Roulette is one of the most popular casino games, and it is enjoyed by millions of players all over the world. Like all casino games, roulette has a house edge, which means that the casino has an advantage over the player. Understanding the house edge is essential for players who want to maximize their chances of winning.
The house edge refers to the percentage of the total amount of bets that the casino expects to keep over the long term. This is how the casino makes money from roulette. For example, if the house edge is 2.7%, this means that for every $100 bet, the casino expects to keep $2.70. The remaining $97.30 is paid out as winnings to the players.
In this article, we will explore the differences in house edge for American, European, and French roulette. By understanding these differences, players can make more informed decisions about which variation of roulette to play and how to optimize their betting strategy.
Differences in House Edge for American, European and French Roulette
American Roulette
American roulette features a wheel with 38 pockets, including the numbers 1-36, a zero, and a double zero. The presence of the double zero increases the house edge significantly, as it gives the casino an additional slot to win on. As a result, the house edge for American roulette is 5.26%, which is much higher than the European and French variations.
European Roulette
European roulette is similar to American roulette, but it features a wheel with only 37 pockets, with the numbers 1-36 and a single zero. This reduces the house edge significantly, making the odds of winning slightly better for players. The house edge for European roulette is 2.70%, which is almost half of the house edge for American roulette.
French Roulette
French roulette is similar to European roulette, but it has a few additional rules that reduce the house edge even further. In French roulette, if the ball lands on zero, players have the option to either surrender half of their bet or leave it on the table for the next spin. This rule is known as “la partage.” Additionally, in French roulette, if the ball lands on zero, all even money bets (such as red/black or odds/evens) are put “en prison” or “imprisoned.” This means that the bet stays on the table for the next spin. If the player wins on the next spin, they get their original bet back; if they lose, the bet is forfeited. These rules reduce the house edge for French roulette to just 1.35%, making it the most player-friendly variation of roulette.
Understanding the house edge in different roulette variations is crucial for players who want to optimize their betting strategy and increase their chances of winning. While American roulette has the highest house edge and French roulette has the lowest, players should also consider other factors such as betting options and table limits when choosing which variation of roulette to play. By understanding the nuances of each variation, players can make more informed decisions and have a more enjoyable and profitable experience playing roulette.