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.
The Green Zero: The House’s Secret Weapon
A standard European wheel contains only one green slot (the 0), giving the house its mathematical advantage.
Conversely, the American layout adds an extra green slot—the double zero—significantly altering the math of the game.
- The payouts for hitting a single number are exactly the same (35 to 1) on both wheels
- Because the payouts are identical but the American wheel has an extra number, your odds of winning decrease
- You are taking on more risk for the exact same potential reward when playing the American version
Why French Roulette is Even Better
If you can find a French roulette table, you will encounter the best possible odds for this specific game.
These rules effectively cut the house edge in half again, dropping it to a phenomenally low 1.35% on outside bets.
| Roulette Variation | Number of Zeros | House Edge (Standard Bets) |
|---|---|---|
| American | Two (0, 00) | 5.26% |
| European | One (0) | 2.70% |
By simply choosing the European wheel, you instantly double your expected mathematical longevity at the casino.
