Top Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Be Playing American Roulette

Not all online casinos like Bet365 Casino offer a wide choice of games. Sometimes, you’ll find just one version of a card or table game. If you don’t have your wits about you, this can be a big disadvantage, especially for Roulette. Let’s say you’re new to the game and unknowingly choose American Roulette. This variant has both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00) on the wheel. Compared to European Roulette (single zero) or French Roulette (single zero with the “La Partage” rule), playing American Roulette offers a much steeper house edge for the casino (the advantage they hold). The extra 00 pocket in American Roulette reduces your odds of winning any single number bet from 1 in 37 (European) to 1 in 38. While this might seem like a minor difference, it translates to a significant house edge jump from around 2.7% (European) to a hefty 5.26% (American).

Playing American Roulette Depletes Your Bankroll Faster

The problem here is that, over time, this higher house edge from playing American Roulette eats away at your bankroll much faster. So, if you’re looking for a more favourable game, then we suggest that you should explore the best online casino sites in the UK who are offering European or French Roulette. These variants offer a lower house edge, giving you a better chance to stretch your money further and enjoy the game for longer.

Why Casinos Encourage You Playing American Roulette

Casinos offer American roulette even though it has a higher house edge compared to other variations for a few reasons. Firstly, the double zero in playing American roulette increases the number of pockets on the wheel from 37 to 38. This seemingly minor change significantly impacts the odds. In a single-zero roulette game, the odds of landing on any single number are 1 in 37. In American roulette, the extra green zero pocket reduces the odds to 1 in 38. This might seem like a small difference, but it translates to a nearly double house edge for American roulette (5.26%) compared to European roulette (2.7%).

Secondly, the double zero creates a wider variety of betting options on the American roulette table. These bets, like covering both zeros or a line of three numbers, offer potentially higher payouts. While these payouts can be tempting to players, it’s important to remember they come with a much lower chance of winning due to the additional green zero. Casinos understand that some players might be drawn to the higher potential rewards, even if the odds are stacked against them.

More Casino Profits From American Roulette

It’s important to keep in mind that the extra green pocket when playing American roulette doesn’t benefit the player. While it allows for more betting options, these bets come with a lower chance of winning due to the additional zero.

Ultimately, casinos offer American roulette because it’s profitable for them. The increased house edge ensures the casino makes money in the long run. Even if some players win occasionally on the high-risk, high-reward bets.

Understanding French Roulette 

For risk-averse roulette players, French Roulette reigns supreme. This variant offers the lowest house edge, particularly for even-money bets like red/black, odd/even, high/low numbers. According to online casino news in the UK, one of the major factors in this is that French Roulette boasts a special rule called “La Partage” or “Surrender.” If the ball lands on the single zero (unlike European and American roulette with a double zero), you won’t lose your even-money bets. Instead, one of two things happens:

• Half-Back – You get half your wager returned, minimising your losses.
• En Prison – Your bet stays on the table for another spin. If you win next time, you keep your original wager. This essentially gives you a second chance to recoup your losses.

These rules significantly reduce the house edge on even-money bets in French Roulette to a mere 1.35%. However, it’s important to note that this advantage only applies to these specific wagers. If you place bets on single numbers or other options, the house edge remains higher.

Playing European Roulette 

If playing American Roulette with its bonkers high house edge scares you, consider European Roulette instead. This variant offers a significantly lower house advantage, making it a more sustainable choice for your bankroll. Like French Roulette, the European wheel has just one single zero (0). This seemingly minor difference makes a big impact. In American Roulette, the extra double zero (00) pocket reduces your odds of winning any single number bet from 1 in 37 (European) to 1 in 38. This translates to a much higher house edge for the casino (American: 5.26%, European: 2.70%).

The lower house edge in European Roulette means your money lasts longer. Over time, the small difference in odds between European and American Roulette can significantly impact your bankroll. So, if you’re looking for a more favourable roulette experience, seek out casinos like Bet365 Casino offering European Roulette. It offers a better chance to stretch your funds and enjoy the game for extended periods. Remember, while roulette is a game of chance, choosing the right variant can give you a fighting chance to make your bankroll last longer.

House Edges – American vs. European & French Roulette

Let’s delve into the house edge and see how much more profitable playing American roulette is compared to European and French roulette using actual £ amounts.

• House Edge Calculation – House Edge (%) = (1 – Winning Probability) * 100%

Different Types Of Roulette House Edge Scenarios

American Roulette (Single Number Bet)

• Winning Probability – 1 / 38 (one winning number out of 38 pockets including 0 & 00)
• House Edge – (1 – 1/38) * 100% = 97.37%

European Roulette (Single Number Bet)

• Winning Probability – 1 / 37 (one winning number out of 37 pockets including 0)
• House Edge – (1 – 1/37) * 100% = 97.30%

French Roulette (Single Number Bet with “La Partage” Rule)

• Winning Probability – (Ball lands outside chosen number): 36 / 37 (36 losing numbers out of 37). In case of a losing bet on 0, “La Partage” rule applies, returning half the wager.
• Effective House Edge – (1 – (36/37 + (1/2 * 1/37))) * 100% = 1.35% (Half the wager is returned if 0 lands)

Profitability Comparison (Example with £10 Bet)

• American Roulette – With a 97.37% house edge, the casino expects a profit of £9.74 on a £10 bet in the long run (10 * 0.9737).
• European Roulette – The house edge translates to a £9.73 profit for the casino on a £10 bet (10 * 0.9730).
• French Roulette – Due to “La Partage,” the effective house edge is significantly lower. On a losing bet (excluding 0), the casino profits £0.37 (10 * 0.037). However, if the ball lands on 0, half the bet (£5) is returned, reducing the average profit further.

Conclusion – Just Stop Playing American Roulette

Roulette isn’t one-size-fits-all! House edges vary depending on the roulette type. If you favour single number bets, then avoid playing American roulette with its double zero, as this only increases the casino’s advantage. Here at Gamingzion.com, we tend to opt for European roulette or French roulette with “La Partage” for a smaller house edge. Online roulette can be a minefield for side bets. These often have a much steeper house edge compared to the main game. Try to resist the flashy extras and stick to standard bets to make your bankroll last longer. Remember, roulette is a game of chance, but smart choices can help you extend the fun!

Click here to try the live casino at bet365 Casino