Roulette variants compared

Roulette Variants: European, American, and French Compared

Roulette may seem like an easy game: a ball spins, a wheel spins, you either win or you lose. Yet the games are different. The house edge is different. The number of zeros on the wheel is different. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the three main variations: European Roulette, American Roulette, and French Roulette. We’ll explain the rules, the odds, and the house edge for each. We’ll explain where you might find each version. We’ll explain which offers better value and why. We’ll use plain English. We’ll explain the maths. We’ll only recommend responsible gambling.

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Quick verdict: French Roulette variants (La Partage or En Prison rules) offer the best value on even-money bets. European Roulette variants are the next best. American Roulette variants have the worst house edge, as they have an additional 00.

Key takeaways

• European roulette: one zero (0), 37 pockets, house edge ~2.70% on most bets.
• American roulette: two zeros (0 and 00), 38 pockets, house edge ~5.26% on most bets.
• French roulette: one zero plus special rules (La Partage or En Prison) on even‑money bets, cutting the edge to ~1.35% on those bets.
• Best for bankroll: French (with La Partage/En Prison) > European > American.
• Never use the American “five‑number” bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3). Its edge is ~7.89%.

• Zeros: European = 0; American = 0 and 00; French = 0 with special rules.
• Even‑money edge: European ~2.70%; American ~5.26%; French ~1.35% (with La Partage/En Prison).
• Best pick for most players: French. If not available, pick European.

Table of contents

• How roulette works in 60 seconds
• European roulette explained
• American roulette explained
• French roulette explained
• Side‑by‑side comparison
• Which variant should you play?
• How to choose a safe place to play online
• Bankroll and responsible play
• Myths vs math
• FAQs
• Conclusion

How roulette works in 60 seconds

The thing about roulette is that there are numbered pockets on the wheel, the croupier (or an online random number generator) rolls the wheel and drops a ball, and players bet on what pocket it will land in. You can bet on individual numbers or groups of numbers (“inside bets,” usually have higher payouts but lower chance of winning) or you can bet on whether it will land in a red pocket or a black pocket, whether it will land in an odd or even pocket, whether it will land in a higher or lower numbered pocket (“outside bets” that typically have lower payouts but higher chances of winning).

The problem is that the zero pocket (and, in American roulette, the double zero pocket) isn’t considered to be red or black, odd or even, or high or low, and it goes to the house, and the payouts on the other pockets don’t quite reflect the odds of winning, and the difference between the odds of winning and the payouts is the house’s edge. And if you have more zeros, that edge goes up.

You can play in a land casino, or in an online live dealer or RNG game. The rules dictate the odds. The medium (live or RNG) does not affect the mathematics. The software must be fair and payouts must be made in accordance with regulations. For example, see the UK Gambling Commission technical standards: UKGC RTS.

European roulette explained

37 pocket European wheel (with a single zero) 0, with the standard house edge of 2.70% on most bets. The house edge comes from the zero pocket: if the ball lands there, the even-money bets will lose.

Common rules:

• Single zero only.
• Full set of inside and outside bets.
• Some tables show a “racetrack” for called bets like Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins.
• La Partage is not default in European, but some online rooms add it. If they do, the edge on even‑money bets drops to ~1.35% (same as French).

Recommended for: anyone who wants to play with more reasonable house odds and isn't wedded to American. It's widely available in Europe and on the Internet. For house edge information and the rules, visit Wizard of Odds: Roulette.

American roulette explained

The American wheel has 38 pockets: 1–36, 0, and 00. The 00 pocket is not your friend. It brings the house edge up to around 5.26% on most bets. The payouts are the same as European, but the odds are less favourable because of the additional zero pocket.

The “five-number” bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 has an even higher house edge of around 7.89%. This is the worst bet on the layout. Avoid it. You can read the full breakdown here: Wizard of Odds.

Some US casinos have a “surrender” rule on even-money bets. If the ball lands on 0 or 00, you lose half of your bet. This is a version of La Partage. It halves the house edge on even-money bets. This is not common. Always check the table rules. See more on variants and special rules: Roulette Variants (Wizard of Odds).

Ideal for: those whose only exposure to the game are American wheels, usually found in North America. And if you do play, do so within reason and on outside bets.

French roulette explained

Like the European wheel, the French wheel has 37 numbers and a single zero.

• La Partage: If you bet on an even‑money option (red/black, odd/even, high/low) and the ball hits zero, you lose only half your stake. This drops the house edge on those bets to about 1.35%.
• En Prison: If zero hits, your even‑money bet stays “in prison” for one more spin. If the next spin wins, you get your stake back (no profit). If it loses, you lose as normal. The effect on the edge is also about 1.35% on those bets.

What matters is the special rule on even-money bets that applies when the zero shows up.

• Voisins du Zéro: Covers numbers near the zero.
• Tiers du Cylindre: Covers a third of the wheel opposite zero.
• Orphelins: Covers the “orphans,” the numbers not in the other two groups.

You can also make “announced” (or “call”) bets on the racetrack:

Best for: players who want the lowest edge on even‑money bets. It is great for bankroll care. It is common in Europe and in many live dealer lobbies online.

Side‑by‑side comparison

European	37	0	~2.70%	~1.35% if La Partage is offered	Sometimes La Partage online; racetrack bets common	Europe, online worldwide
American	38	0 and 00	~5.26%	Can drop if “surrender” is offered (rare)	“Five‑number” bet exists (avoid)	North America, some cruise ships, online
French	37	0	~2.70%	~1.35% with La Partage or En Prison	La Partage/En Prison on even‑money bets; racetrack bets	Europe, many live dealer rooms

Why the big gap? Zeros do not pay you on even‑money bets. More zero pockets mean more small losses over time. Special rules like La Partage or En Prison give you half back or a second chance when zero hits. That cuts the pain and the edge.

Which variant should you play?

• If you want the lowest edge on even‑money bets: Pick French with La Partage or En Prison.
• If French is not there: Pick European.
• If only American is there: Play outside bets. Avoid the five‑number bet. If you see “surrender,” it helps even‑money bets a bit.

Zero isn’t a paying number for even-money wagers.

How to choose a safe place to play online

Some versions offer La Partage or En Prison options that return half or give you another spin when zero wins. That reduces the sting and house edge.

Second, check game testing. Look for labs like eCOGRA and iTech Labs. These labs test RNG fairness and payout claims.

Third, check the roulette mix and the rules. Does the site offer French tables with La Partage or En Prison? Are withdrawal times clear? Are there tools to set limits?

Also, consider the table limits. A lower minimum bet is better for a smaller bankroll. Live dealer games deal fewer hands per hour, so the bankroll will last longer. RNG games deal more hands per hour but may offer lower minimum bets. If the rules are the same, the math is the same.

Bankroll and responsible play

• Set a session budget you can afford to lose. Stick to it.
• Use small bet units (for example, 1–2% of your session bankroll per spin).
• Set a stop‑loss and a stop‑win. Take breaks. Set a time limit.
• Avoid chasing losses. The house edge does not care about your last spin.
• Betting systems (Martingale, etc.) do not change the house edge. They only change risk and variance.

Next, we want to make sure there are independent labs on board to test the games. eCOGRA or iTech are good examples of this, they will check if the Random Number Generators are operating fairly, and if the payout levels are being met.

Myths vs math: quick checks

• Myth: “Red is hot. It will keep hitting.” Truth: Each spin is independent. This is the gambler’s fallacy.
• Myth: “A system beats the wheel.” Truth: The house edge comes from zero(s). No system removes it.
• Myth: “Live dealer odds are better.” Truth: Odds come from rules and zeros, not the format.
• Myth: “French pays more on all bets.” Truth: The lower edge (1.35%) applies to even‑money bets with La Partage/En Prison only.

For clear math on edges and payouts, study Wizard of Odds. It is a top resource used by many pros and researchers.

FAQs

Is French roulette better than European?

In the UK you can visit the GamCare or BeGambleAware websites.

Why is American roulette worse for players?

Please gamble responsibly.

What is La Partage vs En Prison?

• La Partage: Even‑money bet. Zero hits. You lose only half.
• En Prison: Even‑money bet. Zero hits. Your bet stays for one more spin. Win the next spin, and you get your stake back.

Which roulette has the lowest house edge?

That's the website most of us use to do research.

Can I play French roulette online?

Often yes, especially in Europe and in many live dealer rooms worldwide. Always check local laws and site licensing. Look for “French roulette,” “La Partage,” or “En Prison” in the table rules.

Is live dealer or RNG roulette better?

La Partage or En Prison offers half back or another spin on zero. That cuts the house edge in half to around 1.35 on those bets.

What bets should beginners make?

Start with even‑money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low). They hit more often and are simple to track. If you can, use French tables with La Partage or En Prison to lower the edge.

Conclusion

That extra 00 provides more ways to lose, with the same return.

Sources and further reading

• Wizard of Odds: Roulette (rules, payouts, house edge)
• Wizard of Odds: Roulette Variants (La Partage, En Prison, surrender)
• UNLV Center for Gaming Research
• UK Gambling Commission and Remote Technical Standards
• Malta Gaming Authority
• eCOGRA (independent testing)
• iTech Labs (independent testing)
• GamCare and BeGambleAware (support)
• National Council on Problem Gambling (US)

Last updated: 2025-12-25. Information is for education only. Gambling involves risk. Only play if you are of legal age in your area. If you need help, contact the support groups listed above.