Roulette is one of the most popular and exciting casino games, offering players the chance to win big with simple bets on numbers, colors, or sections of the wheel. While the game itself is easy to understand, not all roulette versions are the same. The three main variants—European Roulette, American Roulette, and French Roulette—each have unique rules, layouts, and house edges that can impact your chances of winning.
If you’re a fan of online roulette, choosing the right variant can make a significant difference in your gameplay and potential winnings. Many online casinos offer multiple roulette versions, and knowing which one to play can give you a better edge against the house. In this article, we’ll compare European, American, and French Roulette, highlighting the key differences, odds, and best strategies for each.
1. European Roulette – The Best Choice for Most Players
Key Features:
- One zero pocket (0).
- Total of 37 pockets (1-36 + 0).
- House edge: 2.7%.
European Roulette is the most commonly played version and is considered the best option for most players. The key reason is the lower house edge of 2.7%, which makes it more favorable than American Roulette. Since the wheel contains only one zero (0), players have better odds compared to the American version, which has an additional double zero (00).
Best Betting Strategies for European Roulette:
Stick to even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1-18/19-36) for better consistency.
Use the Martingale system cautiously, as the lower house edge makes this strategy more effective.
Consider combination bets (e.g., splits and dozens) for balanced risk and reward.
Verdict: If you’re playing online roulette, European Roulette is usually the best choice because it offers better odds and lower risk compared to the American version.
2. American Roulette – Higher Risk, Higher House Edge
Key Features:
- Two zero pockets (0 and 00).
- Total of 38 pockets (1-36 + 0 + 00).
- House edge: 5.26%.
American Roulette is very similar to European Roulette, with the main difference being the extra “00” pocket on the wheel. This additional pocket increases the house edge from 2.7% to 5.26%, making it less favorable for players.
Because of the higher house edge, American Roulette is less profitable over time than the European and French versions. However, some players prefer it for its faster pace and bigger payout opportunities when betting on single numbers.
Best Betting Strategies for American Roulette:
Avoid single-number bets unless you’re feeling lucky, as the odds are lower.
Use the Reverse Martingale system (increasing bets on wins) to capitalize on streaks.
Consider column or dozen bets to cover multiple numbers at once.
Verdict: American Roulette is generally not the best choice for players who want better winning odds. However, if you enjoy the thrill of higher-risk bets, it can still be an exciting option.
3. French Roulette – The Most Player-Friendly Option
Key Features:
- One zero pocket (0).
- Total of 37 pockets (1-36 + 0).
- House edge: 1.35% (with special rules applied).
- Unique rules: “La Partage” and “En Prison”.
French Roulette is very similar to European Roulette in terms of layout, but it includes two special rules that reduce the house edge even further:
- La Partage Rule – If you place an even-money bet (Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1-18/19-36) and the ball lands on zero (0), you get half of your bet back. This lowers the house edge to 1.35%.
- En Prison Rule – If you make an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero (0), your bet is “imprisoned” (held for the next spin). If you win the next spin, you recover your original bet. This also reduces the house edge to 1.35%.
These rules make French Roulette the most favorable option for players, especially those who like to bet on even-money wagers.
Best Betting Strategies for French Roulette:
- Stick to even-money bets to take advantage of the La Partage and En Prison rules.
- Try the Fibonacci system, as the lower house edge increases long-term profitability.
- Use combination bets wisely to cover more numbers without excessive risk.
Verdict: French Roulette is the best option for serious players, offering the lowest house edge and the best chances of winning over time. If available, always choose French Roulette over European or American versions.
Comparison Table: European vs. American vs. French Roulette
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette | French Roulette |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Pockets | 37 (1-36 + 0) | 38 (1-36 + 0 + 00) | 37 (1-36 + 0) |
| House Edge | 2.7% | 5.26% | 1.35% (with La Partage/En Prison) |
| Extra Rules | None | None | La Partage & En Prison |
| Best for Beginners? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Best for High Rollers? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Most Player-Friendly? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅✅ Best option! |
Final Verdict: Which Roulette Variant Should You Play?
If you want the best odds and lowest house edge, French Roulette is the ideal choice due to its La Partage and En Prison rules. However, if French Roulette isn’t available, European Roulette is the next best option, as it has only one zero and a lower house edge than American Roulette.
For casual players, European Roulette is the most widely available and balanced version, while high-risk players might enjoy the excitement of American Roulette, despite its higher house edge.
Key Takeaways:
Play French Roulette if available (lowest house edge at 1.35%).
European Roulette is a solid choice with a 2.7% house edge.
Avoid American Roulette unless you enjoy higher-risk gambling.
If you’re playing online roulette, always check which variant the casino offers before placing bets. Many top online casinos provide all three versions, so choose wisely to maximize your winning chances!