Top Roulette Variants Explained: American vs. European vs. French

Roulette isn’t like your ordinary casino game, as it has a unique wheel that spins and determines the outcome of each round. Your goal in roulette is to predict the outcome of each round, whether it’s the number, color, or group of numbers that the ball will land on.

But before you dive into this game, you should understand the different roulette variants available – American, European, and French. Each offers its unique twists and turns, from wheel layouts to house edges.

American Roulette

Let’s start with American roulette, the variant commonly found in casinos across the United States. One of the key distinctions of this game is its wheel layout. Unlike its European and French counterparts, the American roulette wheel features an additional green slot numbered “00” alongside the standard 36 red and black slots.

What does this mean for players? Well, it has a direct impact on the house edge. With the addition of that extra slot, American roulette carries a slightly higher house edge compared to European or French roulette variations. The presence of “00” increases the odds in favor of the casino, making it just a little bit more challenging for players to come out on top. However, don’t let that deter you from enjoying all that American roulette has to offer! It still provides an exhilarating experience filled with anticipation as you watch that little white ball twirl around before landing on your chosen number or color.

European Roulette

On the other hand, the European variant’s wheel features digits 1 to 36 and a single zero pocket colored in green. Unlike the American one, there is no double zero pocket present on the wheel. This slight difference in the wheel layout has an impact on the house edge. In European roulette, the house edge stands at around 2.70%.

This means that for every $100 you bet, you can expect to lose an average of $2.70 over time. Compared to American Roulette, with its higher house edge of approximately 5.26%, European roulette gives players better odds of winning. The lower house edge in European Roulette is one reason why many players prefer this variant over others. It provides a more favorable playing environment and increases your chances of walking away with some winnings.

French Roulette

But for many, the most intriguing variant of roulette is definitely the French roulette. What sets it apart from its American and European counterparts are the additional rules that give players an even better chance at winning. Now, onto the interesting part – the La Partage rule. This rule basically comes into action whenever you make an even money bet (such as red/black or odd/even) and that curvy round-shaped thing hits zero. In this case, you only lose half of your bet rather than losing it all. It’s a small but significant advantage for players that can help reduce losses.

Additionally, there is another rule called En Prison. Similar to La Partage, if you make an even money bet and that roulette ball lands on zero, your bet is not immediately lost. Instead, it remains “in prison” for another spin. If your subsequent spin wins, then you get your original bet back; if not, then you lose it completely.

Wrapping Up

While all three variants have their merits, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and playing style when choosing which one to try. Whether you prefer the thrill of American Roulette or the favorable odds of European or French Roulette, there’s no shortage of excitement at any virtual or land-based casino offering these games.