Key Differences Between European and American Roulette

Want to play roulette online? 

You’ll find a huge range of roulette games at UK online casinos. The best sites offer virtual and live games from the industry’s biggest software brands. 

And there are several roulette variations to choose from — including European and American. But how is European roulette different from American roulette? And do those differences matter?

We’ll answer both questions in this guide to the key differences. Read on to discover:

• How European and American roulette differ, with an explanation of the wheel variations
• How the differences between European roulette and American roulette impact the game
• Tips for playing both European roulette and American roulette at online casino sites

European Roulette vs American Roulette: The Differences You Need to Know

Whether you play virtual or live roulette, the core gameplay is always the same. Here is the basic structure:

• A wheel featuring dozens of numbered pockets spins in each round. The dealer may spin the wheel manually or let an automated system handle it. 
• The dealer drops a ball onto the wheel. This spins in the opposite direction to the wheel. 
• Players select numbers to bet on before each spin. All bets are placed on the specially designed table beside the roulette wheel. 
• The wheel stops spinning, and the wheel lands in one pocket. The result is announced, winnings are paid, and the next betting phase begins. 

This structure remains the same in both European roulette and American roulette. But there are a few differences you should know before you play either at online casino sites. Let’s break them down.

Wheel Numbers

Wheel design in European and American roulette has one major difference: the number of ‘0’ pockets. 

• European roulette wheels have a single 0 pocket and 36 standard pockets (numbered 1–36). There are 37 pockets in total. The 0 pocket is always green.
• American roulette wheels have a 0 and a double 0 (00). The rest of the numbers remain the same as on a European roulette wheel. The total number of pockets is 38. Both 0 pockets are green.

Table Layout

The table layout tends to be similar in European roulette and American roulette. But American tables include an extra number: the 00. This is the case in virtual games and live roulette played at physical casino venues. 

American roulette also features a unique wager — the basket bet. This covers the first five numbers on the wheel in one bet: 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. 

House Edge and Return to Player

The extra green pocket in American roulette affects the house edge and Return to Player (RTP). 

• European roulette has a 2.7% house edge and an RTP of 97.30%. 
• American roulette has a 5.26% house edge and an RTP of 94.74%

How European Roulette and American Roulette Differences Affect You

The extra 0 on the American roulette wheel increases the house edge and reduces the RTP. If the ball lands on either the 0 or 00, all even-money bets lose and the casino receives the winnings instead. 

Having two green pockets gives the house double the chance to win on each spin. As a result, the theoretical RTP is lower. 

As a result, you may prefer to play European roulette. This offers the potential for a higher return on your wagers over time, and the lower house edge means that the casino has less of an advantage. 

Another important point to remember is that the 00 on the American roulette table gives you another place to set your chips. But if you never bet on green anyway, this will make little difference to how you play. 

Tips for Playing European and American Roulette at UK Online Casinos 

You can play virtual and live roulette games on desktop and mobile. Virtual titles use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure each spin creates an unpredictable and fair result. Live casino games give you the chance to join other players for an authentic roulette experience. 

But no matter which type of roulette you choose, here are three tips to keep in mind:

• Focus on safe play: Always play roulette responsibly. Set a betting limit for yourself and only wager what you can afford to lose. UK online casinos offer player protection tools, such as deposit limits, to help you stay in control. 

• Explore casino promotions to find great deals: Most casinos in the UK operate a number of promotions. These range from free spins on slots to free bets on live casino games. Check the promotions available to see if any suit you, but always read the terms and conditions. 

• Play in demo mode first: Some RNG-based roulette games are available in demo mode. You can use these to test the gameplay and learn how they work before you bet real money. Take advantage of demos to find the best roulette games for you without risking any of your bankroll. 

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between European and American roulette will help you pick the right games for you. The lower house edge makes European roulette the go-to option for some players. But others prefer playing with the extra 0 in American roulette. There’s no right or wrong — just what works best for you.

Genting Casino hosts a huge range of European and American roulette games from leading software brands. Discover dozens of options in our massive roulette selection now!