Roulette is one of the most iconic and enduring games in casinos, known for its straightforward gameplay and wide range of betting options. The game is available in three main versions: American, European, and French, each with unique wheel designs and table layouts that affect gameplay. This review will examine these differences, providing detailed information on the American, European, and French variants to help you understand how each version impacts the game’s dynamics.

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Understanding the Roulette Wheel

The roulette wheel is the focal point of the game, both in physical and online casinos. It is divided into pockets, each marked with a number and either red or black. There are two primary types of roulette wheels: the American wheel, which has 38 pockets including a single zero (0) and a double zero (00), and the European wheel, which has 37 pockets with only a single zero. This difference impacts the house edge, favoring players on the European wheel. The numbers on the wheel are arranged in a non-sequential pattern to ensure a balanced distribution of high and low, as well as red and black numbers, promoting fairness and randomness in every spin.

Understanding the Roulette Table

The roulette table is where all betting action takes place before the wheel is spun, consisting of a grid of numbers that align with the wheel’s pockets, alongside various betting options. While the table layout may vary slightly among American, European, and French roulette, the fundamental structure remains the same. It is divided into two primary sections: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets are placed directly on individual numbers or the lines between them and include:

• straight-up bets (single number),
• split bets (two adjacent numbers),
• street bets (three consecutive numbers),
• corner bets (four numbers forming a square),
• six-line bets (two rows of three numbers).

Outside bets, located around the main grid, cover broader categories such as:

• red or black,
• odd or even,
• high or low numbers,
• dozens (three groups of twelve numbers),
• columns (three vertical columns of numbers).

American Roulette

American roulette is a widely played version of the game, especially favored in North America. It adheres to the classic rules and structure of traditional roulette, where players place their bets on a range of options and the wheel is then spun to determine the outcome.

American Roulette Table Layout and Bets

The American roulette table is easily recognizable due to the inclusion of both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). This extra double zero increases the house edge to 5.26%, higher than the 2.70% found in European roulette. The layout itself features a grid that includes all 38 numbers (1-36, 0, and 00), along with standard inside and outside betting options. Unique to American roulette is the five-number bet, which covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Despite these differences, the fundamental betting options remain similar to those in European roulette, with the addition of the double zero at the top of the columns.

American Roulette Wheel Numbers and Sequence

The American wheel features 38 pockets, numbered from 1 to 36, along with a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). The American wheel’s sequence is crafted to balance high and low numbers as well as red and black pockets evenly across the wheel. The numbers are not placed in a random order but follow a specific pattern to ensure this balance.

The sequence, moving clockwise, is as follows: 0, 28, 9, 26, 30, 11, 7, 20, 32, 17, 5, 22, 34, 15, 3, 24, 36, 13, 1, 00, 27, 10, 25, 29, 12, 8, 19, 31, 18, 6, 21, 33, 16, 4, 23, 35, 14, 2.

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European Roulette

European Roulette is the most popular and well-known variant of the game, celebrated for its lower house edge and straightforward layout. It’s always advisable to check the paytable of the specific version being played for any additional bonuses or features. This version of the game remains a favorite in both online and land-based casinos due to its simplicity and player-friendly odds.

European Roulette Table Layout and Bets

The European table is designed similarly to the American table but without the double zero (00) pocket. It features 18 red numbers, 18 black numbers, and a single green zero at the top of the columns. The table layout is structured into columns and rows, with each number starting from 1 black to 36 red.

In addition to standard inside and outside bets, the European roulette table accommodates special “call bets” that cover specific groups of numbers, adding an extra layer of complexity and strategy to the game. These include:

таблица

Call bet	Numbers	Description
Neighbors of Zero	Covers 17 numbers: 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25.	9 chips: 2 chips placed in corners and 1 chip placed for five splits.
Third of the Wheel	Covers 12 numbers: 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33.	Involves 6 split bets, located on the opposite side of the wheel from the Voisins du Zero.
Orphans	Covers 8 numbers: 17, 34, 6, 1, 20, 31, 9, 14.	These numbers are not part of any other group, hence the name “Orphans.”

European Roulette Wheel Numbers and Sequence

The European wheel comprises 37 pockets, numbered from 1 to 36, along with a single green zero (0). These numbers are distributed to ensure an even mix of red and black pockets and alternate between odd and even numbers. The layout is designed to provide a balanced distribution of low (1-18) and high (19-36) numbers, with few exceptions such as the positions of 5 and 10. This arrangement ensures unpredictability, enhancing the excitement of the game.

The sequence of numbers on the wheel is as follows: 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25, 17, 34, 6, 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33, 1, 20, 14, 31, 9, 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26.

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French Roulette

French roulette is a favored variant that closely resembles European roulette but includes additional rules La Partage and En Prison that benefit the player. These rules contribute to the lowest house edge among the three major variants, making French roulette particularly appealing to serious gamblers seeking better odds. The layout also includes alternative call-bet options, adding to its strategic depth.

The La Partage Rule

The La Partage rule applies to even bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low). If the ball lands on zero (0), players lose only half of their bet instead of the entire amount. This effectively reduces the house edge on these bets to 1.35%.

The En Prison Rule

The En Prison rule also applies to even bets. When the ball lands on zero, players have the option to leave their bet “in prison” for the next spin. If the bet wins on the next spin, the player gets their original stake back without additional winnings. This rule further lowers the house edge, similar to La Partage.

French Roulette Table Layout and Bets

The French table closely mirrors the European version, featuring a grid of numbers arranged in three columns of twelve, with the numbers colored alternately in red and black. At the top of the layout is a green zero pocket. What sets French roulette apart are the unique terminologies for bets. The table layout includes inside and outside bets, as well as the inherent call bets of European Roulette, which cover specific groups of numbers, adding an extra level of complexity and strategy to the game:

• Voisins du Zero – Neighbors of Zero,
• Tiers du Cylindre – Third of the Wheel,
• Orphelins – Orphans.

French Roulette Wheel Numbers and Sequence

The French wheel is essentially the same as the European wheel, containing 37 pockets numbered from 1 to 36, with a single green zero (0). This setup ensures an even distribution of red and black numbers, alternating between red and black throughout the wheel. There are 18 red and 18 black numbers, maintaining a balance. The green zero is positioned at the top of the wheel, flanked by red 32 on one side and black 26 on the other, ensuring a fair and random outcome for each spin. The sequence of numbers on the French roulette wheel, arranged clockwise, is as follows: 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25, 17, 34, 6, 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33, 1, 20, 14, 31, 9, 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26.

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American vs European vs French Roulette

The primary differences between American, European, and French roulette lie in the wheel layout, house edge, and specific rules. American version features both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00), resulting in a higher house edge of 5.26%. European version, with its single zero, offers a lower house edge of 2.70%. French version, with additional player-friendly rules like La Partage and En Prison, further reduces the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35%.

Roulette Type	Pockets	Zeros	House Edge
American	38	Two	5.26%
European	37	One	2.7%
French	37	One	1.35%

Conclusion

Choosing the best version of online roulette depends on personal preferences and strategies. European and French roulette are generally considered the best options due to their lower house edge and player-friendly rules. However, players seeking a unique challenge may enjoy exploring other variants like American, multi-wheel, or double ball roulette.

Regardless of the variant chosen, it is crucial to practice responsible gambling. Setting limits, understanding the odds, and never betting more than one can afford to lose are essential practices for enjoying casino games safely.

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