Casino

The Differences Between American and European Roulette Explained

August 14, 2025

Blurred red casino chip in motion over a roulette table, with poker chips, a player's hand, and a glass of whiskey in the background.

One of the most important aspects of understanding the odds of roulette is grasping the rules of the game. This is even more pertinent when you’re considering playing roulette variants online or live at a physical casino.

The most common versions of roulette you’ll find either at brick-and-mortar casinos or online are American and European roulette. While the differences between these types of roulette games might seem subtle to novices, they can have a huge impact on your strategy for roulette tournaments and other chances to play the game.

Either version of roulette is a game of chance, but you’re taking an unnecessary risk if you don’t inform yourself of how to recognize these types and what adjustments you should make for each before you start playing. Understanding the differences between roulette variants helps you make more informed decisions and manage your risk effectively. Borgata Online makes it easy to put this knowledge to good use.

What is Roulette?

Among all the wheel-based games at casinos, roulette might be the most famous. Roulette is popular because it is simple to play but difficult to master.

The object of the game is to win, and you win by correctly predicting in which colored and numbered slot a ball (commonly referred to as the pill) will rest when the game’s wheel stops spinning. There are many ways to do this.

The best roulette betting tips involve managing your risk and trying to play the odds to your advantage. Those odds shift based on the type of roulette you engage in.

The Basics of the Differences Between American and European Roulette

Red casino chip flying through the air toward a roulette table during a game, with a player in motion and a blurred casino background.

If you ask a roulette dealer for a quick explanation of how American roulette differs from European roulette, they’ll tell you it’s all about the composition of the roulette wheel. The wheel in European roulette contains 37 slots, numbered 0 to 36.

On a European roulette wheel, the zero is green, while the other numbered slots alternate between black and red. However, in American roulette, there is one change.

An American roulette wheel adds a second green slot, which is numbered 00. That extra slot makes a substantial difference in terms of the roulette house edge.

The House Edge in American and European Roulette Games

In all roulette variants, the green slot(s) represent the casino’s interest in the game. Because there are two of these slots in American roulette, the house edge is less player-friendly.

Overall, standard versions of European roulette have a 2.7% house edge. Traditional American roulette games contain an overall house edge of 5.26%.

Casinos are free to set payouts for each potential wager you might make in either version of roulette within regulatory limits. Examining your betting options, the attached odds, and the associated payouts will help you dispel misconceptions about playing roulette online.

How Do Betting Options Differ Between American and European Roulette?

The 00 slot in American roulette affects the probability of every bet option compared to European roulette. For example, a split bet has a 5.41% chance of hitting in European roulette and a 5.26% chance in American roulette games that follow traditional rules.

Standard games of American roulette introduce unique wagers that don’t exist in European games, though, such as Top Line bets (also known as Five Number Bets: 0, 00, 1, 2, 3). 

There are also some roulette side bets you might be able to access depending on the rules of the specific game you’re playing. A better look at the roulette split bet strategy sheds more light on the nuances of these two types of roulette.

Should I Adjust My Roulette Strategy Between American and European Roulette?

Most roulette variants include the option to place a split bet. This is a wager “split” between adjoining numbers on the table.

If the pill rests in either slot, you win. When you’re playing American roulette, your likelihood of that happening is lower than your odds of the same in European roulette.

To account for that, you might lower the amount of your bet or place a split bet less frequently in American roulette. As long as you manage your casino gambling bankroll responsibly, it’s up to you how much to risk in these situations.

Differences in Terminology in American and European Roulette

The majority of jargon unique to roulette has the same meaning regardless of which of these main types of roulette you choose. For example, inside bets in roulette have the same names in both versions.

For both American and European kinds, the outside wagers tend to be the safest bets in online roulette. This is because, even though outside bets in roulette typically offer lower payouts, they have higher odds of winning, making them a more favorable option for conservative players. Inside bets, on the other hand, offer more valuable payouts but lower odds of winning.

You might encounter some local customs that are like regional dialects from one land-based casino to the next. Still, these terms are normally equivalent between American and European roulette.

Do Roulette Strategies Work Better With American or European Roulette?

The long history of roulette play has produced many now well-known roulette strategies. These advanced roulette systems can work in both American and European roulette.

Selecting one over another is a matter of preference. Some players find they are more comfortable with the Labouchère System than the Romanosky system, for example.

Whether you’re looking for low-volatility roulette systems or looking to take bigger risks, Borgata Online is the place to play in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Borgata Online has all you need to steer the wheel of roulette toward success.

Take the Wheel With Borgata Online’s Selection of Roulette Games

Well-dressed casino players placing bets on a blue roulette table in a glamorous gaming environment, surrounded by drinks and vibrant nightlife energy.

When you’re ready to try your luck at either American or European roulette, Borgata Online has a table ready for you. The challenging American Roulette is a great example of the quality of digital gambling experiences awaiting you. American Roulette offers a fast-paced experience with higher volatility, appealing to players who enjoy greater risk and excitement.

Players also love the European Roulette Pro game for its selection of side bets and outstanding presentation. For an even more inventive experience, there’s the 4 Ball Extra Bet Hybrid Dealer game, too.

You can select from these titles and more when you register for Borgata Online, which you can do now if you’re at least 21 years old. Whether American or European roulette is your game, Borgata Online should be your aim.