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When it comes to online roulette, the house edge is set by the wheel. If you want to reduce that edge consistently, you will be choosing your wheel. European roulette has 37 pockets and a house edge of 2.70%. On the other hand, American roulette has 38 pockets and a house edge of 5.26%. This difference is determined by the wheel itself.
Why the Wheel Matters
The layout of a roulette wheel can have a huge impact on the odds you face. The European single-zero wheel is commonly found in many casinos worldwide. In the United States the double-zero wheel is common, and it benefits the casino more.
On an American wheel there are two zero pockets (0 and 00) instead of one, and this automatically reduces the player's odds and gives the casino an automatic 5.26% edge. European and French wheels have no 00 pocket, meaning you play against a single zero. Over the short term, you won’t really notice that 2.70% difference. But over the long term, it is extremely significant.
The American Edge
On an American roulette wheel, the 5.26% house edge applies to all bets. This is due to the extra 00 pocket, which increases the total number of pockets to 38. However, there is a notable exception: the 0-00-1-2-3 combination bet. This five-number combination bet has a house edge of 7.89%, almost double the house edge of the American wheel on all other bets.
In American roulette, most bets have a 5.26% house edge. However, no bet is without risk. The casino has an edge in the long run.
French Rules that Soften the Loss
French roulette wheels have two special rules for even-money bets when zero lands. If the ball lands on zero during an even-money bet, the rules allowing for the bets to go to prison or cut in half are used. These rules reduce the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35%.
To be clear, En Prison and La Partage are not the same or interchangeable rules at all. The roulette wheel with En Prison will hold your bet and use the next spin as a decisive moment of truth. If the next spin wins, the original stake is returned without winnings; if it loses, the stake is lost.
La Partage is, at least, a little gentler. When the ball lands on 0, your bet isn't refunded, but you're only out half of it.
What This Means in Practice
Neither rule erases the house edge. The key variable is the type of wheel. No amount of better bets or roulette betting strategies will change the maths of the wheel.
The key thing for players to remember is that an American wheel generally has a higher house edge. European and French roulette wheels are similar, but French rules like La Partage and En Prison can further reduce the house edge on even-money bets.
A good rule of thumb is that European/French roulette generally offers better odds. American roulette typically has a higher house edge.
Playing within limits
Choosing the safest game and the safest bet is also key. All casinos, online or otherwise, are still going to pocket a percentage of your losses. Whether you think that's okay and worth it is up to you. Just be mindful: the house always wins in the long run. For your own good, set spending limits and see if the games you're playing offer any promotion or rule that lowers the edge. You definitely know roulette odds, but a responsible player also knows what they're willing to risk.