Differences between European and American Roulette: Analysis of Structure, Rules, and Players’ Strategic Behavior

The traditional differences between European and French roulette often mislead newcomers, as at first glance both games use the same wheel with a single zero. However, it is the subtle differences in table rules and terminology that drastically change the player’s odds, turning the French version into one of the most advantageous in the casino. Understanding these nuances allows not only to place bets but also to apply a conscious mathematical strategy.

To clearly see the difference, it is necessary to delve into three key aspects: wheel construction, bet return rules, and terminology. English roulette, often highlighted as a separate type, essentially is just a European table with English terminology. Thus, the true mathematical and tactical difference lies in the comparison of the European and French versions.

Common Foundation: Single Zero Wheel

Let’s start with what unites these two popular variants. Both types of roulette – European and French – use an identical wheel, considered a standard in the global gambling industry:

1. Number of sectors: the wheel contains 37 sectors.

2. Numbers: sectors are numbered from 1 to 36.

3. Zero: there is only one “0” (zero) sector, colored green.

4. Casino’s basic advantage: due to the presence of a single zero, the casino’s advantage in both variants is 2.7% on all bets. This percentage is achieved because payouts are made according to the 35:1 formula, although the actual odds are 36:1 (36 losing outcomes to 1 winning).

This is a key difference from American roulette, where the presence of double zero (00) doubles the house edge to 5.26%, making European and French tables more advantageous for players overall.

Main Tactical Difference Between European and English Roulette: Zero Return Rules

The most significant difference between European and French roulette lies not in the wheel but in the set of special rules applied when the ball lands on the “0” (zero) sector and a player has placed an even-chance bet (i.e., outside bets with a 1:1 payout, such as red/black, odd/even, 1-18/19-36).

La Partage Rule

This rule is the most common and advantageous element specific to French roulette.

1. Activation condition: the rule applies if the ball lands on “0” (zero).

2. Action: a player who placed an even-chance bet receives back half of the amount wagered.

3. Outcome: the player loses only 50% of the bet, as opposed to 100% in the European variant.

4. Mathematical advantage: thanks to the La Partage rule, the casino’s advantage on even-chance bets in French roulette is halved – from 2.7% to 1.35%.

En Prison Rule

This rule is used on some French tables as an alternative or addition to La Partage, offering the player a second chance:

1. Activation condition: when zero comes up, an even-chance bet does not lose but remains on the table (“in prison”) for the next spin.

2. First spin outcome: the bet remains locked (in prison).

3. Second spin outcome (decision):

   • If a winning outcome comes up on the next spin (e.g., a player bet on Red, and Red comes up), the bet is returned to the player without a payout.

   • If a losing outcome comes up on the next spin (Black comes up), the bet is completely lost.

   • If zero comes up again on the second spin, the bet remains in prison for the third spin, and so on.

4. Mathematical advantage: the En Prison rule also reduces the casino’s advantage on even-chance bets to 1.35%.

In European roulette (with very rare exceptions, unless it’s a hybrid table), none of these rules are applied. When zero comes up, all even-chance bets lose, and the house edge remains at 2.7%.

Differences in Table Design and Terminology

The visual difference between European and French roulette lies in the layout of the gaming field and the language used.

1. Terminology language:

   • French: uses French names for all outside bets (e.g., Rouge instead of Red, Noir instead of Black, Pair instead of Even, Manque instead of Low 1-18).

   • European/English: uses English terminology (Red/Black, Odd/Even, Low/High).

2. Placement of outside bets:

   • On a French table, outside bets (columns, dozens) may be placed differently, often on the sides of the main number field and with less contrast.

   • On a European table, outside bets are more standardly placed, usually in clear rectangles below the main field.

3. Called Bets: French tables historically always include a special area called the “racetrack,” which mimics the order of numbers on the wheel. This area is intended for called bets, allowing players to bet on groups of numbers adjacent on the wheel (e.g., Voisins du Zero).

4. Presence of racetrack: In European roulette, the racetrack is often present (especially in online versions), but on a French table, it is a standard design element.

Impact on Player Choice and Strategy

Understanding these differences is crucial for a player aiming to minimize losses:

1. Risk reduction: Choosing French roulette with the La Partage rule is objectively the best mathematical strategy for a player who prefers to bet on even chances, as it immediately cuts the casino’s edge in half.

2. Even-chance tactics: If a player plans to adhere to a conservative strategy (e.g., Martingale or Fibonacci systems, which work only on 1:1 bets), opting for a French table becomes a mandatory condition to increase efficiency over the long run.

3. Bet flexibility: The presence of a racetrack (common in advanced versions of both types) gives the player additional flexibility, allowing bets based on the number layout on the wheel, not just the gaming field.

In conclusion, the differences between European and French roulette are not just a cosmetic issue but a fundamental change in the game’s mathematics, directly affecting the player’s expected profit.