Why the Type of Roulette Matters
Roulette looks similar across all its versions — a spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and a table of numbered bets. But the version you choose has a direct impact on your odds and the house edge. Picking the right variant is one of the smartest moves any roulette player can make.
The Three Main Versions
European Roulette
European Roulette is the most widely played version globally and the standard found in most online casinos. Key features:
- 37 numbered pockets: 1–36 plus a single 0
- House edge: 2.70%
- Even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even) lose entirely when 0 lands
This is the recommended version for most players due to its lower house edge compared to American Roulette.
American Roulette
American Roulette adds a second zero pocket, significantly changing the mathematics of the game:
- 38 numbered pockets: 1–36 plus 0 and 00
- House edge: 5.26%
- The Five Number Bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) carries an even worse edge of 7.89%
Unless American Roulette is the only version available, players are generally better served by avoiding it.
French Roulette
French Roulette uses the same 37-pocket wheel as European, but adds two special rules that reduce the house edge further on even-money bets:
- La Partage: If the ball lands on 0, even-money bets receive half their stake back.
- En Prison: Instead of losing, even-money bets are "imprisoned" for the next spin. If that spin wins, the original stake is returned in full.
With La Partage active, the house edge on even-money bets drops to just 1.35% — making French Roulette the best version for players who prefer outside bets.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | European | American | French |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pockets | 37 | 38 | 37 |
| Zero(s) | Single 0 | 0 and 00 | Single 0 |
| House Edge | 2.70% | 5.26% | 1.35% (even bets) |
| La Partage / En Prison | No | No | Yes |
| Best For | General play | Avoid if possible | Even-money betting |
What About Lightning Roulette and Other Variants?
Modern online casinos offer novelty versions like Lightning Roulette, Immersive Roulette, and Double Ball Roulette. These add excitement through multipliers and unique mechanics, but usually carry higher house edges on straight-up bets. Always check the house edge before playing any variant.
Which Should You Play?
The hierarchy is clear: French Roulette (if playing even-money bets) > European Roulette > American Roulette. Whenever you have a choice, lean toward the version with the lowest house edge. Over many sessions, even a small difference in edge makes a meaningful impact on your overall returns.