Roulette is one of the oldest and most player-friendly casino games. Yet, for those new to the game, determining which version offers better odds between American Roulette vs European Roulette remains a common debate, as both variants share enough similarities.
While both roulette variations follow the same traditional rules, certain differences set them apart that can shape your overall experience and rewards. Read on as we look into the differences and similarities between the two variations of roulette. We’ll also round up top sites where you can play the game for real money and enjoy smoother gameplay. Let’s get started.
American Roulette vs European Roulette: What’s the difference?
At first glance, American Roulette and European Roulette may look almost identical but a closer look reveals their main differences. For one, American Roulette features a wheel with numbered pockets from 1 to 36 along with both a single 0 and a double 00.
European Roulette, on the other hand, uses a wheel with numbers from 1 to 36 and a single zero. While both versions offer the same stakes and cashout options, the additional double-zero pocket in American Roulette remains the key difference between them.
Roulette house edge: European vs American
The extra double zero on the American Roulette wheel vs European wheel has an effect on how the game looks and the corresponding house edge. For new players, the house edge represents the advantage the casino has in the game and the lower it is, the better your chances of winning.
Based on our research, European Roulette has a house edge of 2.70%, making it more favourable to players. On the other hand, the added double zero in American Roulette raises the house edge to 5.26%, which ultimately lowers your chances of winning.
Return to player rates (RTP) in American and European Roulette
The addition of the double zero in American Roulette also impacts the RTP. While the win potential remains unchanged, the European vs American Roulette RTP differs across bet types. Here’s a quick breakdown of how they compare:
American Roulette RTP
For American roulette, this is the individual RTP for varying types of wagers:
| Bet type | Potential win | Return to player rate |
| Straight | 35/1 | 94.74% |
| Split | 17/1 | 94.74% |
| Street | 11/1 | 94.74% |
| Corner/Square | 8/1 | 94.74% |
| Top five | 6/1 | 94.74% |
| Line | 5/1 | 92.11% |
| Column | 2/1 | 94.74% |
| Dozen | 2/1 | 94.74% |
| Red/Black | 1/1 | 94.74% |
| Odd/Even | 1/1 | 94.74% |
| High/Low | 1/1 | 94.74% |
European Roulette RTP
European Roulette has the following RTPs based on different bet types and potential win ratios. As you can see, the RTP rate is the same across all wager varieties unlike its American variant:
| Bet type | Potential win | RTP |
| Straight | 35/1 | 97.30% |
| Split | 17/1 | 97.30% |
| Street | 11/1 | 97.30% |
| Square/Corner | 8/1 | 97.30% |
| Six line | 5/1 | 97.30% |
| Column | 2/1 | 97.30% |
| Dozen | 2/1 | 97.30% |
| Red/Black | 1/1 | 97.30% |
| Odd/Even | 1/1 | 97.30% |
| High/Low | 1/1 | 97.30% |
The best European Roulette vs American Roulette casino sites
To come up with the best sites to play roulette, we reviewed several online casinos and filtered the list to the top 3. In the section below, we’ll break down how each of these
roulette sites online
performed when it came to gameplay and bonuses.
BetMGM: Best live roulette site overall
Aside from being one of the best live dealer roulette sites, BetMGM also features some of the best table games as a whole. The site’s live dealer games are powered by popular software providers like Evolution Gaming and Playtech.
BetMGM is easy to join and use, and the platform also adds variety with games like Lightning Roulette and Double Ball Roulette. Features such as saved bets, racetrack layout and live chat enhance usability while you also get to enjoy ongoing promotions like prize wheels and leaderboard rewards tied to live play. With BetMGM, its responsive mobile performance makes every session run smoothly without lags.
LosVegas: Best online roulette site for mobile
If you’re looking for the best mobile casino for live dealer roulette, LosVegas is just the right fit. This online
UK casino
is home to a handful of live dealer game options, which may not be as broad as some other casinos, but still has something to enjoy. LosVegas roulette games deliver a relaxed pace, with betting options suitable for both high and low rollers.
The online casino site offers 140 free spins and also rewards consistency through its Friday 5% cashback offer. Throughout our stay on the site, we enjoyed clean live streams, fast withdrawals, and bonus perks. The quality of gaming we enjoyed makes LosVegas a top pick for players.
Betnero - Best live roulette site for game variety
All online casinos on this list offer great live dealer gameplay but Betnero takes it to the next level. This casino features 32 different roulette variations, multiple baccarat tables, game shows, etc. As a new player at Betnero, you’ll receive a 100% deposit match bonus of £50 + 50 bonus spins for your first deposit on the site. We also found a loyalty program, VIP club and seasonal bonuses for returning users.
During gameplay, dealers maintain a calm and professional pace, allowing you to concentrate fully on what’s happening on the table. Betnero features the
best online roulette offers
and supports a wide range of payment options for fast deposits and withdrawals.
Pros and cons of European vs American Roulette
Regardless of which roulette variant you’re an aficionado of, here are the pros and cons of European and American roulette games:
Pros and Cons
- Multiple live dealer game options
- Regular bonus offers
- Fast and reliable banking options
- Flexible betting limits
- Excellent user interface
- Limited roulette-specific bonuses
Which version is right for you: European vs American Roulette?
While European Roulette offers better odds, American Roulette still has its own advantages. Each version delivers a unique experience and both are worth trying. As such, we suggest that you play European Roulette if:
- You’re a beginner and don’t know much about the game
- You enjoy playing with player-friendly rules
- You prefer higher odds and lower risk
On the other hand, you should opt for American Roulette if
- You’d like to have more betting options
- You enjoy fast-paced action
The bottom line: Both American and European Roulette are great options
Choosing between American and European roulette ultimately depends on your personal preference, risk tolerance level, and playing style. That said, you should prioritise having a good understanding of both versions, as each delivers its own mix of excitement, intensity, and classic casino fun. If you’d like to decide for yourself in an American vs European Roulette comparison, you can try both variants on platforms like BetMGM, LosVegas, and Betnero. If you’d like to do this, take your pick from the casinos in the banner and click the link on this page to get started.
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FAQs
🎰 Is American Roulette better than European Roulette?
Both American and European roulette have their unique benefits. However, choosing the best comes down to personal preference, as both variations are similar overall.
🏆 What is the best live dealer roulette casino?
BetMGM, LosVegas, and Betnero are some of the best casinos for roulette. These sites offer generous bonuses and high-quality streaming. They also feature unique online roulette games like American Roulette.
🎲 How do you properly enjoy a live dealer roulette session?
To get the most out of your roulette experience, start by choosing a reliable online casino. Then, make sure you play on a device with the right screen size and a stable internet connection. This ensures smooth gameplay and uninterrupted interaction with the live dealer.
