Should You Play American Roulette or European Roulette?
Roulette is a simple game of luck that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Despite the game’s simple rules, the risk and chance of making or breaking your bankroll in a few spins make roulette more thrilling. This anticipation, alongside the entertainment and profit that you can get from the game, explains why roulette remains as one of the most-played games in many casinos around the world.
There are two popular variants of roulette that millions of punters play–the American and European roulette. European roulette is the original and the more popular version of the game. It started entertaining players during the 17th century. Two centuries later, this fun and thrilling game spread all over America where the game evolved to be American roulette. Learn more about the two through this guide.
The Thin Line Between American and European Roulette
While American and European roulette are similar in most aspects, some features make each one distinct from the other. Here are the key differences between the two popular variants of roulette.
European Roulette
European roulette gives you higher chances of winning because the game features only a single zero pocket on its wheel. This explains this roulette’s low house edge of 2.7%. The total number of pockets in European roulette is 37: the 36 red and black numbers and the sole green zero.
European roulette has exclusive betting options that will stack the odds in your favor – La Partage and En Prison bets. La Partage allows you to take back half of your even money bets when the ball lands on zero. This cuts the house edge by half. En prison, on the other hand, is a variation of La Partage that gives you the chance to recover your full bet. If the ball lands on zero, your even money bet will be marked “in prison” or on hold. If you win on the next spin, you will get your original bet back. Otherwise, you will lose all your current bet.
American Roulette
American roulette holds the worse odds between the two variations of the game mainly because it features an additional “00” pocket. The wheel has 38 pockets divided into 36 red and black numbers and two green-colored zeros. The addition of double zero to this game gives it a house edge of 5.26% and a 1-in-38 winning chance. This is higher compared with that of the game’s European counterpart that uses only a single zero.
There are also some betting options available only on American roulette, like the Five Number bet. This involves placing your wager on pockets 1, 2, 3, 0, and 00. This type of bet is not advisable because it has a high house edge of 7.9%.
Learning the key differences between American and European roulette will help you understand these games better. You can try playing the two in some online casinos that allow punters to play games in Free Play mode. This way, you can be familiar with the each type’s rules, gameplay, and other features without risking your bankroll.
Which Variant is Better for You?
Many punters prefer playing European roulette than its American counterpart, while some choose the latter over the former. If you are playing just for the prize, European roulette is better for you. With its better odds and wider choices of betting options, the game gives you relatively higher chances of winning. But if you are a daredevil who perceives elusive odds are more exciting and challenging, you can test your luck by playing American roulette. Better yet, why not enjoy the best of both worlds? Consider playing the two variations and see which of them will suit your gaming preference.
Experience the thrill of roulette by giving European or American roulette a spin today. Win amazing prizes when you play games using bonuses or bet with real money now!
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