European Roulette

Those of you who live in the United States may not be aware that there are two different types of roulette. There is European roulette and the American counterpart. This is because roulette is way more popular in Europe then it is in North America. But, the differences between American and European roulette is not all that drastic. Many of the pay-offs are the same, the wheels are very similar in design, and the layout of the table is pretty close in both of the versions. The primary difference between European roulette and American roulette are the number of zeros that are located on the wheel. But, it is this singular difference that has a giant impact on the two games.

To contrast the difference that exists between the two games, let’s start by discussing how an American roulette table is set up. The American version has thirty-eight numbers. All the numbers, besides the zeros, alternate between red and black. It is also evenly divided between the odd and equal numbers. Half of these numbers are odd, half are even. The house maintains its advantage, by paying out bets as if there were no zero on the wheel. Let me give you an example. A bet on any number on the wheel pays out at thirty-five to one. This would be an even bet, if there wasn’t a zero on the wheel. A bet on any even or odd number, or even a bet on black or red, pays out at even odds. But these odds aren’t really even, my friends. There is always a chance that the ball will land on a zero.

This single difference creates a huge impact on the odds in European roulette, over the American version. Since European roulette wheels have half the zeros that their American roulette counterparts do, then this cuts the odds in half. The American version has a house advantage of five percent, while European roulette maintains a house advantage of two percent. This is because the zeros always reduce the chance that the ball will land on an even or odd number, or on a red and black number (remember, the zeros are green).

But, what do the European odds mean for you pocket book in the long run? Well, let’s take a look at what house advantage really means. A house advantage of five percent means that for every $100.00 that you put into action on the wheel, you lost $5.00. That are the American roulette odds. The European roulette odds are two percent, so for every $100.00 that you put into action, you only lose $2.00. Over the course of a night this little difference can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars lost. Which would you rather play?

Which brings me to my next point. Where can you find European roulette tables if you are a resident of the United States. That is a difficult question to answer because some American casinos don’t offer European roulette tables. This is beginning to change as the demand for it grows, however. European roulette tables are offered in most online casinos, so that may be best place to start. These online casinos also give residents of Europe the chance to play American roulette. I suggest trying out both the American and European roulette versions, and see for yourself which one you like the most. The odds may be better at European roulette, but you may prefer the game play at an American table more. The primary purpose of the game is entertainment, above all else. And it’s a personal choice that each person should make for themselves.