What is European roulette?

European roulette is a popular casino game, known for its simplicity and favourable odds, with a wheel of 37 squares numbered from 0 to 36. Unlike the American version, it has only one zero, which reduces the casino’s advantage to around 2.7%. Players can choose between inside, outside and neighbouring bets, and take advantage of rules such as ‘La Partage’ and ‘En Prison’ which offer opportunities to recoup part of their stake in the event of a zero. The European version is preferred by players looking for a better chance of winning, while offering a balanced gaming experience.

European roulette is one of the most popular casino games, renowned for its simplicity and relatively favourable odds. But what exactly sets this version apart from the others, and why does it attract so many players from all over the world?

The rules of European roulette

European roulette is played on a wheel containing 37 squares numbered 0 to 36. Players place their bets on a gaming mat. A ball is thrown onto the spinning wheel, and the number it lands on determines the result. Unlike American roulette, this version has only one zero, reducing the casino’s advantage to 2.7%. Some variants include ‘La Partage’ and ‘En Prison’ rules, allowing players to recover part of their bet if the ball lands on zero in a single bet.

Structure and layout of European roulette

The European roulette wheel has 37 slots numbered from 0 to 36. These numbers are arranged non-sequentially and alternate between red and black, with the exception of the zero, which is green. This specific arrangement is designed to balance the odds and ensure a fair distribution of colours and odd and even numbers.

The European roulette table is designed to make it easier for players to understand. The numbers are arranged in three columns of 12, with the zero at the top. Around this grid are the outside betting options, such as betting on colours, odd or even numbers, and groups of numbers.

The different bets

Players can choose from three main betting categories.

• Inside bets: bet on specific numbers or restricted combinations.
• Outside bets: bet on larger groups of numbers, offering higher odds but smaller payouts.
• Neighbouring bets: bet on a specific number and adjacent numbers on the wheel.

Odds and house advantage

One of the major attractions of European roulette is its relatively low house edge, estimated at around 2.7%. This statistic means that, over the long term, the casino expects to retain 2.7% of all bets placed. In comparison, American roulette, with its extra double zero box, has a house edge of around 5.26%, making the European version more favourable to players.

Some versions of European roulette offer special rules that can work in the punter’s favour.

• La Partage: If the ball comes to rest on zero on a simple bet (such as red/black), the player gets back half their bet.
• En Prison: In a similar situation, the bet is ‘imprisoned’ for the next round. If the bet wins in the next round, the original stake is returned with no further winnings.

These rules further reduce the house advantage, increasing the player’s odds.

Best strategies for European roulette

To get the most out of your European Roulette experience, we recommend that you :

• Familiarise yourself with the different types of bets: Understanding the nuances between inside and outside bets can help develop a suitable strategy.
• Try different strategies: Betting systems such as Martingale, Fibonacci or D’Alembert can be tried out, bearing in mind that no strategy guarantees success.
• Manage your bankroll wisely: Setting betting limits and sticking to them will extend your playing time and minimise potential losses.
• Play responsibly: It is essential to remember that roulette is a game of chance, and the results are unpredictable.

Differences between European and American roulette

In addition to the presence of the double zero in the American version, there are other distinctions worth highlighting.

• Arrangement of numbers on the wheel: The number sequences differ between the two versions, potentially influencing betting strategies.
• Specific betting options: American Roulette offers the ‘Five-Number Bet’, covering the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3, with a lower probability of success.
• Gaming experience: The European version is often preferred by players looking for a better chance of winning, while the American version attracts those looking for thrills and greater risks.

European Roulette appeals for its balance of simplicity, variety of betting options and moderate house edge. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced player, this variant offers a captivating gaming experience, while also offering more favourable odds compared with other versions. Nevertheless, it is crucial to play responsibly and to remember that, despite the strategies employed, roulette remains first and foremost a game of chance.If you want to play roulette online in Belgium, choose a legal casino with a licence from the Gambling Commission.