European Roulette

European roulette is one of the most popular roulette variations in the world, and it’s a firm favourite with players thanks to its lower house edge and straightforward yet thrilling gameplay.

As the name suggests, European roulette is commonly found in European physical casinos, as well as at online casinos worldwide. The game features 37 pockets numbered 1-36, plus one zero pocket, and the odds for players are better than in American roulette, which has two zero pockets.

European roulette is a great option for both new and more experienced players with a range of budgets.

Key Features of European Roulette

European roulette has a few features that distinguish it from other roulette games, including its layout and available betting options. Let’s take a look at them in a little more detail below:

Single-Zero Wheel

• Overview: Like French roulette, European roulette uses a single-zero (0) wheel, giving the game a total of 37 pockets (1-36 plus the 0).
• Significance:  The single-zero layout gives European roulette a low house edge of 2.7%. In comparison, American roulette has a double-zero layout, which gives an advantage to the casino.
• Pros and Cons:
• Pros: European roulette has a lower house edge compared to American roulette, providing better odds for players.
• Cons: European roulette is not always available, especially in North America, where American roulette is more common.

Betting Options

• Overview: European roulette offers a mix of inside and outside bets, covering everything from individual numbers to groups of numbers.
• Types of Bets: This includes standard inside bets like straight-up, split, and corner bets, as well as outside bets like red/black and odd/even.
• Pros and Cons:
• Pros: European roulette offers a variety of betting options to suit different players.
• Cons: Some players may feel limited by traditional betting options, and in standard European roulette there are no unique bets like multipliers.

Unique Rules in European Roulette

European roulette games sometimes incorporate rules borrowed from French roulette. These rules are designed to help reduce player losses on certain bets. Find out more about them below:

La Partage Rule

• Overview: In European roulette, some tables offer the La Partage rule, which applies to even-money bets. ‘La Partage’ means ‘The Divide’ in English.
• How It Works: If the ball lands on zero, players lose only half of their even-money bet instead of the entire amount.
• Pros and Cons:
• Pros: This rule reduces the house edge (or the casino’s advantage) to 1.35% on even-money bets, increasing long-term odds for players.
• Cons: It is not always in play in European roulette, and it only applies to even-money bets.

En Prison Rule

• Overview: This is another player-friendly rule that is sometimes used in European roulette, on even-money bets only. ‘En Prison’ means ‘In Prison’ in English.
• How It Works: If the ball lands on zero, even-money bets are “imprisoned” or frozen for the next spin. If the player wins on the next spin, their bet is returned. If the player loses, the casino keeps the money. 
• Pros and Cons:
• Pros: This rule offers a second chance for even-money bets, effectively reducing potential losses.
• Cons: It is less common than La Partage and may be confusing for beginners.

Common Misconceptions about European Roulette

If you’re new to European roulette, you may have some misconceptions about the game. In this section we cover some common misconceptions, and then explain how the game really works.

Misconception 1 - The “Hot” and “Cold” Numbers Myth

Some players believe that certain numbers are due to come up, or have hot and cold streaks. Although outcomes are always random, it can be tempting to look for patterns. For example, if a number hasn’t come up for a while, some players think that it must be ‘due’ to win soon.

Or they might believe that certain numbers are ‘hot’ (i.e., they keep winning) or ‘cold’ (they keep losing).

In reality each spin of the roulette wheel is independent from the last one, and previous outcomes have no effect on future spins. It’s important to remember this when playing roulette, and avoid betting according to perceived patterns that don’t exist in reality.

Misconception 2 - Betting Systems Guarantee Wins

Roulette has been on the scene for a long time, and during that time betting systems, like Martingale, have been developed that are designed to theoretically achieve success in roulette.

Some players like to play according to these betting systems, but it’s important to remember that they can’t alter the odds of the game or guarantee a profit.

Players must also recognise that like all casino games, European roulette has a house edge which means that in the long run, the casino always wins. If games weren’t ultimately profitable for the casino, they wouldn’t be available to play.

The best strategy for playing roulette, or any online live game, is to bet responsibly and never play with money you can’t afford to lose.

Misconception 3 - European Roulette is Always Better Than American

European roulette has a lower house edge than American roulette, which means some players assume that the European version of the game is better.

In reality, the choice between European and American roulette depends on personal preferences. Some players enjoy the additional challenge of lower odds in American roulette, whereas others are more comfortable with better player odds in European roulette.

You should always choose a roulette variant that you enjoy, which also aligns with your appetite for risk.

Pros and Cons of Playing European Roulette

European roulette has a few differences from its American and French counterparts. We recommend trying them all to see which you prefer, but to get you started here’s a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of playing European roulette.

• Pros:
• European roulette has a lower house edge due to the La Partage and En Prison rules (if they’re in play), giving players a chance to minimise losses on even-money bets.
• European roulette has a straightforward layout with clear rules, making it accessible for both new and more experienced players.

• Cons:
• This variation offers fewer unique betting options and features than some modern variants.
• European roulette is not always available to play worldwide, especially outside of European casinos.

Why European Roulette Is a Popular Choice

European roulette is the most popular variation of the game in Europe, and thanks to online casinos like Genting Casino it can also be enjoyed around the world. Its reduced house edge (in comparison to American roulette) makes European roulette statistically more favourable, and some games incorporate the La Partage and En Prison rules, which give players a further advantage.

We recommend trying this simple yet exciting roulette variation, whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced player.

Play European Roulette at Genting Casino

European roulette is a great way to get a traditional roulette experience with more favourable odds for players. Its lower house edge and player-friendly rules make it a good choice for those who want to experience roulette for the first time, as well as an attractive option for more experienced players.

Try European roulette today at Genting Casino for a high-quality gaming experience at your fingertips.