Why the Single Zero Reduces the House Edge in Roulette

How does the single zero on a roulette wheel create a lower house edge? And how can this wheel setup benefit you more than the one used in American roulette?

We’ll answer both questions in this comprehensive guide. Read on to discover:

• The difference between European, French, and American roulette house edges
• Why the house edge is lower with a single zero
• How players can benefit from the reduced house edge in single-zero games

House Edge in European, French, and American Roulette

When you play virtual or live roulette at an online casino, the house edge varies depending on the type of game you pick. Here’s a quick breakdown of the house edge in European, French, and American roulette:

• European roulette — 2.70%
• French roulette — 2.70%
• American roulette — 5.26%

This means that the casino keeps £2.70 of each £100 wagered in European and French roulette games on average. But at American roulette tables, £5.26 from £100 goes to the house instead. 

The house edge also ties into the Return to Player (RTP) in online roulette games at casino sites. European roulette’s 2.70% house edge means the RTP is 97.30%. This indicates a return of £97.30 for every £100 wagered. 

But remember: the RTP for online casino games is always theoretical. These are calculated across millions of rounds played over a long period of time. Actual returns can be very different. 

Why is the House Edge Lower in European and French Roulette Games?

European and French roulette share the same house edge because they both use a single zero on the wheel. But American roulette wheels feature a single zero and a double zero. 

Why does that matter? Because each zero on the wheel gives casinos a chance to win in each game. This is true at physical casino venues and online sites.

Let’s explain the basics of roulette wheel design: 

• A roulette wheel has 18 red pockets and 18 black pockets. 
• Each pocket has a number. Red and black pockets are numbered 1 - 36. Green pockets are 0 and 00 (depending on the wheel). 
• The ball can land in any pocket at the end of any spin. 

What if the ball lands in a zero pocket? All outside bets automatically lose, and only players who wagered on the winning pocket receive a payout. Green pockets are not covered by any of the following bet types:

• Red/Black
• Odd/Even
• High/Low 

In total, European and French roulette use 37 pockets, and American roulette uses 38. But casinos never pay out more than 35:1 on a winning bet due to the house edge. 

You can bet on green. But this only has a 1 in 37 or 38 chance of winning in European/French and American roulette, respectively. Straight Up bets just pay out if the ball lands on the exact number you wagered on. And that means you only win with green if you place a bet on it.

However, the La Partage and En Prison rules in some European and French roulette games can help reduce losses. 

What are the benefits of a Lower House Edge in Online Roulette?

Playing European and French roulette offers a lower house edge. And this gives you higher odds of winning on each spin. 

Here’s a simple breakdown of the different bets and odds:

European/French Roulette

• Red/Black — 48.65%
• Odd/Even — 48.65%
• High/Low — 48.65%
• Dozen — 32.40%
• Column — 32.40%
• Straight Up — 2.70%
• Split — 5.40%
• Street — 8.10%
• Corner — 10.80%
• Double Street — 16.20%

American Roulette

• Red/Black — 47.37%
• Odd/Even — 47.37%
• High/Low — 47.37%
• Dozen — 31.60%
• Column — 31.60%
• Straight Up — 2.60%
• Split — 5.30%
• Street — 7.90%
• Corner — 10.50%
• Basket — 13.20%
• Double Street — 15.80%

As you can see, the odds in European and French roulette are slightly higher than in the American variation. But even a small difference is still a difference. 

These odds remain the same in virtual roulette and live casino games. Always check the rules before you choose a roulette title online. Make sure you understand any bonus rounds or other features that affect the gameplay. 

Remember to responsibly play all versions of roulette, no matter which game you pick. Understanding the different house edges, odds, and potential payouts will help you select the right game for you. But stick to your personal betting limit and only wager what you can afford to lose. 

Online casino sites offer a range of player protection tools designed to help players stay in control. You can use deposit limits, game status reminders, and other tools to play safely on desktop or mobile.

Conclusion

Consider the house edge carefully when browsing roulette games online. The choice between a single or double zero can make an impact on your odds of winning. 

The single zero reduces the house edge in European roulette and French roulette to 2.70%. In the American variation, the house edge is much higher at 5.26%. 

Ready to try European, French, or American roulette? You’ll find all three variations at Genting Casino. 

Our collection of roulette games includes titles from some of the best software brands in the industry. Find the best online roulette games on the UK market in our lobby now!