European Roulette
European roulette is the single-zero version of the wheel game, offering a house edge of 2.70% across 37 pockets numbered 0 to 36. It is the most widely played roulette format outside the United States.
| Origin | France |
|---|---|
| Era | 18th century |
| House Edge | 2.70% |
| Pockets | 37 (0–36) |
| Skill Vs Luck | Pure chance |
How the wheel is laid out
The European wheel carries 37 pockets: the numbers 1 through 36, coloured alternately red and black, plus a single green zero. The order around the rim is deliberately non-sequential, scattering high and low numbers so no quarter of the wheel favours one betting block. That single zero is the whole reason this version is friendlier to players than its American cousin.
The house edge explained
Every payout is calculated as if the zero did not exist. A straight-up number pays 35 to 1, but there are 37 possible outcomes, not 35. That shortfall is the casino’s margin, and it works out to a consistent 2.70% across every bet type on the table — which is why experienced players seek out single-zero wheels wherever they can.
Frequently asked questions
What is the house edge in European roulette?
2.70% on every bet, derived from the single green zero among 37 pockets.
How is it different from American roulette?
European roulette has one zero; American adds a double zero, raising the edge to 5.26%.
Sources
- Published roulette rules
- Probability theory