If you’ve played casino games at all, you’ll know that Roulette is one of the most popular in the world. Given that it has easy to understand rules, an engaging visual style, and offers the chance to win big, everyone enjoys it.

But it turns out that there is more than one version of this globally loved casino game. There is a European version, and an American version. At first glance you may not even notice that there is a difference, but there is. It also happens to be a difference that makes one version objectively better than the other.

Changes were Made

Roulette first started as a European game, and after a few iterations, was eventually adopted in the United States. The entire setup was more or less carried over in its entirety, including the wheel, and the betting table. However, one key difference was made; an extra number was added. The European version has 37 pockets, the American version has 38.

In the original version of Roulette, there is only a single 0 pocket. However, in the American version an additional pocket was added; 00. This may not seem like a huge difference, but it has a significant impact on the game as a whole.

What does It Mean?

In casino games there is always a house edge. This means that every casino game has a built in percentage that the house will always win. Or to put it another way; the player will always lose. A house edge is necessary, given that the casino needs to make a profit.

In the game of Roulette, the 0 is the only number that does not tie in to any other betting options. This means that the 0 must be bet on specifically in order for a win to be achieved. So although it is possible to win by betting on 0, it is extremely unlikely, given that group betting options are far better in terms of a betting strategy.

So when the 0 comes up, it generally means that bets will fail, and the house will earn their needed profits.

The Extra 00

So by adding the extra 00 pocket, the house edge in the American version of Roulette has effectively been increased. This means that the percentage by which the player will almost always lose has also been increased. The increase is not extreme by any means, but over time the small bump in the house edge will mean less money in the player’s pocket.

The house edge for the European version is a modest 2.7%. For the American version it is a slightly higher 5.2%.

Conclusion

There is no question that the European version is better for the player. Winning will, very simply, happen more often on this version. There are no benefits at all to playing the American version.

Thankfully, the vast majority of online casinos like at https://megacasinobonuses.ca/software/microgaming-casinos will allow the player to freely choose the version they want. It need not be said that the European version should always be chosen if you want a more favourable house edge.