Roulette is a popular casino game, boasting various exciting versions. In this guide by HunnyPlay, we dissect the differences between American vs European Roulette, providing you with essential insights to enhance your gaming strategy and experience.
Difference between American vs European Roulette
A glance at the roulette table layouts and wheels reveals the key difference between American vs European Roulette. Whether you’re playing online or in a brick-and-mortar casino, this distinction stands out. The difference, though subtle, impacts both the wheel’s design and the House Edge, influencing your gaming strategy and odds of winning.
History of Roulette
The origins of Roulette are debated, with some tracing it to an ancient Chinese board game and others to Roman and Greek soldiers’ betting games.
However, it’s widely believed that French mathematician Blaise Pascal invented Roulette in the 17th century. His version had two zero pockets.
In 1842, French brothers Francois and Louis Blanc introduced the single-zero Roulette in Germany, which later became known as French Roulette when it returned to France.
European settlers brought Roulette to America in the early 19th century, where the double zero pocket was reintroduced to increase the House Edge, distinguishing American Roulette.
In 1994, Roulette entered the digital age with the first online casino, and today, live-dealer games offer the experience of playing at a real table from home.
The difference in basic rules of American vs European Roulette
Understanding the distinction between American vs European Roulette starts with the basic rules of them.
American Roulette rules
- Zero pockets: The wheel includes two zero pockets (0 and 00), increasing the House Edge.
- Five-number bet (Top Line bet): Covers the numbers 1, 2, 3, 0, and 00, but is risky with a high House Edge of 7.89%.
- Higher risk: The double zero pockets make American Roulette more challenging and add a unique twist to the gameplay.
European Roulette rules
- Call Bets: Players can announce their wager to the dealer instead of placing chips directly on the table, typically used for more complex bets.
- En Prison Rule: Allows a player to spin again if they placed an even bet and the ball lands on zero.
- La Partage Rule: Lets a player recover half their bet if the ball lands on zero.
- Impact on RTP and Odds: These rules significantly affect the return to player (RTP) and the odds, detailed in the French Roulette section below.
Understanding the distinct rules of European vs American Roulette, including unique betting options and House Edge differences, is essential for enhancing your gaming strategy and maximizing winning potential.
The difference in Roulette wheels
The American Roulette wheel
- Layout: The American wheel features 38 pockets, including numbers 1 to 36 in red and black, plus two green pockets for single zero (0) and double zero (00).
- Impact: The additional green pocket (00) increases the House Edge, affecting the overall odds and potential payouts.
American Roulette wheel (Source: PokerNews)
The European Roulette wheel
- Layout: The European wheel has 37 pockets, with numbers 1 to 36 in red and black, and only one green pocket for zero (0).
- Impact: The single green pocket (0) results in a lower House Edge compared to the American wheel, providing better odds for players.
Although the numbers on the wheels are arranged differently, this is a minor distinction. The primary difference lies in the number of green pockets, with the European wheel having one (0) and the American wheel having two (0, 00).
This fundamental difference significantly influences your chances of winning, making the European version more favorable for players.
European Roulette wheel (Source: PokerNews)
The difference in House Edge for American vs European Roulette
Although the subtle differences between American vs European Roulette wheels might seem trivial, they significantly impact your game outcomes. These variations directly affect the House Edge, odds, and Return to Player (RTP) percentage.
What is House Edge?
The House Edge refers to the built-in advantage the casino has over players in any game. This edge influences how often a game pays out and is crucial when comparing different games.
In some games, lower odds translate to higher payouts. However, in American Roulette, despite the lower odds, the payout for betting on the winning number remains the same as in European Roulette—35 to 1.
House Edge for American Roulette
- Lower odds: Betting on specific numbers in American Roulette has odds of 1 in 38, compared to 1 in 37 in European Roulette.
- Strategic design: The extra green pocket (00) in American Roulette is a strategic addition to increase the House Edge.
- Higher House Edge: The House Edge in American Roulette is 5.26%, significantly higher than in European Roulette.
House Edge for European Roulette
- Better odds: European Roulette offers better odds of 1 in 37 for betting on specific numbers.
- Lower House Edge: The House Edge is much lower at 2.7%, making it more favorable for players.
- Consistent payouts: Despite the lower House Edge, the payouts remain the same, ensuring the same level of excitement and potential winnings.
By understanding these differences, you can make more informed choices, maximizing your chances of winning and enhancing your overall gaming experience.
Which variant of Roulette is better – American or European?
Better odds, lower House Edge. What does this information say about which version you should choose: American vs European Roulette?
The difference between American vs European Roulette might seem minor, but the odds clearly favor European Roulette as the superior option.
Of course that doesn/t mean that you should never play American Roulette. With a solid roulette strategy, you can make informed bets and enjoy the game.
Plus, playing either American or European Roulette for free won’t impact your bankroll, offering a risk-free way to practice.
Lastly, there are more variants of European Roulette available online. Don’t limit yourself to just American or European Roulette.
Explore the many Roulette variants, switching between games with better odds (European Roulette) and those you find novel and exciting.
Both American vs European Roulette attract gambling enthusiasts all over the world. (Source: Internet)
Where to play American vs European Roulette online
When it comes to enjoying both American vs European Roulette, HunnyPlay stands out as the top choice for enthusiasts.
Established in 2021, this cryptocurrency-based online casino offers a unique, anonymous gambling experience with no Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures required.
HunnyPlay is licensed in Curacao and boasts a vast collection of games, including over 1,000 slots, table games, and live dealer options from top software providers like NetEnt, Playtech, and Evolution.
This extensive selection ensures that both American vs European Roulette players have plenty of options to choose from.
New customers at HunnyPlay can take advantage of a generous welcome offer, providing up to a 180% match bonus on their first deposit. With fair 35x wagering requirements, players can enjoy their winnings without excessive restrictions.
Additionally, HunnyPlay offers enticing staking rewards, allowing users to earn up to 65% APR by locking their crypto balances on the platform. Daily payouts in coins like BUSD, BNB, and CAKE add to the appeal.
With deposits accepted in a wide range of cryptocurrencies across multiple blockchain networks, HunnyPlay ensures a seamless and secure gambling experience for all Roulette enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In the battle of American vs European Roulette, the differences in house edge and gameplay significantly impact your strategy and potential winnings.
Whether you prefer American or European Roulette, HunnyPlay offers a top-tier platform for all your gaming needs. Explore HunnyPlay today and elevate your Roulette game today!