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The house edge

The house edge in roulette is the built-in advantage that ensures the casino always wins over time.
This small percentage might seem harmless, but it’s the core reason why no betting system can beat roulette in the long run.
Below you’ll learn how the house edge works, how it’s calculated, and which versions of roulette give players the best odds.

What Is the House Edge?

The house edge represents the average percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep.
For example, a 2.70% house edge means that, over thousands of spins, the casino keeps €2.70 out of every €100 wagered.

Roulette has one of the lowest house edges among casino games — but it varies depending on the version you play.

Roulette TypeZeros on WheelHouse EdgeComment
European Roulette1 zero (0)2.70%Standard version found in most casinos.
French Roulette (La Partage)1 zero (0)1.35% (on even bets)Best odds when La Partage or En Prison applies.
American Roulette0 and 005.26%Higher edge due to double zero.
No Zero RouletteNone0.00% theoreticalPromotional variant, rare, usually compensated elsewhere (fees or lower payouts).

How to Reduce the House Edge When Playing

Tekst:
1️⃣ Choose European or French tables – always avoid double-zero wheels.
2️⃣ Play at casinos with La Partage or En Prison – halves the edge on even bets.
3️⃣ Stick to even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even) – they benefit most from French rules.
4️⃣ Ignore “hot/cold” myths – they don’t influence the math.
5️⃣ Manage your bankroll – strategy doesn’t change the edge, but discipline extends your playtime.

Comparison with Other Games

GameTypical House EdgeComment
French Roulette (La Partage)1.35%Lowest among roulette versions
European Roulette2.70%Standard version
American Roulette5.26%Avoid when possible
Blackjack (optimal play)0.5%Best edge for skilled players
Craps (Pass Line)1.41%Comparable to French Roulette
Slots4–10%Varies widely
Keno25–40%Very high edge