Playing European Roulette

Roulette is popular, in part, because the game is so easy to play, and in part because of the many nuances different betting strategies can bring to the game. Yet, many fans of roulette may be unaware that betting on roulette can quickly become complicated because there are actually two different versions of the game. While the differences between American and European roulette may seem small, they can make a big difference for players of the game.

The Major Difference

The key difference between American and European Roulette is the fact that the roulette wheel in the European version has only one zero, while the American version has both a zero and a double zero. This small difference can dramatically change the odds of the game. For instance, while the house edge in American roulette is 5.7%, in the European version, that edge is only 2.7%. That means players who choose to play the European style of roulette have a better chance of winning money in the game.

Expressing a Preference

The subtraction of the double zero means that the odds for all bets in European roulette are slightly better than in the American version. That is likely the reason the European style is so much more popular amongst players online. Players who place bets regularly, will see a slightly better return on their money, making even the even odds bets more lucrative. Casinos typically will prefer the American version, though, as they can earn a good deal more money on their players.

Most online casinos will give players the option of which version of roulette they want to play, but they may require slightly larger bets when players opt to play European roulette. Players should review their options before signing up to play.