Live roulette is one of the most popular games in online casinos, offering players an exciting and immersive experience. Among the different versions available, American and European roulette are the most common. While both versions follow the same basic rules, they have key differences that affect gameplay, odds, and strategy.
Wheel Layout and Extra Zero
One of the biggest differences between American and European roulette is the wheel design. The American version features 38 pockets, including numbers 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and an additional double zero (00). In contrast, the European version has only 37 pockets, with numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero. The extra double zero in American roulette increases efa99 the house edge, making European roulette more favorable for players.
House Edge and Winning Chances
The house edge plays an important role in determining a player’s chances of winning. In European roulette, the house edge is approximately 2.7% due to the single zero. American roulette, however, has a higher house edge of around 5.26% because of the extra double zero. This difference means that European roulette offers better odds for players who want to maximize their chances of winning.
Betting Options and Strategies
Both American and European roulette offer similar betting options, such as inside bets (straight-up, split, street) and outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low). However, some strategies work better in one version than the other. Since European roulette has better odds, strategies like the Martingale system or Fibonacci sequence can be more effective. In American roulette, the higher house edge makes it riskier to rely on betting strategies.
En Prison and La Partage Rules
European roulette offers additional rules that benefit players, such as “En Prison” and “La Partage.” These rules apply to even-money bets when the ball lands on zero. With the “En Prison” rule, the bet is held for the next round instead of being lost. “La Partage” allows players to recover half of their bet when the ball lands on zero. These rules help reduce losses and give players better long-term advantages. American roulette does not have these options, making it less favorable for strategic players.
Game Speed and Player Preference
The pace of the game can also be different between the two versions. European roulette is often played at a slightly slower speed, especially in live casinos, where dealers take their time to engage with players. American roulette is generally faster, making it suitable for players who enjoy quick rounds and high-energy gameplay. Player preference plays a big role in choosing which version to play, as some enjoy the extra challenge of American roulette, while others prefer the better odds of European roulette.
Availability in Live Casinos
Both American and European roulette are widely available in live casinos, but European roulette is more commonly offered by major gaming providers. Many live casino platforms focus on European roulette due to its popularity among players. However, American roulette can still be found in select live casino sections, especially in regions where it is more commonly played, such as the United States.