective house edge on eligible even-money bets to about 1.35%, which is roughly half of standard European roulette.
En prison ("in prison")
With en prison, if you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on 0, your bet is not immediately lost. Instead, it is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If your bet wins on that next spin, you typically get your stake back (depending on the exact table rules). If it loses, you lose the stake.
In many standard implementations, en prison produces an effective edge similar to la partage on eligible even-money bets (about 1.35%).
Important note about applicability
These rules generally apply to even-money bets only. They typically do not change the house edge on inside bets like straight-up numbers, splits, or corners.
Betting options: mostly the same, with some layout and naming differences
One reason roulette travels well across casinos is that the core bet types remain familiar. Whether you play European or American roulette, you will usually see:
- Inside bets (placed on the number grid): straight-up, split, street, corner, six line.
- Outside bets (placed on broader sections): red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, columns.
Where players can get tripped up is less about bet availability and more about table presentation:
- American layouts include a 00 space on the layout.
- European and French layouts have only one zero (0).
- Some French roulette tables also include additional announcement bets and traditional labeling (the presence varies by casino and software provider).
Even when the betting options are similar, the wheel itself can feel different depending on the region.
Wheel number order: European vs American arrangements
Roulette wheels are not numbered sequentially around the rim. The order is arranged to distribute high and low numbers, odd and even numbers, and colors in a balanced pattern.
Two common wheel arrangements you may hear about are:
- European wheel order (single zero): the most widely used arrangement in European-style roulette.
- American wheel order (double zero): includes both 0 and 00 and uses a different sequence than the European wheel.
For most players who are choosing between games based on value, the biggest practical factor remains the extra 00 pocket and its impact on the house edge. Still, it is useful to know that table layouts and wheel number order differ by region, especially if you switch between land-based casinos and online lobbies.
Which game should you choose? A value-first checklist
If your goal is to get more entertainment value per session and improve your long-term odds, you can make a quick, confident decision with this checklist.
1) Prefer single-zero roulette when possible
- Choose European roulette (0–36) over American roulette (0 and 00) whenever you have the option.
- This single choice moves the edge on even-money bets from about 5.26% to about 2.70%.
2) Look for French roulette with la partage or en prison
- If you mainly play even-money bets, French roulette en prison / la partage can reduce the effective house edge to about 1.35% on those bets.
- Confirm the rule on the table info or help panel before you play, because not every “French” labeled game includes these rules.
3) Match the game to your preferred bet style
- If you like outside bets (steady pacing, simpler decisions), the la partage and en prison rules can be especially valuable.
- If you mainly play inside bets (like straight-up numbers), your key upgrade is still choosing single zero vs double zero, because the French special rules usually do not apply to those bets.
4) Keep your experience consistent across casino types
- In land-based casinos, you can often physically see the wheel (look for 0 only, or 0 plus 00).
- In online casinos, check the game title and rules panel for “European,” “American,” “French,” and any mention of la partage or en prison.
Why this choice can feel so rewarding over time
Roulette is a game of repeated decisions. You might place dozens or hundreds of bets across multiple sessions, especially in fast-paced online formats. When a small edge difference applies to every spin, choosing the lower-edge version is a straightforward way to improve your overall value.
Here is what players often like about prioritizing single-zero games:
- More efficient bankroll use: a lower house edge can help funds last longer, which can translate into more spins and more entertainment.
- Cleaner value proposition: with payouts staying mostly the same, a wheel with fewer pockets is simply better odds for the player.
- Better alignment with even-money strategies: if you enjoy red/black or odd/even, the drop from ~ 5.26% to ~ 2.70% (or even ~ 1.35% with French rules) is meaningful.
This is why many roulette guides and seasoned players advise: when the goal is lower house advantage and better long-term odds, prefer single-zero (European or French) roulette whenever it is available.
Common questions about European vs American roulette
Is European roulette “easier to win” than American roulette?
On any given spin, either can win or lose, and short-term outcomes can swing either way. But European roulette offers better probabilities because there is one fewer pocket working against you. Over the long run, that lower house edge improves your expected results.
Does the 35:1 straight-up payout change between European and American roulette?
In most standard tables, it stays the same. That is exactly why the extra 00 increases the casino edge: your probability changes, but the payout does not compensate for the added pocket.
Are all single-zero games automatically French roulette?
No. Many single-zero games are labeled European roulette.French roulette often refers to a style that may include additional rules like la partage or en prison, but not every single-zero table includes them. Always verify the rules.
Do wheel number orders change the house edge?
No. The house edge is determined by the number of pockets and the payout structure, not the order of numbers around the wheel. The order can affect the visual and traditional feel of the game, but it does not change the underlying math of standard bets.
A quick reference: single zero vs double zero at a glance
| Feature | European roulette | American roulette | French roulette (single zero) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zeros | 0 | 0 and 00 | 0 |
| Total pockets | 37 | 38 | 37 |
| Single-number win probability | 1/37 ≈ 2.70% | 1/38 ≈ 2.63% | 1/37 ≈ 2.70% |
| Even-money house edge (standard rules) | ~ 2.70% | ~ 5.26% | ~ 2.70% |
| Even-money house edge with special rules | Not standard | Not standard | ~ 1.35% with la partage or en prison |
Practical bottom line: pick the lower-edge wheel for better long-term odds
If you only remember one thing from this guide, make it this: the single zero vs double zero choice is one of the most player-friendly decisions you can make in roulette.
- Choose European roulette when you want better baseline value than American roulette.
- Choose French roulette en prison / la partage when you want some of the best widely available value for even-money bets.
- In both land-based and online casinos, take a moment to confirm whether the wheel is single-zero or double-zero before you commit your bankroll.
Roulette will always be a game of chance, but you can still play smart by choosing the version with the lower house advantage. Over time, that simple preference can translate into more spins, more staying power, and a better overall experience.
Responsible play note
Even with the best available odds, roulette is still a casino game with a built-in house edge. Consider setting a budget, taking breaks, and treating roulette as entertainment rather than a guaranteed way to make money.
