Your Guide to European Roulette

The European Roulette Wheel

According to the standard rules, the European roulette table features 37 numbers, ranging from 0, followed by 1 to 36 – where you need to place your bets. The wheel is divided into two colours, red and black, and the numbers on the wheel are alternately red and black. Adjacent to zero in the arc, there are nine smaller black numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17), followed by nine larger red numbers (19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 32, 34, 36) on the outer side.

Likewise, to the left of zero, there are nine large black numbers (20, 22, 26, 28, 29, 31, 33, 35), and then nine smaller red numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 16, 18).

European Roulette Bets, Odds and Payouts

The types of real money bets available are categorized into two main groups – Inside and Outside. Inside Bets offer higher payouts but come with a smaller chance of success. Outside Bets are easier to win but come with smaller payouts.

As such, your chance of success depends on the selected bet. For those willing to take a risk for a potentially better return, opting for Inside Bets is suitable. Alternatively, you can stick to Outside Options like Even/Odd, Black/Red, High/Low, Dozens, and Columns.

Let’s take a look at how they compare.

Bet Payout Odds

Straight up (bet on a single number) 35:1 2.70%

Split (on two numbers) 17:1 5.40%

Street (three numbers) 11:1 8.10%

Corner (four numbers) 8:1 10.80%

Six Line Bets 5:1 16.20%

Column 2:1 32.40%

Dozen 2:1 32.40%

Even/Odd 1:1 48.60%

Red/Black 1:1 48.60%

High/Low 1:1 48.60%

The Difference Between American and European Roulette

If you look at the roulette table layout and the roulette wheel of both games, the differences are easy to spot.

Whether you play Roulette online, in a live casino setting or are standing beside a roulette table in a brick-and-mortar casino, it’s all about the roulette wheel and the house edge.

The Difference in Roulette Wheels

The biggest difference between European and American Roulette lies in the layouts of the roulette wheels for these two versions of the game.

Essentially, the European Roulette game has just one single ‘0’ plus 1 to 36… meaning there are 37 segments in total. However, American Roulette has both a ‘0’ and ’00’ segment plus 1 – 36, which means there are 38 segments in total.

Given that the 0 and 00 segments are what create the house edge – this takes us to the next difference.

The Difference in House Edge

Although the subtle distinction in the various roulette wheels may appear inconsequential, it can have quite significant implications for the outcome of your games. In essence, it doubles the casino’s house edge and, consequently, the odds and Return to Player (RTP) percentage.

What is House Edge?

To put it simply, ‘house edge’ is basically the advantage that the casino has over a player. Every single casino game has a house edge. This metric helps gauge how frequently a game pays out and can be helpful when comparing different games.

In some games, a higher house edge means larger payouts. However, this principle doesn’t apply to American Roulette. Despite having lower odds of winning, betting on the winning number offers the same payout as in European Roulette—35 to 1, which is why some players prefer European Roulette.

House Edge for European Roulette

As noted above, European Roulette offers more favourable odds and a lower house edge compared to American Roulette. With a house edge of just 2.7%, the odds of winning when you bet on a single number are 1 in 37.

This difference is quite substantial – given that you are playing the same game with identical payouts and an equal level of excitement. It’s logical to go for European Roulette!