At roulette.casino, we like to think of European Roulette as the stylish Parisian cousin of American Roulette – same family, just with fewer ways to lose. The name comes from the French term “roulette”, meaning “little wheel,” though there’s nothing small about the excitement it brings. With just a single zero, this version gives players a friendlier house edge, which might explain why it’s loved in casinos from Monaco to Macau.
What is European Roulette?
The European wheel has 37 numbered pockets: 1 to 36, plus one green zero. Unlike American Roulette’s extra “00” pocket, this leaner setup tilts the odds slightly more in your favor – a small change that makes a big difference over time.
Whether you’re betting on a single number, a color (red or black), or whether the outcome will be odd or even, the European version is as much about strategy as it is about luck.
Just remember: the ball doesn’t care about your lucky socks – but we won’t stop you from wearing them anyway.
The European Roulette, a game most played in the casinos and which comes from French term that means “little wheel”. The game is about betting on a number and whether that or the other (short form) will be red, black!
Players around the world are drawn to this game because it has a lower house edge than American Roulette.
How to play European roulette?
The European wheel has 37 slots, numbered 1–36 plus a single green zero. The numbers are arranged randomly around the wheel to make predicting the outcome nearly impossible — unless you have psychic powers (in which case, why are you reading this?).
Betting options
You can place bets on:
- Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, 1–18/19–36)
- Single numbers (straight-up bets)
- Groups of numbers (splits, streets, corners)
Even-money bets pay 1:1, while riskier single-number bets pay 35:1 if the ball lands just right.
House Edge in European Roulette
The house edge in European Roulette is approximately 2.7% due to the presence of only one zero (“0”).
This is significantly lower than the 5.26% house edge in American Roulette, where the wheel contains both “0” and “00” pockets. This smaller house edge gives players better odds of winning in European Roulette.
Comparison of European, American, and French roulette
American roulette for sure, which is an influential and popular game in the casino world.
American Roulette has an additional 0-slot forcing players to lose their bets. It also has one zero (“0”) and a double zero (“00”), which makes it easier for the house. Here’s a quick comparison:
European vs. American Roulette
The key difference between European and American Roulette is the number of green pockets:
- European Roulette: One zero (0)
- American Roulette: A zero (0) and a double zero (00)
It may sound like a small detail, but it’s a big deal. That extra “00” in American Roulette increases the house edge and slightly reduces your chances of winning. For example, a plein or straight-up bet (a bet on a single number) in:
- European Roulette: ~2.70% chance of hitting
- American Roulette: ~2.63% chance of hitting
Not a huge difference on a single spin, but over time, that extra pocket adds up in the casino’s favor.
European vs. French Roulette
While European and French Roulette share the same 37-number wheel, their tables and terminology differ.
- French Roulette: Uses French terms on the betting layout – “Rouge” (red), “Noir” (black), “Pair” (even), “Impair” (odd), “Manque” (1–18), “Passe” (19–36). Some versions also feature special rules like La Partage or En Prison, which can lower the house edge even further.
- European Roulette: Uses English terms and a slightly different table layout, with betting boxes placed at the side and bottom of the number grid.
In short: the wheel is the same, the language and table setup are different, and French Roulette sometimes throws in bonus rules to make the game even more player-friendly.
Top Online Casinos for European Roulette
Looking to try European Roulette online? Here are some top-rated casinos where you can play this classic game in 2025:
Stake.com – High RTP rates, smooth gameplay, and a clean interface. Perfect for quick spins.
BC.Game – Multiple versions of European Roulette plus generous welcome bonuses.
Anonymous – Play without sharing personal details; ideal for privacy-focused players.
Mobile Play: European game on the Small Screen
With the proliferation of mobile devices, playing European Roulette is now simpler than ever before. Numerous online casinos currently offer optimized variations of the game for smartphones and tablets, permitting players to experience all the functionality and excitement from any location. Whether using iOS or Android, you can enjoy European Roulette at any time regardless of where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the house edge?
European Roulette’s house edge is 2.7%, compared to American Roulette’s 5.26%.
Can I play on my phone or tablet?
Yes — most online casinos now have mobile-friendly European Roulette tables.
Are there strategies that work?
No system can guarantee wins, but betting patterns like the Martingale or Fibonacci can help with bankroll management.
Could you play European roulette on your mobile device?
With today’s tech, European Roulette is just a tap away. Many casinos now offer fully optimized mobile versions for iOS and Android, meaning you can spin the wheel from your couch, the train, or while pretending to listen in a Zoom meeting (not that we’d recommend that).
Our opinion and advice on European Roulette
We find this game format very enjoyable. Combined with the high win probability, it is still popular, among us but also for the fans. As a point of improvement we could work on better and modern graphics, which can also be displayed on mobile devices. With today’s technology this should be possible.
European Roulette is the sweet spot between excitement and fair odds. It’s easy for beginners to pick up, yet offers enough betting variety to keep seasoned players engaged. If we could change anything, it’d be to see even more modern, high-quality graphics across online versions — because a game this classic deserves to look as good as it plays.