Roulette is one of the most iconic and visually thrilling games available on any casino floor.
The variation you decide to play has a massive impact on your mathematical chances of walking away a winner.
Understanding the Wheel Layouts
A standard European wheel contains only one green slot (the 0), giving the house its mathematical advantage.
The American wheel, however, features 38 slots: numbers 1 through 36, a single zero, AND a double zero (00).
- European roulette has a house edge of 2.70%, which is relatively standard for a table game
- American roulette has a house edge of 5.26%, making it one of the worst bets on the entire floor
- Always check the wheel before placing a chip to see how many green slots exist
The ‘En Prison’ and ‘La Partage’ Rules
Certain high-end European tables utilize the ‘La Partage’ rule, which further reduces the house advantage.
These rules effectively cut the house edge in half again, dropping it to a phenomenally low 1.35% on outside bets.
| Wheel Style | Player Recommendation | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Double Zero | Avoid completely | The math is terrible for the player |
| Single Zero | Play this version exclusively | Offers a fair and reasonable chance to win |
There is absolutely no strategic reason to ever play the double-zero variation if a single-zero table is available.
