Roulette is one of the most iconic and visually thrilling games available on any casino floor.

Understanding the difference between the American and European variations is the most crucial strategy in the game.

Understanding the Wheel Layouts

The European roulette wheel features 37 slots in total: numbers 1 through 36, plus a single green zero.

That extra double zero on the American wheel might look harmless, but it drastically increases the operator's profit margin.

• The single zero is the only reason the casino makes a profit on Red/Black or Odd/Even wagers
• Adding a second zero effectively doubles the speed at which you will statistically lose your bankroll
• The visual layout of the numbers on the wheel itself is also completely different between the two versions

Why French Roulette is Even Better

Certain high-end European tables utilize the 'La Partage' rule, which further reduces the house advantage.

The 'En Prison' rule allows your even-money bet to remain 'in prison' for the next spin if a zero hits, giving you a second chance.

There is absolutely no strategic reason to ever play the double-zero variation if a single-zero table is available.