Roulette is one of the most iconic games in any casino, and in the live dealer era, it has become even more popular across Southeast Asia. The sight of the spinning wheel and the thrill of betting on red, black, or your lucky number make it an instant favorite among both beginners and experienced players. But if you’ve spent any time browsing live casino platforms, you’ve probably noticed that there are two main versions: European Roulette vs American Roulette. At first glance, they look almost identical — both wheels are divided into numbered pockets, both allow similar bets, and both deliver the same casino atmosphere.
The difference lies in the details of the wheel design, house edge, and player odds. These small variations have a big impact on your experience and long-term chances of winning.
This European Vs American Roulette Guide will break down everything you need to know: the rules, wheel layouts, payouts, and which version beginners should choose when playing live.
👉 For more roulette resources, you can explore our dedicated section here: Live Roulette Category on Kiax Live.
🎡 The Basics of Roulette
How the Game Works
Roulette is one of the simplest yet most thrilling games you’ll find in a live casino. At its heart is the roulette wheel, which is divided into a series of numbered pockets. These pockets alternate between red and black for numbers 1 through 36, while the zero (and double zero, in American roulette) is marked in green.
When the round begins, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and rolls a small white ball in the opposite direction. As the wheel slows, the ball bounces across the pockets before settling into one of them. This final resting spot determines the winning number, color, and category for that round.
Before the wheel is spun, players place their bets on a special betting layout. These bets can range from very specific to very broad:
- Single Numbers (Straight-Up Bet): Wager on a specific number, such as 17. It offers the highest payout but the lowest odds of success.
- Groups of Numbers: Bets can cover two numbers (split bet), three numbers (street bet), four numbers (corner bet), or even an entire row of six numbers (line bet).
- Colors: Betting on either red or black covers 18 numbers each and nearly 50% of the wheel.
- Odd/Even: A simple bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even.
- High/Low: Predict whether the outcome will be in the low range (1–18) or the high range (19–36).
These betting options give roulette its appeal — you can play cautiously with broader bets or chase big wins with riskier single-number wagers.
The Objective
The ultimate goal in roulette is straightforward: predict where the ball will land and place your bet accordingly before the dealer closes the betting window.
- If your prediction is correct, you win a payout based on the type of bet you placed.
- The payout odds vary depending on risk:
- A straight-up bet on a single number pays 35:1.
- An even-money bet, such as red/black, pays 1:1.
- The more numbers your bet covers, the higher your chance of winning — but the lower your payout will be.
💡 Example: If you place ₱100 on red and the ball lands in a red pocket, you win ₱100 profit plus your original stake. If you place the same ₱100 on number 7 and the ball lands on 7, you win ₱3,500 plus your original bet.
This balance of chance, variety, and excitement is why roulette remains one of the most enduring and beginner-friendly games in both physical and live online casinos.
🎡 European Roulette: Key Features
Wheel Layout
The European roulette wheel is the most popular version worldwide and the one you’ll encounter most often in live casinos. It contains 37 numbered pockets: numbers 1 to 36 plus a single green zero (0).
The design is straightforward — alternating red and black pockets for numbers, with the green zero standing out. That single zero is what gives European Roulette its reputation as the fairest version of the game.
- Why it matters: Having only one zero means there is just one special pocket that tilts the odds in favor of the casino. Every other pocket is evenly balanced between red and black, odd and even, high and low.
💡 Example: If you bet on red in European Roulette, there are 18 red pockets out of 37 total pockets. That gives you a nearly 50% chance of winning, minus the single green zero that prevents it from being a true coin flip.
House Edge & Odds
The single zero creates a house edge of 2.7%, which is one of the lowest in all casino games. For players, this translates into better long-term value compared to other roulette variations.
- Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low): The winning probability is approximately 48.6%.
- Straight-Up Bets (single number): The odds are 1 in 37, with a payout of 35:1.
This balance of fair odds and exciting payouts makes European Roulette the most recommended version for beginners. It allows new players to enjoy longer playing sessions while giving them the chance to experiment with different betting strategies.
💡 Tip: If you are just starting your live roulette journey, always look for European Roulette tables first. The lower house edge keeps you in the game longer, which means more fun and potentially better returns.
🎡 American Roulette: Key Features
Wheel Layout
The American roulette wheel is similar in appearance but has a critical difference: it contains 38 numbered pockets, instead of the 37 found on the European wheel. These include numbers 1 to 36, a single green zero (0), and an additional green double zero (00).
At first, this might not seem like a big change, but that extra double-zero pocket significantly alters the odds of winning. Every bet you make is slightly less favorable to you as the player.
- Why it matters: With two green zero pockets, American Roulette shifts the balance further toward the casino. It is why it’s considered riskier than European Roulette, especially for beginners.
💡 Example: If you bet on red in American Roulette, there are still 18 red pockets — but now there are 38 total pockets because of the extra double zero. It reduces your chances of winning compared to the European version.
House Edge & Odds
Due to the extra pocket, American Roulette has a significantly higher house edge of 5.26% — nearly double that of European Roulette. It means that, over time, the casino statistically earns more from players on this version.
- Even-Money Bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low): Winning probability drops to 47.4%.
- Straight-Up Bets (single number): The odds are 1 in 38, with the same payout of 35:1 — but with worse chances of hitting.
💡 Example: Imagine placing a ₱1,000 bet on red:
- In European Roulette, your chance of winning is 48.6%.
- In American Roulette, your chance of winning is only 47.4%.
That small percentage difference may not matter in a single spin, but it has a huge impact over hundreds of bets.
✅ Takeaway: European Roulette is more beginner-friendly thanks to its lower house edge and simpler design. American Roulette, while still exciting, is riskier and often better suited to players who enjoy higher volatility and faster gameplay.
🎡 European Vs American Roulette: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
| Number of Pockets | 37 | 38 |
| Zero Pockets | Single zero (0) | Zero (0) + Double Zero (00) |
| House Edge | 2.7% | 5.26% |
| Odds of Even-Money Bet | 48.6% | 47.4% |
| Recommended For | Beginners & seasoned players | Players seeking higher risk |
🎡 Impact of House Edge on Your Gameplay
Why the Extra Zero Matters
The double zero in American Roulette may look like a small difference, but over time, it significantly increases the house advantage. In other words, the casino earns more in the long run from American Roulette compared to European Roulette.
Example of Long-Term Play
Imagine betting ₱1,000 consistently on even-money bets:
- In European Roulette, the expected loss per bet is ₱27 (2.7%).
- In American Roulette, the expected loss per bet is ₱52.60 (5.26%).
That’s nearly double the loss rate, which makes a big difference during long sessions.
🎡 Betting Strategies in European vs American Roulette
Safer Play (Beginners)
- Stick to European Roulette.
- Focus on outside bets, such as red/black or odd/even, for steadier play.
Risk-Taking Play (Experienced)
- Some players enjoy the thrill of American Roulette for its higher volatility.
- Double zero opens additional betting combinations, like the “Five-Number Bet” (0, 00, 1, 2, 3), though it carries the worst odds in roulette.
🎡 Why Most Beginners Should Choose European Roulette
Lower Risk, Higher Value
For new players, the key to enjoying live roulette is maximizing playtime while minimizing unnecessary risk. European Roulette offers the best balance between excitement and fairness. With only one zero pocket on the wheel, the house edge is just 2.7%, compared to the 5.26% edge in American Roulette.
This lower house edge translates directly into better value:
- Players keep more of their bankroll over time.
- Longer sessions mean more chances to experiment with different bets and strategies.
- Even-money bets like red/black or odd/even have slightly better winning odds (48.6% in European vs 47.4% in American).
💡 Example: If you placed ₱100 on red in European Roulette across 100 spins, your expected long-term loss would be about ₱270. In American Roulette, that same set of bets would cost you about ₱526 — nearly double the loss.
For beginners, those percentages make a huge difference in keeping the game fun and sustainable.
Wider Availability
Another advantage of European Roulette is its global accessibility. Most live casinos, especially in Southeast Asia and Europe, feature European Roulette as the standard version. It means:
- Easier to find tables with varied limits (low-stakes for beginners, high-stakes for advanced players).
- More choice in live dealer studios, with high-definition streaming and multiple camera angles.
- A greater selection of promotional offers and bonuses tied to European Roulette tables.
By contrast, American Roulette is more common in U.S.-themed casinos and is not as widely available on international live casino platforms. Beginners logging in to sites like Kiax Live will almost always find European Roulette tables prominently featured, making it the natural starting point.
✅ Takeaway: For beginners, European Roulette is the smarter option. Its lower house edge ensures better long-term value, and its wider availability means you’ll always find a table that suits your budget and style. Start here, and you’ll enjoy the excitement of roulette without the steep risks built into the American version.
🎡 Common Misconceptions
“Hot Numbers” and “Cold Numbers”
Some players believe past results affect future spins, but roulette outcomes are independent. The wheel has no memory.
“Double Zero Doubles the Fun”
While American Roulette can feel exciting, the double zero mostly benefits the casino by increasing the house edge.
🎡 FAQs: European Vs American Roulette
Which version is better for beginners?
European Roulette. It has a lower house edge and gives better long-term value.
Why does American Roulette exist if it’s worse for players?
It originated in U.S. casinos and became a tradition. Some players enjoy the extra volatility.
Do live casinos in Southeast Asia offer both versions?
Yes, but European Roulette is more common. American versions may appear in themed live casino studios.
Conclusion
Where Real Dealers Meet Real Wins
Both European and American Roulette deliver the excitement of the spinning wheel and the chance for big wins. However, the extra zero in American Roulette nearly doubles the house edge, making it less favorable for beginners. If you’re new to live casino play, European Roulette should be your first choice for its balance of fairness and fun.
At Kiax Live, we aim to guide players in Southeast Asia to make smart choices when exploring live casino games. For more strategies and guides on Baccarat, Blackjack, Poker, and Roulette, visit our trusted partner site, Jackpot Adviser.
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