Roulette is one of the classic casino games loved all over the world. However, not everyone knows that this game has many variations, the most popular being European, American and French Roulette. Each type has its own unique characteristics that directly affect the player’s winning rate. So which version is the most worth playing? Let’s analyze in detail with in 999 to make the optimal choice.
1. Overview of Roulette
Roulette is a wheel-spinning game where players bet on where the ball will stop. Bets can be placed on numbers, colors (red/black), odd/even numbers, or groups of numbers. After the player places a bet, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and drops the ball in the opposite direction. When the wheel stops, the result is determined.
2. Similarities between European, American, and French Roulette
Before we look at the differences, it is important to identify some basic commonalities:
All three use a wheel numbered from 1 to 36.
The numbers are arranged alternately between red and black.
There are similar types of bets such as single bets, double bets, row bets, group bets, red/black, odd/even.
The payout rates for each type of bet are almost the same.
However, it is the small differences in the design of the wheel, the rules of the game and the payout mechanism that create a clear distinction between the house’s advantage and the player’s ability to win.
3. American Roulette – The most unfavorable odds
Main features:
The wheel consists of 38 slots: numbers 1-36, plus 0 (zero) and 00 (double zero).
The order of the numbers is arranged differently from other versions.
House advantage: about 5.26%.
Analysis:
The appearance of the 00 slot greatly reduces the player’s ability to win. For example, when betting on red/black, the winning rate is only about 47.37%, due to the existence of two non-red/black slots (0 and 00). This is the reason why many experts consider American Roulette not the optimal choice for beginners or those who want to play long term.
4. European Roulette – Balance between risk and reward
Key features:
The wheel consists of 37 slots: numbers 1-36 and a single 0 slot.
House edge: about 2.70%.
The arrangement of numbers on the wheel is balanced, creating a sense of fairness.
Analysis:
European Roulette is the most popular version in online casinos and casinos in Europe. Compared to American Roulette, the winning rate is higher because there is only one 0 slot. When betting on the red/black or even/odd group, players have a winning rate of nearly 48.65% – significantly higher than the American version.
This is a reasonable choice for players who want long-term entertainment while still maintaining a relatively fair chance of winning.
5. French Roulette – The most favorable version for players
Key features:
Also uses a 37-slot wheel like European Roulette.
Apply the La Partage and/or En Prison rules.
House edge: only 1.35% for certain bets.
Analysis:
French Roulette is almost identical to European Roulette in design. However, the difference lies in the special rules for outside bets (red/black, even/odd):
La Partage: If the ball lands on 0, the player loses only 50% of the bet instead of the entire bet.
En Prison: The bet is “detained” for the next round if the ball lands on 0. If the next round wins, the player gets the entire bet back.
Thanks to these rules, French Roulette offers the highest return to players, especially those who play long-term strategies and bet on outside selections.
6. Detailed Comparison Between the Three Roulette Variants
| Criteria | American Roulette | European Roulette | French Roulette |
| Number of wheel slots | 38 (1-36, 0, 00) | 37 (1-36, 0) | 37 (1-36, 0) |
| House edge | 5.26% | 2.70% | 1.35% (on even-money bets) |
| Special features | None | None | La Partage / En Prison |
| Payouts | Identical across all | Identical across all | Identical across all |
| Popularity | U.S. casinos & some international sites | Widely available globally | Mostly in France and high-end casinos |
7. Which version of Roulette should you play?
French Roulette is the best choice if you can find a casino (online or live) that offers it, as it offers the highest return on investment. However, it is not as popular as European Roulette.
European Roulette is the safest and most popular choice, easily found in most online and land-based casinos. It is a good version to start with and maintain over the long term.
American Roulette should generally be avoided if you are prioritizing winning, due to the higher house edge.
Distinguishing between European, American and French Roulette is not just about understanding the wheel structure, but is also a core element of developing an effective playing strategy. For players who want to maximize their winnings and minimize their risks, French Roulette is the most desirable version, followed by European Roulette. Meanwhile, American Roulette is visually appealing and fast, but carries a higher risk.
Choose the version that suits your playing style and betting goals to fully enjoy the Roulette experience.
See more:
- Roulette Playing Experience To Win Easily (Updated 2025)
