A European wheel carries 37 pockets from 0 to 36. An American wheel adds 00 for a total of 38 pockets. That single extra pocket lifts the edge on even-money bets from 2.70% on European to 5.26% on American. Payouts stay the same across both formats, so the extra zero shifts value without changing the pay table.
Wheel Layouts Differ by Count
The pocket sequence around the rim is not the same across formats. European wheels follow a single-zero sequence engineered to spread neighbors, while American wheels use a different order and include the 00 opposite 0. On roulette lobbies at Casino Jackpoty, the game tile or rules page will show 0 only for European and 0 plus 00 for American. The visual difference is immediate when you scan the wheel graphic or the felt layout.
House Edge Doubles on Most Bets
Even-money wagers like Red Black or Odd Even carry 2.70% expected loss per unit on European wheels. The same wagers on American wheels carry 5.26%. Straight-up 35 to 1 wins do not change the pay table, so the extra 00 is the factor that widens the gap. The difference compounds over long sessions, especially for systems that lean on even-money coverage.
Layout and Bets Vary
European tables usually print French-style boxes for even-money bets and may support advanced options such as neighbors or racetrack calls. American tables often include a Five-Number Bet space that covers 0, 00, 1, 2, 3. That specific wager has a 13.16% edge, which is the weakest value on any standard layout and it is not offered on European tables.
The table below highlights core facts that affect risk and pacing. The data reflects standard rules without local variations.
| Aspect | European Roulette | American Roulette |
| Pockets | 37 numbers 0–36 | 38 numbers 0–36 plus 00 |
| Even-Money House Edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Straight-Up Payout | 35 to 1 | 35 to 1 |
| Five-Number Bet | Not available | Available at 13.16% edge |
| Typical Table Min Max | €0.10 to €5,000 online | $0.25 to $10,000 in U.S. rooms |
| Common Extras | Racetrack and neighbors | Surrender on some wheels only |
French Rules Reduce Risk
Some single-zero tables apply La Partage or En Prison to even-money bets when 0 lands. La Partage returns half the stake on an even-money loss to 0. En Prison holds the stake for one more spin. Both rulings cut the effective edge on even-money bets to 1.35%, a measurable change for players who grind long sets with fixed units.
Triple Zero Wheels Exist
A few venues run triple-zero wheels with 0, 00 and 000 for 39 pockets. The straight-up payout still lists 35 to 1. The even-money edge rises to 7.69%. This format speeds up bankroll erosion unless limits or comps offset the heavier take. The felt usually prints a 000 box, so identification is straightforward.
Bet Selection Shapes Risk
Players who favor low variance often anchor on even-money bets. On a European wheel with La Partage, the effective 1.35% edge on those bets supports longer sessions per €100 bankroll. Players who enjoy number hunting lean on straight-ups and splits. The pay table stays 35 to 1 for straight-ups on both formats, yet the hit rate is slightly better on European due to one fewer zero.
When to Pick Each Wheel
The points below give a simple structure for game choice. Each line assumes standard rules and average spin speed online of 40 to 60 spins per hour.
- Bankroll preservation targets single-zero with La Partage for even-money action at 1.35% edge.
- Number chasing with fixed units prefers single-zero due to 1 in 37 base odds rather than 1 in 38.
- Short sessions with bonus wagering can accept double-zero when table minimums are lower and time is tight.
- Side bets or call bets like neighbors require European layouts that show racetrack controls.
Regional Availability Shapes Choice
European single-zero tables dominate EU-licensed platforms and live studios. American double-zero tables remain the default in many U.S. land-based rooms. Live lobbies often host both formats, yet VIP limits and rule perks cluster by market. A studio might post €1 to €20,000 ceilings on European streams, while a Vegas pit runs $5 to $5,000 on double-zero, which changes staking plans for progression or flat betting.
Practical Wheel Checks Matter
Before placing the first chip, confirm five items that carry concrete impact on expected loss and comfort.
- Count zero pockets on the wheel graphic to lock format.
- Scan the rules text for La Partage or En Prison rulings on even-money bets.
- Look for a printed Five-Number space which signals double-zero and a 13.16% edge on that box.
- Note table limits to fit unit size and total bankroll. A €2 unit at 200 units equals €400 session capital.
- Check spin tempo. Faster tables compound edge per hour, which matters more on double-zero sets.
