Roulette Variants: European, American, and French Compared

Quick Answer: Which roulette has the best odds?

French roulette gives the best odds if the table uses La Partage or En Prison on even‑money bets. Then the house edge is 1.35%. European roulette (single zero) has a 2.70% house edge. American roulette (double zero) has a 5.26% house edge. If you can, pick single‑zero. If you see French rules, that is even better.

• French (La Partage or En Prison on even‑money bets): 1.35% on those bets
• European (single zero): 2.70% overall
• American (double zero): 5.26% overall

Comparison at a glance

How the wheels and layouts differ

Wheel pockets and numbering

European and French wheels have 37 pockets: numbers 1–36 plus a single green 0. American wheels have 38 pockets: 1–36 plus 0 and 00. That extra 00 is the main reason the house edge is higher in American roulette.

The number order around the rim is not the same on each wheel type. This does not change the math for fair wheels, but it changes how the racetrack bets line up on European and French tables.

Table layout and betting tracks

All tables have a main grid with 1–36 plus 0 (and 00 on American). European and French tables often add a “racetrack” layout on the felt. The racetrack lets you place groups of numbers that sit next to each other on the wheel, not just on the felt.

Inside, outside, and call bets

Inside bets are bets on one number or small groups (like a split of two numbers). These pay more but hit less often. Outside bets are on red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, or columns. These hit more often but pay less.

Call bets (also called announced bets) are common on French and many European tables. You tell the dealer (croupier) a set bet, like:

• Voisins du zéro (“neighbors of zero”): a large block around the zero on the wheel
• Tiers du cylindre (“third of the wheel”): the opposite side from zero
• Orphelins (“orphans”): two small wheel sectors not in the other sets
• Jeu zéro: a tight group right around zero

Some places do not allow call bets, or they only allow them if you also place chips on the felt. Rules vary by casino and by local law.

House edge and probabilities explained

Why the house edge exists

The payouts do not match the true odds exactly. That small gap is the “house edge.” It is the average share the casino keeps over many spins.

• On a European wheel, a single number has 1 chance in 37 to hit. The payout is 35 to 1. If the payout matched the odds, it would be 36 to 1. The shortfall makes the 2.70% edge.
• On an American wheel, a single number has 1 chance in 38. The payout is still 35 to 1, which makes the edge 5.26%.

French rules: La Partage and En Prison (even‑money bets)

French tables often add a player‑friendly rule when the ball lands on 0:

• La Partage: If you bet on red/black, odd/even, or high/low and the ball lands on 0, you lose only half your bet. This cuts the edge on these even‑money bets to about 1.35%.
• En Prison: If 0 hits, your even‑money bet stays “in prison” for one more spin. If the next spin wins, you get your stake back. If not, you lose it. This also makes the edge about 1.35% on those bets.

Note: These rules affect only even‑money bets. Dozens, columns, and inside bets stay at the normal 2.70% edge on a single‑zero wheel.

Simple EV (expected value) examples

Think of EV as your long‑run average result per bet.

• European straight‑up (one number): Bet $10. You win $350 net if your number hits (35 to 1). Chance to win is 1/37. EV = (1/37 × $350) − (36/37 × $10) ≈ $9.46 − $9.73 = −$0.27. That is −2.7% of $10.
• American straight‑up: Bet $10. Chance is 1/38. EV = (1/38 × $350) − (37/38 × $10) ≈ $9.21 − $9.74 = −$0.53 (−5.26%).
• French even‑money with La Partage: Bet $10 on red. If 0 hits, you lose only $5. The EV on even‑money becomes about −$0.135 per $10 (−1.35%).

Some US casinos offer an American rule called “surrender.” It is like La Partage but on a double‑zero wheel. On even‑money bets, if 0 or 00 lands, you lose only half. That cuts the edge on even‑money bets to about 2.63% on those specific tables.

Table experience: pace, limits, and where you can find each game

Minimums and pace

• Single‑zero tables (European/French) often have higher minimum bets in land‑based casinos. This is because the odds are better for you.
• French tables can be a bit slower. There are more call bets, and the croupier may announce them.
• American tables can feel faster and simpler. The layout is more basic, and there is no racetrack on many felts.

Live dealer vs RNG online

• Live dealer uses a real wheel with a real croupier on video. It feels close to a casino. It is slower, but it adds trust and social feel.
• RNG (Random Number Generator) roulette uses software. It is fast and has low limits. Trusted labs test the RNGs for fairness.

Good testing labs include eCOGRA and iTech Labs. They check that the game results are random and fair.

Strategy basics that actually help

Table selection beats betting systems

No betting system can beat the house edge over time. Picking a better wheel does help. If you can, pick a single‑zero table. If you see French rules (La Partage or En Prison), that is the best for even‑money bets.

Bankroll and how risky your bets are

• Inside bets (like one number) are high risk and pay big, but they can miss for a long time.
• Outside bets (like red/black) hit more often, so your balance moves up and down more slowly.
• Set a session budget and a time limit. Take breaks. Do not chase losses.

Why progressions do not change the math

Systems like Martingale tell you to double after a loss. This does not change the odds. Limits and losing streaks can still wipe you out. The house edge stays the same on every spin. The best “edge” you can get is to choose a better rule set.

How to choose where to play (safety first)

Licensing, fairness, and clear rules

• Play only at licensed casinos. You can check license data with your regulator, like the UK Gambling Commission, the Nevada Gaming Control Board, or the Malta Gaming Authority.
• Look for testing seals from labs like eCOGRA or iTech Labs. These show the games are audited.
• Read the terms and bonus rules. Check wagering rules on roulette. Some bonuses limit roulette or count it less.

Payments, limits, and support

• Check deposit and withdrawal times. Fast withdrawals, clear limits, and no hidden fees are good signs.
• See if the site has tools like deposit limits, time‑outs, and self‑exclusion.
• If you bank in Switzerland and use PostFinance, it helps to know which sites support it. For a simple guide to casinos that take this method, see Online Casinos PostFinance. Always check that any site on a list is legal for you and has a valid license.

Independent reviews and how to use them

• Look for reviews that test live dealer and RNG tables, list wheel type (single or double zero), and confirm if La Partage/En Prison is active.
• Trust reviews that name the license, test withdrawals, and show both pros and cons.
• Note: Some review links may be affiliate links. If so, the reviewer may earn a commission. A good review still gives fair info and does not hide risks.

FAQ

Is French roulette the same as European roulette?

They use the same single‑zero wheel. The big difference is rules at the table. French tables often use La Partage or En Prison on even‑money bets. That cuts the edge to 1.35% on those bets. A basic European table does not use these rules by default.

What is La Partage vs En Prison?

Both help only on even‑money bets when 0 lands. La Partage gives back half your stake right away. En Prison holds your stake for one more spin; if you win next spin, you get it back. Both give about the same better odds for even‑money bets.

Why is American roulette’s edge higher?

American wheels add a 00 pocket. Payouts stay the same, but your chance to win goes down. That extra pocket raises the house edge from 2.70% to 5.26% on most bets.

Can I find single‑zero roulette in the U.S.?

Yes, but not in every casino. Some casinos offer single‑zero tables or European/French style games. They may have higher minimums. Some US tables also use “surrender” on even‑money bets. Ask the floor or check the felt.

Is live dealer roulette fair compared to RNG?

Both can be fair if they are licensed and tested. Live dealer uses a real wheel on camera. RNG games use software that labs test for randomness. Look for testing seals from eCOGRA or iTech Labs.

Does wheel bias exist today?

In modern casinos, bias is rare. Casinos maintain wheels and check them. Regulators also oversee fairness. You can read more at the UKGC player guides.

What is RTP in roulette?

RTP means “return to player.” It is 100% minus the house edge. So European roulette has about 97.30% RTP. American has about 94.74% RTP. French with La Partage or En Prison on even‑money bets is about 98.65% RTP on those bets.

Sources and further reading

• Wizard of Odds: Roulette — detailed odds and house edge tables
• Encyclopaedia Britannica: Roulette — history and overview
• UK Gambling Commission — licensing and player guidance
• Nevada Gaming Control Board — regulatory information
• Malta Gaming Authority — licensing and compliance
• eCOGRA — independent testing and standards
• iTech Labs — RNG and game testing

Responsible gambling and legal notice

Roulette is a game of chance. No system can make sure you win. Only play if you are of legal age in your country or state. Laws and taxes differ by place. Set limits, and never chase losses. If you need help, talk to support services:

• BeGambleAware
• GamCare
• National Council on Problem Gambling (US)

Extra notes for smart play

• Check the felt or rules card before you sit. Ask the croupier if La Partage or En Prison is active.
• Online, read the game info panel. It often shows wheel type, RTP, and rule set.
• If you want racetrack and call bets, pick European or French tables with a racetrack view.
• For lower stakes, RNG tables often have smaller minimums than live dealer tables.

Author: Editorial Team
Last updated: 09 Jan 2026

Disclosure: Some links may be to partners. If you use them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change our advice to pick single‑zero and to play safely.