American vs European Roulette- What’s the difference?

American vs European Roulette? Learn all the essential differences between the two – from odds to numbers – and settle for the one you think is the best.

Same Game but With Key Differences in NZ Online Casinos

The most critical factor regarding the differences between the American Roulette and the European Roulette that players must know is the wheel numbers.

American vs European roulette: let’s see what sets them apart!

Main Difference in Roulette Wheels

The main difference that creates the American vs European Roulette divide stems from the roulette wheel design. We cannot emphasize how important this factor is when playing in NZ online casinos.

The European version has 37 pockets distributed along with the wheel. Out of them, one is zero and the rest range from 1 to 36.

Compared to the previously mentioned roulette wheel, the American edition has 38 pockets with two numbers signifying zero, represented by a single zero and a double zero extra pocket on the wheel. The rest are the same, ranging from 1 to 36.

Roulette Odds

Considering the double zero version has 38 total numbers, the odds for betting on one number will always be 38 to 1.

For the single zero, they will always be 37 to 1. So, setting aside the fact that the first-mentioned versions have two zeros. The odds tilt in the favors of the single-zero table game.

Main Difference in House Edge

American vs European roulette house edge differs because the first one has the double zero slot, thus increasing the casino advantage.

The variation in house edge between the two is all owned to the extra zero embedded on the American wheel.

French alternative

One thing that must be specified is the French variant has the lowest casino edge out of any other type. This variation that uses the European roulette wheel has a casino advantage of 1.35% because it has two different rules that benefit the player.

Difference in Wheel Numbers Order

Differences are present going over to the exact number distribution across the wheel.

Wheel distribution

• European

0-32-15-19-4-21-2-25-17-34-6-27-13-36-11-30-8-23-10-5-24-16-33-1-20-14-31-9-22-18-29-7-28-12-35-3-26

• American

0-28-9-26-30-11-7-20-32-17-5-22-34-15-3-24-36-13-1-00-27-10-25-29-12-8-19-31-18-6-21-33-16-4-23-35-14-2

Optional “En Prison” Rules for European Versions

The “En Prison” option is one of the criteria alongside “La Partage” that transforms the European wheel into what is known as French roulette.

Both rules apply to outside bets, meaning any wagering possibility inscribed on the betting table does not contain each of the numbers.

“En Prison”

“En Prison” means having a second try if the ball lands on zero. It’s a second spin that heightens the player’s chances. But if the ball does not land on the wagered combination, players will lose the entire wagered sum.

This rule always applies to French roulette, but sometimes it is also allowed in the European variant.

“La Partage”

The “La Partage” rule means that players will receive half of the wagered sum back when the ball lands on zero. This is another interesting option that favours the player when playing on the best casinos.

Call Bets for European Versions

Call Bets means placing a stake on any combination a player wants without actually betting money. This means the NZ online casino will cover the bet on credit for the player.

Number Five Ber for American Roulette

The American version has an interesting option called Five Bet.

Wagering on this combination means placing a wager on the first five numbers in ascending order: 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3.

This wager has a pay-out of 6:1, with the odds being 13.16%

What’s your roulette version?

The American version is less reliable from a pay-out perspective since the house edge is double compared to the other version on NZ online casinos. However, the extra number that the double zero wheels have provides more betting opportunities and thus more diverse gameplay.

In the end, it all comes down to your own preferences.

How to find out which one is right for you?

We suggest that our players try them both for themselves before deciding which one is better.

If you’re not sure about gambling on a game you’re unfamiliar with, we advise claiming no deposit bonuses NZ. Wagering for free before committing to money betting is a great way to learn all the various roulette rules.

Tips on where to find the game in online casinos NZ

There are many websites where you can try this game of chance. The top online casinos in NZ have all relevant game types and variations.

Land-based casinos

Depending on what brick-and-mortar casino you choose to play, not all may have the game types you want.

Smaller ones usually do not feature table games. Still, you can be sure that the top NZ land-based casinos will have all the game variety you want, including this emblematic game type.