Differences Between American and European Roulette
Have you ever logged into an online casino, only to be presented with more than one version of roulette? Typically, gamers will find two popular options – American and European.
One could be mistaken in thinking American and European roulette to be pretty identical games. But are there variations between these two games that make them stand apart? Let’s delve into the differences between the two to find out.
It’s noteworthy that there are some subtle distinctions between the two, indeed.
Key Differences Between American and European Roulette
It’s not always easy to identify the subtle differences between the American and european roulette games, but when you do, that knowledge pays off in the form of higher potential earnings over the long run.
Pocket Count
With American Roulette, you’ll have 38 pockets to play on – 36 with red or black coloring and the remaining two green. On the contrary, European Roulette contains 37 pockets, with the majority of them (36) colored either red or black and the other sole pocket sporting a green hue.
It is essential to consider that the American variation of roulette accommodates a special number on the wheel, which is the double zero (00).
The Order of the Numbers
When playing American Roulette, the presence of both the single and double zero usually spell trouble for the participant – except for those who have opted to bet on the white ball or selected the Five Number Bet. Regretfully, all other wagers on the table are rendered void in this instance.
When playing European Roulette, you might have noticed that the numbers on the wheel have a different arrangement compared to other variants. In addition, there’s no double zero segment – just one single green zero. This small difference might not look like much, yet is the sort of detail that can significantly affect your overall victory rate in the long run.
House Edge
When it comes to house advantages, American and European Roulette feature distinct variations. Players must be aware that there is a difference between the two and this could ultimately affect their outcomes.
American roulette offers a less favourable house edge of 5.30%, due to the inclusion of an extra 00, as opposed to the 2.70% house edge in European roulette. This indubitable difference between the two makes the latter a much more profitable option for players.
When you compare American and European roulette, one of the primary distinctions lies in the number of positions on the wheel – in American roulette, an extra green number is included, resulting in reduced chances of success and consequently, a higher house advantage. Despite this addition, the betting choices and corresponding payouts remain identical, such as 1:1 for red/black stakes and 35:1 for specific number bets.
The Five Number Bet
Gamers playing the American version of Roulette have access to a unique bet not found in its European counterpart: ‘Five Number Bet‘. By wagering a single stake, this covers the numbers 1, 2, 3 in addition to the green 0 and double 0 spots.
At first glance, a 6:1 payout may appear quite alluring; however, when you delve beneath the surface, the reality is far different. American Roulette players who make this bet are playing against an unbeatable house edge of 7.9%, resulting in long-term losses and little fun.
Announced Bets
If you are into European or French roulette, there are particular wagers that are different from other roulette variations. These types of bets, referred to as announced or call bets, are specifically designed to target distinct parts of the roulette wheel.
Roulette players have an opportunity to place a ‘Call Bet’ on specific European wheels, in particular, the ‘Voisins du Zero’ covers a group of 17 surrounding numbers next to the green 0. Additionally, modern roulette tables may feature the ‘racetrack’, providing a further scope for wagering on this thrilling game.
American vs. European Roulette: Which is Better?
When it comes to choosing the best version of this popular casino game, it ultimately depends on your preferences for your roulette experience. If you’re aiming to get the most out of your roulette session, the answer is straightforward – play European Roulette. This iteration of the game keeps all the fundamental rules we know and love, while granting players with a few extra perks like the En Prison rule and an additional number on the wheel for a better chance at success. So, whether you’re playing for fun or trying to capitalize on your luck, this version is the way to go.
For those seeking to maximize their gaming experience, American Roulette is the perfect choice. This version of the classic game offers a greater diversity of betting opportunities due to the two additional pockets in its wheel; enabling players to make more advanced strategic wagers such as the Five Number Bet. And this definitely adds excitement to your next gaming session.
As mentioned earlier, when playing roulette, it is essential to understand the advantage the house holds on each version. While American Roulette has a house edge of 5.3%, European Roulette carries a much lower margin of just 2.7%.