Roulette is one of the most iconic and visually thrilling games available on any casino floor.
Knowing which wheel to choose is the single most important decision a roulette player will ever make.
Understanding the Wheel Layouts
The European roulette wheel features 37 slots in total: numbers 1 through 36, plus a single green zero.
The American wheel, however, features 38 slots: numbers 1 through 36, a single zero, AND a double zero (00).
- The single zero is the only reason the casino makes a profit on Red/Black or Odd/Even wagers
- Adding a second zero effectively doubles the speed at which you will statistically lose your bankroll
- The visual layout of the numbers on the wheel itself is also completely different between the two versions
Advanced European Roulette Rules
Certain high-end European tables utilize the ‘La Partage’ rule, which further reduces the house advantage.
Under the ‘La Partage’ rule, if you make an even-money bet (like Red or Black) and the ball lands on zero, you only lose half your bet.
| Wheel Style | Player Recommendation | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Double Zero | Avoid completely | The math is terrible for the player |
| Single Zero | Play this version exclusively | Offers a fair and reasonable chance to win |
By simply choosing the European wheel, you instantly double your expected mathematical longevity at the casino.