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Comparing Roulette Wheels

When walking through a massive casino floor, you are guaranteed to spot the famous wooden wheel. But, what many casual players do not notice is that there are actually two very different versions of this classic game. The two main styles are the American and European wheels. Although they appear exactly the same to a novice, the small changes between the two formats drastically alter on your chances of winning. This guide will highlight the core differences between the two wheels and guide your betting choices.

The Single Zero vs The Double Zero

The entire difference between these two formats comes down to one extra green slot. The European roulette wheel features exactly 37 pockets: standard numbers 1-36, and a single green zero (0). This single zero is the source of the house advantage.

Why American is Different

The US version of the game, on the other hand, has an extra slot.

• It has the same numbers 1 through 36
• The normal zero is there
• It features an extra 00 slot

This small extra pocket is terrible news for the player for anyone placing a bet.

The Mathematical Reality

Since the winning payouts for hitting a single number remain identical on both wheels (paying 35 to 1), the addition of the extra 00 pocket ruins the odds. In the European game, the house edge is a highly respectable 2.7%. But tragically, in the US game, that single extra pocket makes the math much worse, raising the edge to 5.26%.

1. American roulette is statistically twice as bad
2. The European cost is low
3. A $100 bet on American costs you $5.26 theoretically

Ultimately, there is no mathematical excuse to sit down at an American roulette wheel if the single-zero game is offered. Always look for the single-zero layout to maximize your odds.</p