European Roulette: The Classic Casino Game
European Roulette stands as the original and most player-friendly version of the iconic casino game, offering better odds than its American counterpart due to its single-zero wheel design. Understanding what is European Roulette, how the game operates, and the mathematical principles governing outcomes enables players to make informed decisions at the table while maximizing their chances of success.
What Is European Roulette
A casino table game, European Roulette features a wheel with 37 pockets, numbered 0 through 36. Players place a bet on where a small ball will come to a rest once the wheel stops spinning, and winning bets are determined by whether predictions match the final resting position. The game originated in 18th-century France and has remained largely unchanged for over 200 years.
The defining characteristic that separates European Roulette from other variants is the single green zero pocket. This seemingly small difference creates substantial mathematical advantages for players compared to American Roulette, which includes both 0 and 00 pockets. The single zero cuts down the house edge significantly, making European Roulette the preferred choice for knowledgeable players.
The European Roulette Table Layout
The European Roulette table features a wheel at one end and a betting layout displaying all possible wagers. The wheel contains 37 pockets arranged in a specific non-sequential pattern that alternates red and black numbers.
The betting layout includes the inside betting area (individual numbers and small groups) and the outside betting area (larger groups and even-money bets). The design displays numbers 1-36 in three columns of twelve numbers each, with the zero positioned at the top of the layout.
European Roulette Wheel Configuration
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Pockets | 37 |
| Numbered Pockets | 1-36 |
| Zero Pockets | 1 (single 0) |
| Red Numbers | 18 |
| Black Numbers | 18 |
| Pocket Colors | Red, Black, Green (0 only) |
The alternating red and black color scheme applies to numbers 1-36, with zero always appearing in green.
European Roulette Rules
The dealer sets the wheel spinning in one direction while sending the ball in the complete opposite direction, and the ball eventually settles into a numbered pocket that determines the winning bets.
Betting Process
The dealer announces when betting opens. Players place chips on the table layout corresponding to their chosen bets. Once the dealer calls out “no more bets,” all wagering must cease. The ball then determines the outcome, with the dealer marking the winning number, collecting losing bets, and paying winners according to established payout ratios.
Multiple players participate simultaneously, each using different colored chips to prevent confusion.
Bet Types and Coverage
Inside bets target single numbers or small groups with higher payouts, while outside bets cover larger sets of numbers with better hit frequency.
Inside Bets:
- Straight (1 number)
- Split (2 numbers)
- Street (3 numbers)
- Corner (4 numbers)
- Six Line (6 numbers)
Outside Bets:
- Red/Black
- Odd/Even
- High/Low (1–18 / 19–36)
- Dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36)
- Columns (one of the three vertical columns)
Modern online casinos occasionally offer provably fair versions using blockchain verification, allowing players to confirm randomness independently. Games at crypto roulette sites provide transparent verification of each spin’s randomness, giving players confidence in the integrity of the results.
European Roulette Odds and Payouts
Understanding how to calculate roulette odds requires dividing the number of ways to win by the total number of possible outcomes. For a straight-up bet on a single number, the probability equals 1/37 (approximately 2.70%) since only one pocket wins among 37 total pockets.
Payout Structure
European Roulette payouts follow a standardized structure based on the number of pockets covered by each bet type.
Complete European Roulette Odds and Payouts
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Payout | Winning Probability | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 1 | 35:1 | 2.70% | 2.70% |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 | 5.41% | 2.70% |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 | 8.11% | 2.70% |
| Corner | 4 | 8:1 | 10.81% | 2.70% |
| Six Line | 6 | 5:1 | 16.22% | 2.70% |
| Dozen | 12 | 2:1 | 32.43% | 2.70% |
| Column | 12 | 2:1 | 32.43% | 2.70% |
| Red/Black | 18 | 1:1 | 48.65% | 2.70% |
| Odd/Even | 18 | 1:1 | 48.65% | 2.70% |
| High/Low | 18 | 1:1 | 48.65% | 2.70% |
Notice that every bet type carries the same 2.70% house edge. This consistency distinguishes European Roulette from games where different bet types carry varying house edges. Players can choose bets based on risk tolerance rather than searching for better odds.
Calculating Expected Value
Expected value (EV) measures the average amount won or lost per bet.
Example: a $10 straight-up bet:
EV = (0.027 × 35) – (0.973 × 1) = –0.27
This confirms that players lose an average of 2.70% of total wagers over time.
European Roulette House Edge
The European Roulette house edge stands at 2.70% on all standard bets. This figure is derived from the single-zero pocket, which creates situations where the casino wins without paying even-money bets.
Compared to American Roulette
American Roulette adds a second zero pocket (00), bringing the total pocket count to 38 while maintaining the same payout structure. This change raises the house edge to 5.26%, nearly double that of European Roulette.
A player betting $100 per spin over 100 spins expects to lose approximately $270 at European Roulette versus $526 at American Roulette. This $256 difference illustrates why knowledgeable players seek European wheels exclusively. Many operators featured among the best online casinos offer both variants, though experienced players consistently choose European tables.
La Partage and En Prison Rules
Some European Roulette tables implement special rules that lower the house edge even more on even-money bets. La Partage returns half the wager when zero appears on even-money bets, reducing the house edge to 1.35%. En Prison allows players to leave even-money bets “imprisoned” for another spin when zero hits, creating the same 1.35% edge.
These rules are primarily found in European casinos and some online platforms, resulting in the lowest house edge available in roulette variants.
European Roulette Tips and Strategy
Though no approach can eliminate the house edge, certain tactics maximize entertainment value and minimize losses during roulette sessions.
Bankroll Management
Establishing session limits before playing prevents chasing losses and preserves bankroll for future sessions. Divide total bankroll into individual session amounts, never risking more than 5% of total funds in a single session.
Bet sizing should align with bankroll depth. Players with a $500 bankroll should avoid $25 straight-up bets, as they can deplete funds quickly.
Bet Selection Strategies
Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) offer the best winning probability at 48.65%, making them suitable for conservative players seeking extended sessions. These bets win nearly half the time, resulting in less volatile outcomes than inside bets.
Combination betting involves spreading wagers across multiple bet types, diversifying risk while maintaining upside potential from high-paying inside bets.
European Roulette Tricks to Avoid
Numerous betting systems claim to beat roulette through progression strategies. The Martingale system doubles bets after losses, the Fibonacci follows the Fibonacci sequence, and the D’Alembert increases bets by one unit after losses. These systems cannot overcome the house edge and often lead to rapid bankroll depletion.
Avoid any system promising guaranteed wins. Roulette outcomes are independent events, meaning that previous results do not influence future spins.
How to Win at European Roulette
Realistic expectations form the foundation of sensible roulette play. The house edge ensures long-term casino profit, meaning players should view roulette as entertainment with costs rather than a means of generating income.
Maximizing Winning Potential
Players maximize their position by exclusively playing European Roulette over American variants, seeking tables with La Partage or En Prison rules when available, and managing bankrolls to survive normal variance. Setting realistic goals creates a structure that prevents emotional decision-making.
Leveraging casino promotions and bonuses can provide additional value. Many platforms offering casino bonuses allow roulette play to count toward wagering requirements, effectively providing extra betting funds. However, players should read the terms carefully as some bonuses exclude roulette or count bets at reduced percentages.
When to Walk Away
Recognizing when to leave the table represents a crucial skill. Exit after reaching win goals to lock in profits. Similarly, accept session losses when reaching predetermined loss limits rather than chasing losses with larger bets.
Playing European Roulette Online
Digital platforms have revolutionized access to roulette, enabling players to enjoy European Roulette from anywhere with internet connectivity. Online versions maintain the same rules and odds as physical casino tables, while offering conveniences such as lower minimum bets.
Digital RNG European Roulette
A random number generator (RNG) is used in European Roulette to determine outcomes, rather than physical wheels. These versions offer a faster game pace, allowing for hundreds of spins per hour, compared to the 30-40 spins per hour typically found in live dealer formats.
RNG roulette maintains the same mathematical properties as physical wheels when operated by licensed, regulated casinos.
Live Dealer European Roulette
Live dealer platforms stream real wheels and croupiers to players’ devices, combining online convenience with an authentic casino atmosphere. These games use actual roulette wheels and balls, with multiple cameras capturing the action. Players at live casino platforms interact with dealers through chat functions and place bets using digital interfaces.
Live dealer roulette eliminates concerns about the fairness of random number generators that some players associate with fully digital versions of the game.
Advanced Betting Concepts
Experienced players employ betting patterns that create specific risk-reward profiles matching their preferences.
Neighbor Bets and Announced Bets
Advanced European Roulette tables offer neighbor bets, covering numbers adjacent to each other on the wheel, rather than the traditional betting layout. A bet on “17 and the neighbors” covers five numbers: 17 plus the two numbers on either side of the wheel.
Announced bets include voisins du zéro (neighbors of zero, covering 17 numbers), tiers du cylindre (third of the wheel, covering 12 numbers), and orphelins (orphans, covering 8 numbers not included in the other two bets).
Spinning Toward Success
European Roulette offers the most player-friendly roulette experience through its single-zero wheel design, resulting in a 2.70% house edge. While no strategy guarantees profits against the house edge, selecting the right game, betting wisely, and managing your bankroll effectively create the best possible conditions for achieving success in roulette.
The choice between European and American Roulette should be obvious to any informed player. The nearly doubled house edge of American Roulette makes it an inferior option that is best avoided entirely. Combined with advantageous rules like La Partage when available, European Roulette represents the optimal choice for anyone seeking to test their luck at this timeless casino favorite that has drawn players for generations.
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