Roulette Variations: European, American, French & More (2025)
Not all roulette wheels are created equal. The variation you choose significantly impacts your odds of winning. This guide compares every major roulette type to help you make the best choice.
Quick Comparison
| Variation | Numbers | House Edge | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| French | 37 | 1.35%* | La Partage rule |
| European | 37 | 2.70% | Single zero |
| American | 38 | 5.26% | Most common in US |
| Mini Roulette | 13 | 7.69% | Fast-paced |
| Multi-Wheel | 37/38 | 2.70-5.26% | Multiple wheels |
| Double Ball | 38 | 5.26%+ | Two balls per spin |
*With La Partage or En Prison rules on even-money bets
European Roulette
House Edge: 2.70%
The standard bearer for roulette worldwide. Features a single zero (0) and numbers 1-36.
Wheel Layout
Numbers alternate between red and black (except green zero) and are arranged to balance:
- High/low distribution
- Odd/even distribution
- Red/black alternation
Why Choose European
- Half the house edge of American
- Available at most online casinos
- Standard rules are simple
American Roulette
House Edge: 5.26%
Adds a double zero (00) to the wheel, creating 38 total numbers.
Key Differences
- 38 numbers vs 37 (European)
- Extra 00 slot (green)
- Different number sequence on wheel
- Five-number bet available (0-00-1-2-3)
The Five-Number Trap
The five-number bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 has a 7.89% house edge—the worst bet in roulette. Avoid it completely.
Why It Persists
American roulette remains popular in US casinos because:
- It's tradition (introduced in the 1800s)
- Higher profit margins for casinos
- Many players don't know the difference
Our advice: Always choose European over American when both are available.
French Roulette
House Edge: 1.35% (on even-money bets with La Partage)
The original and best version of roulette. Same 37 numbers as European but with player-friendly rules.
La Partage Rule
When the ball lands on zero:
- Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) lose only half
- Reduces house edge from 2.70% to 1.35%
En Prison Rule
Alternative to La Partage:
- When zero hits, even-money bets are "imprisoned"
- If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your stake back (no profit)
- If it loses, you lose the bet
- Same 1.35% house edge
French Betting Names
| English | French | Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Neighbors of Zero | Voisins du Zéro | 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25 |
| Third of Wheel | Tiers du Cylindre | 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33 |
| Orphans | Orphelins | 17, 34, 6, 1, 20, 14, 31, 9 |
Where to Find French Roulette
- High-limit rooms in Las Vegas
- European casinos
- Premium online casinos
Mini Roulette
House Edge: 7.69% (standard) or 3.85% (with La Partage)
A simplified version with only 13 numbers (0-12).
Key Features
- Smaller wheel, faster game
- Straight-up pays 11:1 (vs 35:1)
- Outside bets cover fewer numbers
- Popular in online casinos
Payout Differences
| Bet | Standard Roulette | Mini Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | 35:1 | 11:1 |
| Split | 17:1 | 5:1 |
| Red/Black | 1:1 | 1:1 |
Our Take
The high house edge makes mini roulette a poor choice for serious players. It's fine for quick entertainment but not for extended play.
Multi-Wheel Roulette
House Edge: Same as base game (2.70% or 5.26%)
Play up to 8 wheels simultaneously with a single bet.
How It Works
- Place your bet once
- Same bet applies to all active wheels
- Win/lose independently on each wheel
- Total stake = bet × number of wheels
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- More action per spin
- Doesn't change the math (same EV)
- Exciting when multiple wheels hit
Cons:
- Faster bankroll fluctuations
- Easier to lose track of bets
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
Double Ball Roulette
House Edge: 5.26%+ (varies by bet)
Two balls are launched each spin, creating new betting opportunities.
Unique Bets
| Bet | Payout | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Both balls on same number | 1200:1 | 0.07% |
| Both balls on same color | 3:1 | 24.9% |
| Both balls on red | 8:1 | 22.4% |
Strategy Implications
- Inside bets pay for either ball landing
- Outside bets require both balls to land in winning area
- House edge varies significantly by bet type
Rapid Roulette / Electronic Roulette
House Edge: Same as physical wheel
Automated roulette with electronic betting terminals.
Features
- Physical wheel, virtual betting
- Lower minimums typically
- Faster game pace
- Individual betting screens
Advantages
- No dealer interaction needed
- Bet at your own pace
- Often lower table minimums
- Clear bet history display
Live Dealer Roulette (Online)
House Edge: 2.70% (European) or 5.26% (American)
Real dealers streamed to your device.
Why It's Popular
- Authentic casino experience
- Social interaction via chat
- Transparent (you see everything)
- Play from home
Variations Available
- Standard European/American
- Speed Roulette (faster spins)
- Immersive Roulette (multiple cameras)
- Lightning Roulette (multiplied payouts)
Lightning Roulette
House Edge: 2.70% (roughly)
Evolution Gaming's electrified variant with random multipliers.
How It Works
- Each spin, 1-5 numbers get multipliers (50x-500x)
- Straight-up bets on multiplied numbers pay enhanced amounts
- Standard straight-up pays 29:1 (vs 35:1) to compensate
- Outside bets pay standard rates
Best For
Players seeking bigger win potential with more volatility.
Which Variation Should You Play?
Best Odds
French Roulette with La Partage — 1.35% house edge on even-money bets
Most Accessible
European Roulette — Widely available, reasonable 2.70% edge
Avoid
American Roulette — No reason to accept 5.26% house edge
For Entertainment
Lightning Roulette — Exciting multipliers, similar overall edge
Related Guides
- Learn betting systems: Roulette Strategy
- Understand the math: Roulette Odds
- Complete rules: Roulette Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
Your choice of roulette variation directly impacts your expected returns. French roulette with La Partage offers the best odds, followed by European. Avoid American roulette unless it's your only option. The house edge difference adds up significantly over time.
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