Roulette is one of the most iconic and visually thrilling games available on any casino floor.
Understanding the difference between the American and European variations is the most crucial strategy in the game.
The Green Zero: The House’s Secret Weapon
A standard European wheel contains only one green slot (the 0), giving the house its mathematical advantage.
The American wheel, however, features 38 slots: numbers 1 through 36, a single zero, AND a double zero (00).
- The single zero is the only reason the casino makes a profit on Red/Black or Odd/Even wagers
- Adding a second zero effectively doubles the speed at which you will statistically lose your bankroll
- The visual layout of the numbers on the wheel itself is also completely different between the two versions
The ‘En Prison’ and ‘La Partage’ Rules
If you can find a French roulette table, you will encounter the best possible odds for this specific game.
The ‘En Prison’ rule allows your even-money bet to remain ‘in prison’ for the next spin if a zero hits, giving you a second chance.
| Game Type | Special Rules? | House Edge (Even-Money Bets) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard European | No | 2.70% |
| French (La Partage) | Yes (Half-back on Zero) | 1.35% |
There is absolutely no strategic reason to ever play the double-zero variation if a single-zero table is available.