Roleta Europeia vs Americana: Qual é Melhor? If you’re weighing European roulette against American roulette, this guide digs into the main differences in wheel design, odds, and payouts and what they mean for how you play. European roulette uses a single zero, while American roulette adds a double zero. That extra pocket changes the math in a meaningful way, especially for bets that cover large portions of the wheel. We’ll break down the numbers, explain how house edge shows up in everyday bets, and help you decide which version fits your risk tolerance and style.
=== Weighing European vs American Roulette: Key Differences
One of the clearest differences is the wheel itself: European roulette has 37 pockets (numbers 1–36 plus a single zero), while American roulette has 38 pockets (numbers 1–36 plus zero and double zero). That extra pocket on the American wheel shifts the odds for nearly every bet and pushes the house edge higher for the American version. In practical terms, European roulette carries a house edge of about 2.7%, whereas American roulette sits around 5.3%.
Rules at the table can tilt the edge even more. Many European tables offer La Partage or En Prison rules on even-money bets, which can reduce the house edge on those bets to roughly 1.35% when the ball lands on zero. American tables typically don’t feature these rules, or if they do, they aren’t as common or as favorable. When those European rules are in play, the math becomes noticeably friendlier to the player, especially for bets like red/black or odd/even.
Beyond the wheel and the rules, the overall feel of the game can change based on the version you choose. European tables often feel calmer for casual players because of the lower edge, and online variants may emphasize different side bets or features. American tables can be more intense and offer more variance due to the extra pocket. Your choice may come down to whether you prioritize lower house edge or simply enjoy the thrill of a bigger wheel with more pockets.
=== Understanding Odds, Rules, and Payouts for Both Versions
Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, 1–18/19–36) pay 1:1, but you’ll win more often on a European wheel: 18 winning numbers out of 37 pockets (about 48.65%). On an American wheel, you have 18 winning numbers out of 38 pockets (about 47.37%). Those small differences add up to a house edge of roughly 2.70% for European roulette and about 5.26% for American roulette. In short, the same bet costs you less over time on the European table.
For a single-number straight-up bet, the payout remains 35:1 in both versions, but the hit probability differs—1/37 on European wheels versus 1/38 on American wheels. The resulting expected value aligns with the same overall house edges: about −2.70% for European and about −5.26% for American. All other standard bets (split, street, corner, six-line, dozens, and columns) share the same payout structures, while the likelihood of a win is shaped by the number of pockets on the wheel.
Some European tables offer La Partage or En Prison for even-money bets, which can slash the house edge on those bets to roughly 1.35% when the ball lands on zero. This is not universal, so always check the rules at the table or online variant you’re playing. If you have access to such European variants, they provide a meaningful advantage for the relatively common even-money bets. Absent those rules, European roulette still holds the edge over American due to the single zero, while American roulette maintains a higher house edge across the board because of the double zero.
In short, European roulette is generally the smarter pick for players thanks to the lower house edge, and the potential presence of La Partage or En Prison rules can further tilt the odds in your favor. American roulette, with its double zero, carries more risk but can still be enjoyable for those seeking a faster pace or different betting vibes. When choosing where to play, look for tables that clearly state the rules (La Partage/En Prison) and remember that odds and payouts are the core math—your best long-term strategy is to know them and choose the version that aligns with your comfort level and goals.