Understanding the Different Roulette Wheels
Before you place your first bet, it is vital to understand that not all roulette wheels are the same. The two most common types you will find online are European roulette and American roulette. The main difference lies in the number of green pockets on the wheel, which directly impacts your chances of winning.
- European Roulette. This wheel has 37 pockets, numbered 1 to 36, plus a single green zero. The house edge is a relatively low 2.70 percent, making it the preferred choice for most players.
- American Roulette. This version features 38 pockets because it adds a double zero (00) alongside the single zero. This extra pocket raises the house edge to 5.26 percent, which makes it harder to win in the long run.
- French Roulette. Similar to the European wheel, but it includes special rules like La Partage or En Prison. If the ball lands on zero, these rules can return half of your even-money bet, lowering the house edge even further.