Roulette is one of the most popular online casino games in the world. From its humble beginnings in 18th-century Paris to its current status online, the game has captivated players for centuries. One of the biggest reasons that roulette has remained so popular, aside from its simplicity, is its generous house edge.
Of course, not all roulette games are the same, and some may offer a better house edge than others. In this guide to the roulette house edge, we explore different variants and see which is the best for house edge.
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What Are the Most Popular Roulette Variants?
Roulette wheels generally look the same wherever you play, but there are some major variants. They each have unique features and rules that impact the odds. Here are the most common types of roulette:
- European Roulette - The classic version found in most casinos outside of the US. This roulette wheel has 37 pockets numbered one to 36 and alternating between red and black, plus a single green zero. The single zero means this variant gives the house a modest advantage.
- American Roulette - Most popular in casinos in the United States, this variant features 38 pockets numbered one to 36 also alternating between red and black, a single zero, and a double zero. The additional double zero increases the house edge, therefore making this version less favourable for players.
- French Roulette - Most similar to European roulette, this version also features 37 pockets with a single zero, but it differs in the presence of special rules. The La Partage and En Prison rules present in French roulette can further reduce the house edge on even-money bets. It is the most player-friendly version of the game.
What Is the House Edge in Roulette?
The house edge is the built-in mathematical advantage for the casino that ensures they makes a profit on the game. It is expressed as a percentage, indicating how much the casino can expect to retain from all bets placed. If £100 was wagered on a game with a 2.7% house edge, the casino would, on average, expect to keep £2.70.
In roulette, the house edge is provided by the presence of one or more zeroes. The zeroes are not covered by standard red/black or odd/even bets, so they tip the odds slightly in the casino’s favour.
On a European wheel with 37 numbers, the true probability of hitting a single number is one in 37. However, payouts are calculated based on odds of one in 36, which gives the house its advantage. The more zeroes there are, the larger the discrepancy becomes and therefore the larger the house edge.
What Is the House Edge in Different Roulette Variants?
What Is the House Edge in Different Roulette Variants
Let’s take a look at how the house edge varies between the most popular roulette games.
|
Roulette Variant |
Number Of Pockets |
House Edge |
Notes |
|
European Roulette |
37 with one 0 |
2.7% | |
|
American Roulette |
38 with a 0 and 00 |
5.26% | |
|
French Roulette |
37 with one 0 |
1.35% on even-money bets |
Includes La Partage/En Prison rules |
The La Partage rule means if you make an even-money bet like red/black or odd/even, and the ball lands on zero, you only lose half your stake instead of the full amount.
The En Prison rule dictates that if a zero comes up, your even-money bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If your bet wins on the next spin, your stake is returned, so you break even.. These rules cut the house advantage on those even-odds bets from 2.70% to 1.35%. This is why French roulette is more favourable to players.
Which Roulette Game Should I Play?
Based purely on the figures, French roulette is the best choice because the special rules minimise the house edge. European roulette is a close second, and it is also more widely available. American roulette is best avoided if other options are available. The extra zero on these roulette wheels increases the casino’s house edge.
Of course, it will always come down to personal choice, and players should remember to always gamble responsibly, regardless of which version they are playing.
Conclusion
The charm and attraction to roulette can be attributed to its simplicity and associated glamour.
While all versions offer the same fundamental experience, the house edge in the different variants makes them more player-friendly than others. French and European roulette have a much better house edge than their American counterpart, but some players might find the rules of French roulette too complex.
Ultimately, the best version of roulette is the one that you enjoy playing the most. You can find the best roulette games available to you by checking out our online casino reviews here at Gambling Zone.
