Did you know that the house edge in American roulette is nearly twice that of European roulette?
American roulette is less favorable for players. The difference between the two is far more than just the extra “00” on the wheel!
This comprehensive roulette probability analysis will explain the differences between American and European roulette, including their number layouts, house edges, and winning probabilities.
European Roulette
European roulette has 37 pockets, numbered 1-36, along with a single green “0” pocket. Its overall RTP (Return to Player) is 97.3%, With a 2.7% house edge, European roulette offers the best winning odds of all roulette types.
If you’re a long-term roulette player, European roulette is the way to go for more consistent profits. Betting on red/black offers a 48.6% chance of winning almost like hitting the jackpot with a lucky guess!
European Roulette Probability Analysis
| Bet type | Probability | Win rate | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | 1/37 | 2.7% | 35：1 |
| Split | 2/37 | 5.4% | 17：1 |
| Street | 3/37 | 8.1% | 11：1 |
| Corner | 4/37 | 10.8% | 8：1 |
| Six Line | 6/37 | 16.2% | 5：1 |
| Red/Black | 18/37 | 48.6% | 1：1 |
| Odd/Even | 18/37 | 48.6% | 1：1 |
| High/Low | 18/37 | 48.6% | 1：1 |
| Column | 12/37 | 32.4% | 2：1 |
| Dozen | 12/37 | 32.4% | 2：1 |
| House edge | 2.7% | RTP | 97.3% |
Roulette betting areas are divided into two main categories: inside bets (numbers area) and outside bets (outer area). Each betting area comes with different payout rates and winning probabilities. You will need : Simple Guide to Online Roulette:Rules and Payouts!
American Roulette
American roulette features 38 slots, numbered 1-36 along with two green pockets (0 and 00), which is its most distinctive characteristic. The overall RTP is 94.74%, giving the house a 5.26% edge. It also offers a unique bet type called the “Basket Bet,” with a winning probability of approximately 13.16%.
The house edge is 2.7% in European roulette and 5.26% in American roulette. Despite the higher house edge, American roulette doesn’t offer better payouts! Smart players should know which one to choose.
American Roulette Probability Analysis
| Bet type | Probability | Win rate | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | 1/38 | 2.6% | 35：1 |
| Split | 2/38 | 5.3% | 17：1 |
| Street | 3/38 | 7.9% | 11：1 |
| Corner | 4/38 | 10.5% | 8：1 |
| Six Line | 6/38 | 15.8% | 5：1 |
| Red/Black | 18/38 | 47.4% | 1：1 |
| Odd/Even | 18/38 | 47.4% | 1：1 |
| High/Low | 18/38 | 47.4% | 1：1 |
| Column | 12/38 | 31.6% | 2：1 |
| Dozen | 12/38 | 31.6% | 2：1 |
| Basket | 5/38 | 13.2% | 6：1 |
| House edge | 5.26% | RTP | 94% |
The overall layout of American roulette is the same as European roulette, but it includes an additional green “00” pocket, This gives rise to the unique「Basket Bet」 in American roulette, where a single chip can cover the 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 pockets on the layout. The payout for this bet is 6:1, with a winning probability of about 13.16%.
American roulette has 38 pockets ( 0 to 36, plus an additional “00” ), And the extra “00” pocket significantly increases the house edge, raising it to 5.26%, Long-term losses in American roulette are nearly double those in European roulette. It’s important to bet carefully and manage your bankroll wisely, These 3 Money-Making roulette strategies can help you minimize risks.
Roulette Expected Value Explained
In roulette, the expected value refers to the average loss or gain a player can expect per bet over the long term.
The expected value formula: Expected Value = ( Probability of Winning × Payout for Winning ) − ( Probability of Losing × Amount Lost )
By calculating the expected value, we can understand the advantage ratio between the house and the player in casino games.
- House edge: It is a result of the casino’s design, reflecting the difference between odds and probabilities, which ensures that the casino will earn a consistent profit over the long term.
- Expected value: Due to the house edge, the expected value is typically negative in most gambling games, meaning players will lose money over the long term.
Betting ₹100 per round in European roulette (2.70% house edge) means you’ll lose ₹270 after 100 rounds!
Expected Value in European Roulette
In European roulette, the house edge is 2.7%, so for every ₹100 bet, the casino keeps ₹2.7, and the player can win ₹97.3.
With an expected value of -2.7%, betting 1 unit on a single number with a 35:1 payout means the player will, on average, lose 0.027 units per bet.
Expected Value in American Roulette
In American roulette, the house edge is 5.26%, so for every ₹100 bet, the casino keeps ₹5.26, and the player can win ₹94.7.
With an expected value of -5.26%, betting 1 unit on a single number with a 35:1 payout means the player will, on average, lose 0.056 units per bet.
Read More：2025Best Roulette Sites in India
Difference Between American and European Roulette
| Item | European | American | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Pocket | 37 | 38 | American has an extra “00” |
| Zero Pocket | 1 | 2 | American has an extra zero |
| Single Number Win Rat | 1/37 ≈ 2.70% | 1/38 ≈ 2.63% | European has slightly higher odds |
| RTP | 97.30% | 94.74% | European has a higher RTP |
| House Edge | 2.70% | 5.26% | nearly twice as high in American roulette |
| Expected Value | -2.70% | -5.26% | American has a worse expected value |
| Minimum Payout | 1x (Red/Black, Odd/Even, etc.) | 1x (Red/Black, Odd/Even, etc.) | Same payout |
| Maximum Payout | 35x (Single number hit) | 35x (Single number hit) | Same payout |
| Special Betting Options | None | Basket bet | “five-number bet” with a higher house edge (7.89%) |
Through the professional analysis from Vegas11, it’s clear that whether it’s game probabilities, expected value, or RTP, European roulette performs significantly better. The house edge is even half that of American roulette! Why should you understand the expected value? Because it helps reduce your risk of losing money. Try your luck at Online Roulette here!
