American vs European Roulette: Which Type Is Better?

Have you noticed the extra zeros on the Roulette wheel? At first glance, the American and European versions of this game look almost the same. However, one small item can make all the difference – from the odds of winning to the payouts.

We have compiled a detailed guide with examples that clearly reveal the differences between American and European Roulette. You will see how each version works and which one best suits your playing style.

American vs European Roulette: Quick Comparison

American Roulette Explained: Wheel, Bets, Pros & Cons

American Roulette uses a wheel with 38 pockets: numbers from 1 to 36 plus two green pockets (0 and 00). This structural difference directly affects gameplay, not just perception. For example, a straight-up bet on a single number still pays 35:1, but the actual probability of hitting that number drops to 1 out of 38, compared to 1 out of 37 in European Roulette. In practice, this means losing streaks can feel longer, especially for players who rely on inside bets or aggressive progression systems.

One unique feature of American Roulette is the Five Number Bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3), which exists only in this version. This bet covers five numbers at once and pays 6:1, making it attractive for players who want a wider number coverage with a single chip. 

However, this bet behaves differently from standard inside bets and is often used by experienced players either as a short-term volatility tool or as a hedge during fast sessions. Another important rule difference is the absence of La Partage or En Prison, which means even-money bets like red/black or odd/even lose fully when the ball lands on 0 or 00 – a key point that affects bankroll management during long sessions.

Primary Pros & Cons of American Roulette

The choice can be difficult if you are new to the gaming industry. Therefore, as an additional comparison, we will present the advantages and disadvantages of American Roulette compared to other entertainment of this type.

✅ American Roulette Pros:

• Offer the unique Five Number Bet betting option;
• Increased volatility, which suits high-risk playstyles;
• Familiar format for players used to US casinos.

❌ American Roulette Cons:

• Zeros reduce hit frequency for outside bets;
• No rules soften losses like El Prison;
• Conservative betting approaches.

Play American Roulette on BetFury

Our platform has a wide range of Table and Live Casino games. Among them, you can find famous American Roulettes from top providers: Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and others.

European Roulette Explained: Numbers, Sections, Pros & Cons

What is European Roulette? It uses a single-zero Roulette wheel with 37 pockets: numbers from 1 to 36 and one green 0. This single structural difference has a direct gameplay impact. A straight-up bet on one number still pays 35:1, but the probability increases to 1 out of 37, which slightly but consistently improves hit frequency compared to the American Roulette wheel. Over long sessions, this difference becomes noticeable for players who rely on repeated outside bets or structured systems.

A distinctive feature of the European Roulette wheel is the presence of Section Bets (also called Call Bets). These bets allow players to wager on groups of numbers based on their physical position on the wheel rather than their layout on the table. Popular examples include Voisins du Zéro, which covers 17 numbers around zero using nine chips, Tiers du Cylindre, targeting 12 numbers opposite zero, and Orphelins, covering the remaining wheel numbers. Section Bets appeal to players who track wheel behavior or prefer wider coverage without manually placing chips.

European Roulette often includes the En Prison rule, which acts as a partial compensation mechanism for even-money bets. When a player places a bet on red/black, odd/even, or high/low and the ball lands on zero, the bet is not lost immediately. Instead, it is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If the same bet wins on the following spin, the original bet is returned without profit; if it loses, the bet is lost. This rule reduces short-term losses and smooths bankroll swings, making the game more forgiving during extended play.

Main Pros & Cons of European Roulette

Check out the list of primary advantages and disadvantages of the European Roulette.

✅ European Roulette Pros:

• Higher winning chances compared to American;
• Betting on wheel sectors instead of isolated numbers;
• En Prison can protect bets when zero appears.

❌ European Roulette Cons:

• Limiting high-risk and high-payout options;
• Section Bets may feel confusing for newbies;
• Less volatile gameplay than American type.

Play European Roulette on BetFury

BetFury offers an extensive list of European Roulettes. Some of them are presented below. In addition, you can type "roulette" in our search bar and easily find other titles.

Which Roulette Is Better for Casino Players?

There is no universal “best” Roulette version for everyone. The right choice depends on a player’s experience, risk tolerance, bankroll size, and even the format they prefer — Table or Live Casino. American and European Roulette serve different player profiles, and understanding these differences helps avoid costly mistakes.

Beginners: Start with European Roulette

European Roulette is the safer and more predictable entry point. The wheel has only one zero, which means straight-up and outside bets statistically last longer during gameplay. This matters in practice: beginners usually rely on even-money bets like red/black or odd/even. When choosing a specific game, we recommend that beginners try Table games, as they are not played in real time. Suitable providers: Amusnet, Platipus, and Belatra Games.

Intermediate Players: Choice Depends on Style

Players with some online casino experience often develop preferences. Those who like structured betting systems and longer sessions usually stay with European Roulette. At the same time, some intermediate players move toward American Roulette because of its Five Number Bet and faster bankroll swings.

Advanced Players: Strategy and Table Rules Matter Most

Experienced Roulette players focus more on rules, limits, and table behavior. They analyze betting layouts, minimum and maximum limits, spin speed, and special rules that affect long-term results. Advanced players often choose live European Roulette tables with real dealers from Pragmatic Play or Evolution. Although some of them prefer silence and control over every action without dialogue with live dealers.

High Rollers: Risk Appetite Defines the Choice

High rollers prioritize capital protection and controlled gameplay. However, they can also deliberately seek higher risk. European Roulette suits high rollers who want steadier sessions. American Roulette attracts those willing to accept sharper balance swings in exchange for higher potential short-term outcomes.

Thus, Roulette is not about choosing the “better” version globally – it is about choosing the right version for your skill level and goals.

European Roulette vs American Roulette Strategies

Most roulette strategies do not depend on whether the wheel is American or European. They are betting progressions that players apply mainly to even-money bets or simple outcomes.

These strategies are most commonly applied to red/black or odd/even bets. Besides, American and European Roulette have other unique strategies.

• American Roulette Strategy: placing small, fixed bets on the Five Number Bet during fast-paced sessions to target occasional higher payouts without increasing the bet size. This strategy relies on limited exposure and short play cycles rather than progression betting.
• European Roulette Strategy: focusing on a single wheel section, such as Voisins du Zéro, and repeating the same section bet across multiple spins. Players use this strategy to maintain consistent coverage of neighboring numbers.

Final Thoughts: What Roulette Version to Play?

American and European Roulette offer different mechanics, betting options, and risk profiles, but neither version is universally “better.” The right choice depends on your experience, playstyle, and goals. That’s why DYOR and testing games in real conditions always matter more than following general advice.

In addition to the games listed above, try BetFury Roulette. Our Original table game follows the European format, features a 97.30% RTP, supports all classic Section Bets, and provides an intuitive interface designed for convenient chip placement.

Roulette FAQ Section

1. How to play online casino Roulette?

You place bets on a virtual or live roulette table by choosing numbers, groups of numbers, or special sections before the wheel spins. After the spin, the ball lands on a number, and winning bets are paid according to their odds.

2. Which Roulette has better odds?

European Roulette generally offers more favorable conditions for players because it uses a single-zero wheel.

3. What bets bring the maximum profit in American Roulette?

Straight-up number bets offer the highest payout potential but come with higher risk. The American Five Number Bet looks attractive due to its coverage, but it carries less favorable odds.

4. Are there other types of Roulette besides American and European?

Yes, French Roulette is a well-known alternative. There are also Lightning Roulettes and mini or multi-wheel versions designed for faster gameplay.

5. Why is American Roulette worse for online players?

The extra number on the wheel changes probability outcomes and affects long-term performance. This makes bankroll management more important, especially during extended sessions.

6. What Roulette should beginners choose?

European Roulette is usually the best starting point because of its simpler structure (excluding strategies with Section Bets). It helps new players learn betting logic without unnecessary complexity.