Introduction
European Roulette, French Roulette, and American Roulette are three popular variations of the classic casino game. While they share core gameplay, their differences in rules, layouts, and house edge significantly impact player experience and odds. This article explores these unique features to help you choose the best variant for you.
European Roulette
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Overview:
European Roulette is one of the most widely played roulette versions in online casinos across Europe. It features 37 slots: numbers 1 through 36 plus a single zero (0). -
Odds:
Offers moderate odds—better than American Roulette but not quite as favorable as French Roulette. The house edge is around 2.7%. -
Layout:
The number grid is arranged horizontally on the table. Below the numbers, the outside bets are organized into two rows:-
Top row: Three dozen bets (1-12, 13-24, 25-36)
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Bottom row: Other bets such as Low (1-18), Even, Red, Black, Odd, High (19-36)
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Try it out:
You can try demo versions of European Roulette on many online casino sites.
French Roulette
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Similarity to European Roulette:
French Roulette uses the same wheel and numbers as European Roulette (1-36 plus single zero). -
Unique Rules:
Two special rules—La Partage and En Prison—offer players an advantage:-
La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, you lose only half of your even-money outside bet.
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En Prison: If the ball lands on zero, your even-money bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin, giving you a chance to recover your stake.
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House Edge:
These rules reduce the house advantage to just 1.35%, making French Roulette the most favorable to players. -
Layout:
The number grid is placed horizontally, but outside bets wrap around the grid, with dozen bets located at the upper and lower right sides. -
Try it out:
Popular free versions are available online to explore these advantageous rules.
American Roulette
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Differences:
The American Roulette wheel contains 38 slots: numbers 1-36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). -
Impact on Odds:
The addition of the double zero significantly increases the house edge to 5.26%, making it less favorable for players. -
Layout:
The number grid is arranged vertically, with zero and double zero bets positioned on the left side. Outside bets are located below the grid. -
Experience:
For those seeking a more thrilling and fast-paced game, American Roulette is a popular choice. Free online versions are widely available.
About Odds and House Edge
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European Roulette:
37 possible outcomes, so chances of hitting a specific number are 1 in 37 (36:1 payout). -
French Roulette:
Same as European, but La Partage and En Prison halve the house edge to approximately 1.35%. -
American Roulette:
38 possible outcomes (including 00), increasing the house edge to 5.26%, which lowers the return to player ratio and odds.
Bet Comparison
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All three versions offer a wide range of bets including single numbers, groups, colors, odds/evens, and dozens.
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European and French Roulette provide similar betting options, with the key difference being the advantageous rules in French Roulette.
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American Roulette has the same payouts as the others but worse odds because of the double zero, making it the least favorable version in terms of player returns.
Verdict
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Best Choice: French Roulette is the top pick for players seeking the best odds and the lowest house edge, thanks to La Partage and En Prison rules.
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Good Alternative: European Roulette is a solid choice with better odds than American Roulette and simpler rules than French Roulette.
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Less Favorable: American Roulette offers a more exciting game but with higher house advantage, reducing your long-term chances.
Understanding these differences can help you make smarter choices and enjoy roulette more often. Whether you prefer the classic French rules or the thrill of the American double zero, there’s a roulette variant suited for every player.
