European Roulette
European Roulette – The Most Favored Roulette Variation Around The World
Roulette is a game of chance that has gained great popularity over the years. It is offered in virtually every casino. The history of this exciting casino classic can be traced back to 17th-century France. Nowadays, it is so widely spread that it is even played online. There are three main variations of the game – European, French and American – but the European version is the most widely played. Even though the basic rules are the same, there are a few key differences every gambler should bear in mind.
In all three variations, there is a wheel and a ball that the croupier spins. Players place their bets on which numbered pocket the ball will land in. Depending on the wager, gamblers do not necessarily need to guess the exact number. Unlike the modified American roulette, which has two zero pockets, the European game has only one. This results in some differences in the betting section, also known as the table layout, and it makes the European version far more advantageous to players.
By way of comparison with American roulette, we will outline some essential features of European roulette. We will also draw players’ attention to the two major categories of bets, as well as the so-called exotic Call bets. The reason for the great popularity of the European roulette variation is hidden in the zeroes, so keep on reading to learn more.
European Roulette Odds and Payouts
European Roulette is celebrated for its favorable odds, attributed to the single zero (0) pocket that lowers the house edge to just 2.70%. This key difference not only offers a more player-friendly game compared with the American version and its additional double zero but also enhances the thrill of every spin. The lower casino advantage means players have a better shot at winning.
Whether you opt for a riskier straight bet with a 35-to-1 payout or play it safe by betting on colour, parity, or range (high/low), European Roulette caters to a wide variety of strategies and risk tolerances. Its blend of simple rules, varied betting options, and the possibility of substantial wins has cemented its status as a cornerstone of casino gaming. For those looking to make more informed decisions, the table of payouts and odds can be found below.
Bet Type | Player Odds | Payout |
---|---|---|
Straight (single number) | 2.7% | 35 to 1 |
Split (two numbers) | 5.4% | 17 to 1 |
Street (three numbers) | 8.1% | 11 to 1 |
Corner (four numbers) | 10.8% | 8 to 1 |
Column | 32.4% | 2 to 1 |
Dozen | 32.4% | 2 to 1 |
Red/Black | 48.6% | 1 to 1 |
Even/Odd | 48.6% | 1 to 1 |
Low/High | 48.6% | 1 to 1 |
Differences between European and American Roulette
What is roulette without a wheel? Let’s start with the emblem of the game. As mentioned above, American roulette has been modified to increase casino profit and reduce players’ chances of winning. Thus, European roulette is preferred worldwide because it gives players higher chances of winning. The extra zero pocket in American roulette boosts the house edge from 2.70% to 5.26%. While the American wheel has 38 pockets (1 to 36, plus zero and double zero), the European version has 37 (1 to 36, plus zero). Both wheels share the same colour pattern: red and black numbers, with green reserved for the zero pocket(s). Odd and even numbers also alternate.
The order of the pockets seems random, yet it is actually arranged in a specific mathematical sequence so that the probability of each number coming up is equal. Interestingly, if you add up all the numbers on the wheel, the total is 666, often called “The Devil’s Number”.
On the American wheel, numbers appear more structured; the numbers opposite one another are consecutive. Although there is no obvious pattern to how the numbers are arranged on the European wheel, you will notice they almost perfectly alternate between high (19-36) and low (1-18) numbers, the only exception being that 5 neighbours 10. Another subtle difference is in orientation: on the American wheel, the numbers face outward, whereas on the European one they face the centre of the wheel.
When it comes to colours, both wheels have 18 red and 18 black numbered pockets. Odd numbers from 1 to 10 and 19 to 28 are red, while even numbers are black. From 11 to 18 and 29 to 36, the pattern is reversed—odd numbers are black and even numbers are red.
The table betting section also differs because the croupier stands in a different position in the two versions. In American roulette, outside bets are placed along one side of the table, while in European roulette they are positioned on both sides of the betting layout.
Although both games follow similar rules, one major difference cannot be overlooked. In American roulette, when the ball lands in a zero pocket, all outside bets are lost. Under European rules, however, when the ball lands in the zero pocket, the outcome is not entirely lost; players can recover all, or at least half, of their stake.
Another significant difference involves the chips. European roulette uses standard casino chips instead of the special roulette chips found in the American variant. This makes keeping track of your bets slightly more challenging, so each player should pay close attention to where their wagers are placed. All bets are handled by the croupier with the aid of a special stick.
Possible Bets in European Roulette
The game starts with placing your chips on the different betting sections of the table. Bets are accepted until the croupier spins the ball and for a couple of seconds thereafter for last-minute wagers. Once the winning number has been announced, the croupier pays out the winning bets, while all losing chips are removed from the table. After that, gamblers may start betting again. Players have various options when it comes to their wagers. Each table has different minimum and maximum limits, and players can place as many bets as they like, provided they comply with those limits. The betting layout is not much different from that of other roulette variations and the bets fall into two major groups – “inside” and “outside” bets.
Placing Bets on the Inside
Inside bets carry a lower chance of winning, but the payouts are much higher. There are six subtypes of inside bets:
Straight Bet
This wager is placed on a single number. You put your money on one particular number and win only if the ball lands on that specific pocket. The payout is 35:1.
Split Bet
This wager is placed on two adjoining numbers by setting the chips on the line between them. For example, you might bet on 17 and 18 and win if the ball lands on either of those numbers. The payout is 17:1.
Street Bet
This wager covers three numbers in a horizontal row. Place the chips on the outer edge of the row, and you win if any of the three numbers comes up. The payout is 11:1.
Corner Bet
This wager is placed on four adjoining numbers by setting the chips on the intersection of the four. Visually, the numbers form a square, such as 1, 2, 4 and 5. The payout is 8:1.
Six-Line Bet
This wager covers two “streets” (six numbers) by setting the chips on the intersection of the outer edge lines of both rows—for example, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. The payout is 5:1.
Placing Bets on the Outside
With outside bets, the odds of winning are higher, but the payouts are lower. These types of bets also come in six subtypes:
Column Bet
This wager covers all numbers in one of the three columns by placing the chips in the box at the end of the column. For example, you would cover 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31 and 34. The payout is 2:1.
Dozen / Group Bet
This wager covers the first (1-12), second (13-24) or third (25-36) group by placing the chips in the respective dozen box. The payout is 2:1.
Black / Red Bet
This wager is placed on either black or red by setting the chips on the colour box. The payout is 1:1, also known as even money.
Odd / Even Bet
This wager predicts whether the winning number will be odd or even by placing the chips on the corresponding box. The payout is even money.
High / Low Bet
This wager predicts whether the winning number will be low (1-18) or high (19-36) by placing the chips on the low or high box. The payout is even money.
The Exotic Call Bets
Every gambler knows that the European betting section provides one additional option that mirrors the wheel. It is called the racetrack, or call bets. Here, only the croupier may place the wager on the player’s behalf. Three major bet types are included:
Voisins du Zéro
This bet is placed on the numbers neighbouring zero. You wager on 17 numbers located between 22 and 25 on the wheel: 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2 and 25. It is a 9-chip bet: 2 chips on the 0-2-3 trio, 2 chips on the 25-26-28-29 corner, and the remaining chips as split bets.
Tiers du Cylindre
This bet covers the numbers opposite Voisins du Zéro. It is a 6-chip series of split bets covering the 27 to 33 section of the wheel: 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16 and 33.
Orphelins
This wager covers the remaining eight numbers. On either side of the wheel, the two sets are 17-34-6 and 1-20-14-31-9. The bet is usually made with 5 chips.
The importance of the zero(es)
The American wheel includes a second double-zero pocket to increase the casino’s profit. Mathematically, zero is neither even nor odd, neither high nor low, and it is neither red nor black on the wheel, which is why it represents the casino’s advantage. In the American variation, the zero pockets wipe out all bets, and you lose. Although European roulette also has a zero pocket, playing with only one zero gives you a smaller chance of losing. Moreover, the rules are more favourable to the player, who can reclaim all or part of the stake if the ball lands in the zero pocket.
Whether you play roulette online or in a land-based casino, you may win or lose. To enhance your chances, follow the rules of the game and apply sound strategies. Don’t get disheartened if you lose—that’s how real experience is gained. And remember: if there is no risk, there is no gain!
FAQ:
European Roulette offers a lower house edge of 2.70% due to its single zero compared to the 5.26% in American Roulette. This translates into higher chances of winning for the player.
The single zero drastically reduces the house edge, giving players a better shot at winning and more favorable odds than those in American Roulette.
Mix inside bets for higher payouts with outside bets for better odds. Consider placing call bets to cover larger sections of the wheel. Balance risk and reward for optimal play.
The racetrack allows for placing call bets like Voisins du Zero, adding excitement with strategic betting options beyond the standard layout.
The zero pocket in European Roulette gives the house a mathematical advantage over players. Rules like the La Partage reduce the negative impact of the zero by giving you a chance to partially recover your losing even-money stakes.