What is European Roulette?
European Roulette is a casino table game where players place bets on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel divided into 37 numbered pockets (0–36). Unlike American Roulette, which has 38 pockets including a double zero, European Roulette features only a single zero, giving players better odds. The game combines chance with betting strategy, making it one of the most popular table games in online and land-based casinos.
European Roulette Wheel and Betting Layout
The European Roulette wheel contains 37 pockets numbered 0 through 36. The zero pocket is green, while the remaining 36 pockets alternate between red and black. Players place chips on a betting table that corresponds to specific numbers or groups of numbers on the wheel. The croupier spins the wheel in one direction and releases a ball in the opposite direction. When the ball settles into a pocket, winning bets are paid according to their odds.
Common Betting Types in European Roulette
European Roulette offers two main categories of bets. Inside bets involve wagering on specific numbers or small groups (straight, split, street, corner, and line bets). Outside bets cover larger sections like red/black, odd/even, high/low (1–18 or 19–36), dozens, or columns. Inside bets pay higher odds but have lower probability. Outside bets offer lower payouts but better chances of winning.
House Edge and Player Advantage
European Roulette has a house edge of 2.7%, meaning for every $100 wagered, the casino retains approximately $2.70 over time. This advantage comes from the single zero pocket. All bets lose if the ball lands on zero, except for bets specifically placed on zero itself. This single-zero format makes European Roulette more favourable for players than American Roulette, which features a 5.26% house edge due to its additional double-zero pocket.
