Odds and Edges in American and European Roulette
What are Odds and Edges?
Before we get into the different roulette variants, let’s go over what are odds and edges. Odds are essentially your chances of winning, while edges are the expected value of a wager and benefits the casino. You have probably come across phrases like betting odds and house edge, they capture it perfectly – betting odds are the chances you have at winning and house edge is the house’s advantage.
There are multiple betting odds in a game of roulette and the roulette house edge varies between 2.7% for European Roulette and 5.26% for American Roulette. Based on these house edges, you would be eyeing European Roulette for the lower house edge but keep reading and make an informed decision at the end of this page because the roulette odds will also impact your takeaway or winnings.
Lowdown on House Edge
Briefly, the house edge is the house’s/casino’s advantage on every bet placed – across all games. At the end of the day, a casino is a business and the house edge is a business practice put in place to ensure the casino’s profitability.
It is necessary to note that the casinos do not impose or fix their own house edges, rather the house edge is a product of the various casino games and their variants.
European Roulette vs American Roulette
Oh! The difference a zero can make! Ironically, the number on its own holds no perceived value but add it to another number or add a percentage symbol in house edge or add it to a roulette wheel and BOOM there’s value and benefit to a zero.
The zero is one of the most glaring differences in American and European Roulette. Here, we strive to answer every perceived question about these roulette variants including, whether American casinos, land based and online, have European roulette as a variant and available for play. If you’re wondering, the answer is yes!
Yes, American casinos do have European roulette. Moving on…both variants feature a roulette wheel; however American Roulette has two extra green pockets. In the first green pocket you will see a 0 and the second green pocket you will see 00. In American roulette the roulette wheel has 38 pockets vs European roulette which has 36 pockets and just one green pocket which features the number 0.
House Odds and Edges between American and European Roulette
The next difference in American and European Roulette is the house edge. We highlighted the difference earlier, 2.7% for European Roulette and 5.26% for American Roulette. The difference in odds is the next contrast between the two variants. American roulette has lower odds – 1 in 38. Despite higher roulette odds, the European version pays out the same as American roulette – 35 to 1.
We’ve summarized the differences in the table below:
| American Roulette | European Roulette |
| Higher house edge | Lower house edge |
| Lower odds | Better odds |
| Standard payouts 35 to 1 | Standard payouts 35 to 1 |
| 38 pockets | 36 pockets |
| Double zero | One zero |
The roulette odds differ on the different bets; for example: the odds for outside bets are higher but the payout is typically low. In contrast, the odds for inside bets are lower with higher payouts. Despite the contrast in odds, the house edge remains the same for inside and outside bets. Which is the best roulette version to play?
With a lower house edge and better odds – European Roulette is the winner. Ultimately, it’s your decision and incorporating roulette strategies would benefit you and your bankroll in the long run. To understand which roulette strategy to employ, you have to get a handle on the various betting systems and bets – we cover that in the next section.
Betting systems and the best bets in Roulette
Betting systems are also known as betting strategies. Online Roulette has 8 popular betting strategies, these include:
- The Martingale Betting Strategy
- The All-In Betting Strategy
- The Grand Martingale Betting Strategy
- The Fibonacci Roulette Strategy
- The Reverse Martingale Betting Strategy
- The D’Alembert Roulette Strategy
- The James Bond Betting Strategy
- The Constant Bet Strategy
Martingale Betting Strategy
The strategy is based on doubling your bet every time you lose. The strategy posits that when you win, you will win back all your losses too.
All-In Betting Strategy
Like the name suggests, this strategy requires you to “go all-in”, betting your entire bankroll on one number.
Grand Martingale Betting Strategy
Similar to the Martingale Betting Strategy, this strategy requires you to double your bet plus an additional amount equal to the original wager. When you do win, the payout will be high!
Fibonacci Roulette Strategy
Affectionately regarded as the safest roulette betting system, this strategy is based on the Fibonacci number sequence. The best in this strategy have a 50% chance of winning.
Reverse Martingale Betting Strategy
Like in the Martingale betting system, you would need to double your bet, the difference is when to double. In this strategy, you need to double your bet on a win not a loss.
D’Alembert Roulette Strategy
Similar to the Fibonacci, this strategy requires you to increase your best by one, rather than two in the Fibonacci strategy. This is a low risk betting system.
James Bond Betting Strategy
This is a combination bet system, where $200 is allocated to three bets:
- $140 on high numbers
- $50 on six line or double street numbers
- $10 on single 0
Constant Bet Strategy
The least complicated of all roulette betting systems is the Constant bet strategy. Whether you win or lose, your bet remains the same. Most new players employ this strategy without even knowing it is a strategy!
Here we are, at the end of this game where you emerge a winner, with all the winning information within your grasp! Now, go put some money in that grasp while playing either American or European Roulette at Big Dollar Casino!
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