Understanding Roulette Wheel Variations
To get the most out of your online play, you must understand the different wheel layouts. The three primary versions are American, European, and French roulette. While they look similar at first glance, the differences in their design have a major impact on your chances of winning. Always check the wheel layout before you place your first bet.
- American Roulette. This wheel features both a single zero and a double zero. This extra pocket increases the house edge to 5.26 percent, making it the most common but least player-friendly option.
- European Roulette. This version has only a single zero pocket. By removing the double zero, the house edge drops to 2.70 percent, which significantly improves your long-term odds.
- French Roulette. Like the European version, this wheel has one zero. It also includes special rules like La Partage or En Prison. These rules return half your stake on even-money bets if the ball lands on zero, lowering the house edge to 1.35 percent.