Understanding Roulette: American vs European

If you stand next to a roulette table in a crowded casino, you naturally look by the bouncing white ball, the fast-paced betting action, and the cheering crowd. To the average person, all roulette wheels appears completely uniform. You bet on red or black, the croupier launches the ball, and you wait for the result. However, there is a massive, fundamental difference between the two major styles of the wheel: the American wheel and the European wheel. Learning which wheel is which is not just a matter of trivia; it dictates your odds of winning in the entire casino.

The Layout of the Wheel: The Double Zero changes Everything

The defining characteristic between the two styles is visible to the naked eye if you examine the layout. The European layout has 37 slots for the ball: the standard 36 numbers, plus one single green zero. On the other hand, the standard Vegas wheel contains 38 numbers: the same layout, and an additional green double zero (00). To a beginner, adding one extra pocket might not seem like a big deal. However, in the world of casino mathematics, that extra green pocket is a massive advantage for the house that doubles the casino's profit margin.

The House Edge: The Statistical Difference

To grasp the impact of the double zero, you must understand the casino advantage. On both the European and American tables, hitting an exact number pays exactly 35 to 1. With the single zero game, the actual probability is 1/37. Because the math is slightly off, the casino holds a very reasonable house edge of exactly 2.70%. Switch to the American game. The reward does not change, but thanks to the extra green slot, it is harder to hit your number. This simple change nearly doubles the casino's house edge to a terrible 5.26%. You are playing a much harder game for identical payouts.

• 
  
• Actively hunt for the single zero wheel. Sitting at a double zero table gives the casino free money.
  
• Check the table rules. Certain high-end tables have a surrender rule which refund half your even-money bet if the ball lands on the green zero, lowering the edge even further.
  
• Most online casinos offer both versions. There is absolutely no excuse to play the double zero version when playing at an online casino.
  
• In physical Las Vegas casinos, European tables are restricted to the high roller areas because the casino wants tourists to play the terrible American odds.
  

The Bottom Line: The Math Breakdown

If you are still confused, we have created a simple comparison table. It clearly shows why the single zero game is vastly superior to the American version.

In conclusion, there is absolutely no excuse to sit down at a double zero table when a single zero option exists. The double zero wheel was created by casino operators to squeeze extra profits from uneducated tourists. By simply taking a few seconds to check the table layout before you sit down and buy chips, you can instantly cut the casino's advantage in half. Play like a professional: avoid the 00 at all costs.