While very similar to its American counterpart, European roulette offers a few slight variations on the popular casino game. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two entertaining table games.

European Roulette : Odds & Ends

For starters, a standard European table features 37 numbers (0 and 1-36). This is one less than an American table, which also contains 00. This may seem like a small difference, and for the most part it is. However, the absence of one additional number on the wheel increases the player’s edge in European roulette. The house holds a 2.50 % advantage over a player in Europe, while in America the house edge jumps to about 5.20%. Although it may not seem like much, over the course of a day or week this could be a substantial amount.

European Roulette : Game Play

The bets in European roulette are placed in the same fashion as American roulette, with one major difference. In America, each player at the table is assigned a different color chip, to help differentiate bets. This is not true in Europe, where every player has the same color chips, and must utilize an honor system of sorts to claim bets. As for actual table set-up, the table and types of wagers available to a player are the same in both games, and the wheel still determines the winning number on each spin. One final distinction to make regarding the European game occurs when the ball lands on 0. In this case, the player is offered an opportunity to call on the en prison rule. This rule gives the player the option to surrender half of his/her outside bets, or leave them for the next spin. Slightly more generous than the American game, where a 0 or 00 sees your outside bets swept off the table by the house.

European Roulette : Across the Pond

Roulette continues to be one of the most popular casino games going, whether in America or abroad. While the differences may be subtle, the fun factor and excitement remain constant in both games. So, if you ever find yourself in Europe, be sure to check out a casino and give their version of roulette a spin.