Roulette Variants Compared: European, American, and French

Short answer first: French roulette gives the best odds if the table uses La Partage or En Prison on even-money bets. If not, pick European (single zero). Avoid American (double zero) unless it has a “surrender” rule. Your money lasts longer with fewer zeros.

Key takeaways

• French roulette with La Partage or En Prison cuts the house edge on even-money bets to about 1.35%.
• Standard European roulette (single zero) has a 2.70% house edge on most bets.
• Standard American roulette (double zero) has a 5.26% house edge on most bets.
• The American “basket” bet (0-00-1-2-3) is the worst common bet: about 7.89% edge. Avoid it.
• Names can mislead. Read the rules on the table sign or game info to confirm the zeros and any special rules.

How roulette works (quick primer)

Roulette uses a spinning wheel and a small ball. You place chips on a felt layout. You bet on a number, a color, odd/even, or other groups. The dealer spins the wheel. The ball lands in a pocket. If your bet matches the result, you win per the payout. Key payouts: 35:1 for a single number (straight-up), 2:1 for dozens and columns, and 1:1 for even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, low/high).

In online play, the game can be run by a live dealer on a real wheel, or by software using a Random Number Generator (RNG). Look for testing from eCOGRA, GLI, or iTech Labs. Regulators like the UK Gambling Commission and the Nevada Gaming Control Board set rules for fairness and audits.

At-a-glance comparison

• European roulette: Single zero, 37 pockets. House edge ~2.70% on most bets. Sometimes offers La Partage (not always).
• French roulette: Single zero, 37 pockets. Base 2.70% on most bets. Even-money bets can drop to ~1.35% with La Partage or En Prison. Has extra “call bets” on a racetrack layout.
• American roulette: 0 and 00, 38 pockets. House edge ~5.26% on most bets. Basket bet ~7.89%—avoid. Some tables offer “surrender” on even-money bets, cutting those to ~2.63%.

European roulette explained

European roulette uses numbers 1 to 36 plus a single zero (0). That is 37 pockets total. The layout is simple and common worldwide. You can place “inside bets” (single numbers or small groups) and “outside bets” (red/black, odd/even, low/high, dozens, columns).

Why the 2.70% edge? The wheel has 37 pockets, but a straight-up bet pays 35:1. The chance to hit a single number is 1/37 ≈ 2.70%. This gap is the house edge. The same math idea applies to other bets. Over many spins, the casino keeps about 2.7% of all bets on average.

Tip: Some European tables add La Partage (you lose only half your even-money bet if 0 lands). This is not standard. If you see it, it is a nice upgrade. Always read the placard on the table or the “Help/Info” in online games.

French roulette explained

French roulette also has a single zero. The layout often uses French terms and shows a “racetrack” for special bets. The big difference is two rules that can apply to even-money bets:

• La Partage: If the ball lands on 0, you lose only half your even-money bet.
• En Prison: If 0 lands, your even-money bet is “held” for the next spin. If you win that spin, your bet is returned (no extra win). If you lose, the bet is lost.

With either rule, the edge on even-money bets drops to about 1.35%. That is very good for a casino game.

Many French tables also allow “call bets” that cover wheel sections. These use the racetrack layout:

• Voisins du zéro: Covers numbers near zero on the wheel.
• Tiers du cylindre: Covers the opposite third of the wheel.
• Orphelins: Covers “orphan” numbers not in the two groups above.
• Neighbors (x): A number plus x numbers on each side on the wheel (for example, “neighbors of 1” covers 1 and its two neighbors each side, total 5 numbers).

These are not “magic” bets. They only group numbers by where they sit on the wheel. They do not beat the house edge. But they can match how you like to cover space on the wheel.

French rules are common in Europe and in some live dealer rooms by major studios like Evolution and Playtech. The pace is often a bit slower, since there can be more announced bets.

American roulette explained

American roulette adds a double zero (00) on top of the single zero (0). That is 38 pockets total. Because there are more losing pockets but the payouts stay the same, the house edge is higher.

• Most bets: ~5.26% house edge.
• Basket bet (0-00-1-2-3): ~7.89% house edge. Do not play this bet.

Some American tables use a rule called “surrender” for even-money bets. If 0 or 00 lands, you lose only half. This lowers the edge on even-money bets to about 2.63%. It is still worse than French with La Partage, and worse than European, but it is a lot better than standard American rules.

Beware of “triple zero” wheels (often marked “000”). These raise the edge even more. If you care about your bankroll, skip triple zero.

Odds and house edge: the simple math

Here is how the math works. Keep it simple:

• Straight-up (a single number): European/French: Chance is 1 out of 37 ≈ 2.70%. Payout is 35:1. House edge ≈ 2.70%. American: Chance is 1 out of 38 ≈ 2.63%. Payout is 35:1. House edge ≈ 5.26%.
• European/French: Chance is 1 out of 37 ≈ 2.70%. Payout is 35:1. House edge ≈ 2.70%.
• American: Chance is 1 out of 38 ≈ 2.63%. Payout is 35:1. House edge ≈ 5.26%.
• Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, low/high): European/French without special rules: ~2.70% house edge. French with La Partage or En Prison: ~1.35% house edge. American standard: ~5.26% house edge. American with surrender: ~2.63% house edge.
• European/French without special rules: ~2.70% house edge.
• French with La Partage or En Prison: ~1.35% house edge.
• American standard: ~5.26% house edge.
• American with surrender: ~2.63% house edge.
• Basket bet (American 0-00-1-2-3): ~7.89% house edge. This is the worst common bet on the felt.

• European/French: Chance is 1 out of 37 ≈ 2.70%. Payout is 35:1. House edge ≈ 2.70%.
• American: Chance is 1 out of 38 ≈ 2.63%. Payout is 35:1. House edge ≈ 5.26%.

• European/French without special rules: ~2.70% house edge.
• French with La Partage or En Prison: ~1.35% house edge.
• American standard: ~5.26% house edge.
• American with surrender: ~2.63% house edge.

Expected loss per $100 bet (long run averages):

• French even-money with La Partage: about $1.35 lost per $100 bet.
• European standard: about $2.70 lost per $100 bet.
• American standard: about $5.26 lost per $100 bet.

Same numbers as RTP (return to player):

• French even-money with La Partage: ~98.65% RTP (on those even-money bets).
• European: ~97.30% RTP.
• American: ~94.74% RTP.

For full charts and proofs, see the odds math at Wizard of Odds. It shows why extra zeros increase the edge.

Strategy that actually helps

No bet system can change the math. But you can make smart choices so your bankroll lasts longer and your risk is clear.

• Pick the right wheel: Single zero first. French rules (La Partage/En Prison) are best for even-money bets.
• Skip bad bets: Avoid the American basket (0-00-1-2-3). Avoid triple-zero wheels.
• Size your bets: Use small units (for example, 1–2% of your session budget per spin). Set a stop-loss and a time limit.
• Check rules, not names: A table called “European” may not have La Partage. Read the sign or the info panel.
• Ignore myths: Martingale, Fibonacci, or “hot/cold” numbers do not beat the edge. Each spin is independent.

If you want responsible tips, see guides from GambleAware and the National Council on Problem Gambling (US).

Online vs live dealer roulette

RNG roulette: Fast, many spins per hour, and often more side features. Only play games tested by labs like eCOGRA, GLI, or iTech Labs.

Live dealer roulette: Real wheel, normal pace, high trust feel. Look for rooms that clearly show La Partage or En Prison (often in premium “French” tables). Big studios like Evolution and Playtech post rules in the game info.

Mobile play: If you use call bets (like voisins or tiers), make sure the app has a clean racetrack control so you can place bets fast and avoid misclicks.

Which version should you play?

• Best value: French with La Partage or En Prison, especially if you like even-money bets.
• Most common good choice: European single-zero.
• If only American is available: Look for “surrender” on even-money bets. If it is not there, consider not playing, or bet small and short. Avoid the basket bet and triple zero.
• If you enjoy wheel sections: Pick French/European tables with a racetrack for call bets.

How to choose a safe, fair table and casino

• Check the license: Look for regulators like the UKGC public register, the Malta Gaming Authority, the New Jersey DGE, or the AGCO (Ontario).
• Read the rules panel: Confirm number of zeros, and look for La Partage/En Prison or Surrender. Check the payout for the basket bet (if offered). Make sure RTP is listed.
• Confirm testing: Look for badges or links to eCOGRA, GLI, or iTech Labs.
• See real user feedback: Look for clear complaint handling and response times.

If you want a simple shortlist of single-zero tables with clear rules and solid licenses, you can check independent reviews at https://asiaonlineslot.com/. They summarize key rules (like La Partage, En Prison, or Surrender), testing lab info, and player reports, so you can pick faster and safer.

Responsible gambling and legal notes

Roulette is a game with a built-in house edge. Think of it as paid entertainment. Only bet what you can afford to lose. Set time and money limits. Use tools like deposit caps and cool-off breaks. If gambling stops being fun, get help early.

• GambleAware (UK)
• GamCare (UK)
• NCPG Helpline (US)

Laws and rules change by country and state. Make sure online casinos are legal where you live, and that you meet the legal age. Regulators like the UKGC and Nevada GCB share guidance and public warnings. When in doubt, check the official regulator’s site.

FAQ

Which roulette has the best odds?

French roulette with La Partage or En Prison has the best odds for even-money bets (~1.35% edge). Without those rules, European is better than American.

Is French roulette better than European?

Yes, if the table uses La Partage or En Prison. Then even-money bets are better by half. If those rules are not active, French and European are the same for odds (both single zero).

Why is American roulette worse?

It adds a second zero (00). More zero pockets means the same payouts but lower hit chances. That raises the house edge from ~2.70% to ~5.26% on most bets.

What are La Partage and En Prison?

They are rules for even-money bets when 0 lands. La Partage returns half your stake. En Prison locks your stake for one more spin. Both cut the edge to ~1.35% on even-money bets.

What is the worst bet in roulette?

On American wheels, it is the basket bet (0-00-1-2-3). The edge is about 7.89%. Avoid it.

Are online roulette games fair?

They can be if you play at licensed sites with tested software. Look for audits by eCOGRA, GLI, or iTech Labs. Check the regulator, such as the UKGC public register.

Can betting systems beat roulette?

No. Systems like Martingale or Fibonacci do not change the house edge. Each spin is random and independent. See the math at Wizard of Odds for why these do not work long term.

Conclusion

If you want your money to last, pick single-zero wheels. If you can find French rules with La Partage or En Prison, even better for even-money bets. Always read the table rules and skip bad bets like the American basket. Play for fun, within limits, and stick to licensed, tested games. If you want a quick way to find fair single-zero tables with clear rule notes, try independent lists at https://asiaonlineslot.com/. Stay safe and enjoy the game.

About the author

Author: Alex M., casino game analyst and math writer. Alex has reviewed live and RNG roulette games from major studios and has studied house edge math for years. This guide was fact-checked against public sources, including Wizard of Odds, eCOGRA, and regulators like the UKGC.

Editorial policy: We verify rules and odds, link to sources, and update when rules change. Last updated: [insert date].