How to Play European Roulette: Rules, Odds & Strategy
European Roulette is the original roulette format, featuring a single zero and 37 numbers total. With a house edge of just 2.70%, it offers significantly better odds than American roulette's 5.26%. This is the version preferred by serious gamblers worldwide.
Table of Contents
- What Is European Roulette?
- The Wheel Layout
- Betting Options
- Odds and House Edge
- European vs American Roulette
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is European Roulette?
European Roulette is the traditional roulette game with a wheel containing 37 pockets: numbers 1-36 plus a single zero (0). This single-zero design is the original format invented in France in the 18th century.
Why Choose European Roulette?
- Better odds: 2.70% house edge vs 5.26% for American
- Original format: The classic roulette experience
- Standard worldwide: Found in most casinos outside the US
- Same payouts: All bets pay the same as American roulette
The Wheel Layout
Number Sequence
The European wheel numbers are arranged:
0 - 32 - 15 - 19 - 4 - 21 - 2 - 25 - 17 - 34 - 6 - 27 - 13 - 36 - 11 - 30 - 8 - 23 - 10 - 5 - 24 - 16 - 33 - 1 - 20 - 14 - 31 - 9 - 22 - 18 - 29 - 7 - 28 - 12 - 35 - 3 - 26
Color Distribution
- Red: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 32, 34, 36
- Black: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, 33, 35
- Green: 0
Betting Options
European Roulette offers the same bets as American, with one exception: no five-number bet (which doesn't exist without 00).
Inside Bets
| Bet | Description | Payout | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | Single number | 35:1 | 2.70% |
| Split | Two adjacent numbers | 17:1 | 5.41% |
| Street | Three numbers in a row | 11:1 | 8.11% |
| Corner | Four numbers | 8:1 | 10.81% |
| Six Line | Six numbers (two rows) | 5:1 | 16.22% |
Outside Bets
| Bet | Description | Payout | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red/Black | Color | 1:1 | 48.65% |
| Odd/Even | Odd or even number | 1:1 | 48.65% |
| High/Low | 1-18 or 19-36 | 1:1 | 48.65% |
| Dozen | 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36 | 2:1 | 32.43% |
| Column | 12 numbers in a column | 2:1 | 32.43% |
Odds and House Edge
House Edge: 2.70%
Every bet in European Roulette has a 2.70% house edge (except when "en prison" or "la partage" rules apply).
Why 2.70%?
- True odds for a straight-up bet: 36:1 (36 ways to lose, 1 to win)
- Actual payout: 35:1
- Difference: 1/37 = 2.70%
Expected Loss
For every $100 wagered, you can expect to lose $2.70 on average—nearly half what you'd lose on American roulette.
European vs American Roulette
| Feature | European | American |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers | 37 (0-36) | 38 (0, 00, 1-36) |
| House Edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Zero Pockets | 1 | 2 |
| Five-Number Bet | No | Yes (7.89% edge) |
| Expected Loss per $100 | $2.70 | $5.26 |
Always Choose European When Available
There is no mathematical advantage to American roulette. The double zero only increases the house edge. If both versions are available, always play European.