The game of roulette has developed and evolved over time with new variations
of the game having been created. American and European roulette are two
variations of the game of roulette that are very similar. The basic rules of
both variations are the same, although there are some differences between the
two in terms of the wheel, the house edge and the rules. It is important to be
familiar with the variation you are playing before you begin a game.
Similarities between American and European Roulette
The aim of the game of roulette, whether you play the American or the European
version is to correctly guess the number that a spinning ball will land on. Both
variations use a white ball that spins on a roulette wheel with slots. Both
variations use a table with numbers representing the numbers on the spinning
wheel where players place their bets. In both variations of the game, players
can place the same bets and the same basic rules apply (besides for an
additional optional rule in the European version of the game).
The Differences in the American and the European Roulette Wheels
The American and European roulette wheel both have red and black numbers in
slots, however there is a difference between the wheels that affects the rest of
the game. In European roulette, the wheel has 37 slots - the numbers 1 through
36, plus a single zero (which is green). In American roulette, the wheel has 38
slots - the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero and a double zero. The
double zero was added to the American wheel to decrease the odds for the player
and increase the house edge.
The Differences between Odds and House Edge in American and European
Roulette
Due to the added double zero in American roulette, the odds and house edge
between the two variations is altered dramatically. In American roulette,
players have a 1 in 38 chance that their number will be spun, while in European
roulette, players have a 1 in 37 chance that their number will be spun. This may
seem minor, but the house edge is seriously affected. In American roulette, the
house edge is 5.26%, while in European roulette the house edge is only 2.63%.
The "En Prison" Rule in European Roulette
European roulette offers an optional rule that does not exist in American
roulette. This rule is known as the "en prison" rule. In European roulette, if a
player bets on an even money bet and the ball lands on the single zero, the
player can make use of the "en prison" rule. This means that the player will not
lose their bet, but their bet will rather be held over until the next spin. On
the next spin, if the ball lands on your bet, you will win your money back,
while if it does not land on your bet, you will lose your bet. By employing this
optional rule, players can further reduce the house edge in European roulette
from 2.63% to 1.35%..
