Roulette is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and popular games in casino history.

Choosing the wrong version of roulette is the most common and costly mistake new players make.
The Extra Green Zero
The American wheel, however, has 38 pockets: numbers 1 through 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00).

The addition of the 00 pocket effectively doubles the casino's built-in mathematical advantage over the player.
The extra number changes all probability calculationsThe betting layout is slightly larger on the American tableEuropean tables often use a different chip system Why the House Edge Matters
Because the European wheel has only one zero, the house edge is a very reasonable 2.70%.

Statistically, for every $100 you wager, you expect to lose $2.70 on European and $5.26 on American.
Lowering the Edge Even Further
The "En Prison" rule "imprisons" your bet for the next spin if the zero hits, giving you a second chance.

If these special rules are in effect, the house edge on even-money bets drops to an incredible 1.35%.
VersionZero PocketsHouse EdgeEuropeanOne (0)2.70%AmericanTwo (0, 00)5.26%
Online casinos almost always offer both, so be vigilant and always click on the European wheel.