Roulette in online casinos has remained the leader in terms of engagement and betting frequency since 2008. But the dilemma of which roulette to choose for a beginner remains relevant. One sector is one zero. The other is a double. Choosing between American or European roulette solves not only the sensations, but also the mathematics of winning.
History is on Europe’s side
American or European roulette for a beginner is a choice between history and adaptation. The first version of the game appeared in the 18th century in Monaco. One zero. Mathematics in balance. The Americans adapted the game in the 19th century by adding a second zero sector. This increased the casino’s revenue. In 2025, a beginner faces the same question that players in New Orleans faced in the 1860s.
Understanding the structure of the game
The rules of both versions are similar — you choose a number, color, or group of numbers, and then the wheel spins. In the European version, if you hit zero, the casino offers La Partage, which is a 50% refund of your bet. In the American version, there is no such offer. All bets outside of zero are considered losses.
Axes and sectors: the geometry of the game
It’s not just the number of pockets that affects the game. In the European version, the numbers are arranged in a specific symmetry, with red and black alternating almost perfectly. In the American version, the chaos is closer to a controlled disorder. This reduces the effectiveness of strategies like targeted betting on the wheel.
American or European Roulette: The Differences
The number of pockets determines not only the structure of the wheel, but also the exact mathematics of each spin. One additional pocket changes the balance of the game and dramatically shifts the odds in favor of the casino.
European Roulette has 37 pockets: from 1 to 36 and one zero pocket, giving the casino a 2.7% advantage.
American Roulette has 38 pockets: a double zero (00) is added, increasing this number to 5.26%.
This is where the fundamental difference between American and European roulette comes in: the probability of winning with the same bets is almost twice as high.
Platform behavior and algorithms
Most online casinos implement random number generators (RNGs) in both formats. However, live European roulette shows higher engagement compared to American roulette for beginners.
According to 2024 analytics, the average session duration for European roulette is 16 minutes, while it is only 9 minutes for American roulette. This is due to the higher number of losses and frustration caused by the presence of two zeros.
How a casino makes money on zero
Each “number” bet in both versions pays out 35:1. But because of the extra pocket in the American version, the real probability is not 1 in 37, but 1 in 38. This changes everything: over the long run, a beginner’s bankroll in roulette for beginners goes to zero twice as fast in this version of the game.
NetEnt’s 2023 gaming analytics statistics confirm that a player loses about $27 in the European version and $52 in the American version with 1,000 $1 bets. The question of “the best roulette for beginners” is answered by these numbers.
What does a beginner consider when choosing a roulette
Before starting a game, it is important for a beginner to consider not only the appearance of the wheel, but also the hidden mathematics of each format. A mistake at the start can quickly wipe out a player’s bankroll and discourage them from continuing to play. Therefore, a conscious approach to choosing a version is already part of a player’s strategy.
Here are the main criteria for choosing a game for a beginner:
- The odds of winning. In European roulette, the house edge is only 2.7%, while in American roulette, it increases to 5.26%. This key difference directly affects the long-term return on investment.
- The presence of a double zero. Only American roulette features a double zero (00) sector, which creates a higher imbalance in favor of the casino. For beginners, it can be challenging to account for the additional probability, especially when betting on equal odds.
- Psychological comfort. Due to the presence of two zeros, players often feel less control over the outcome. Beginners often get lost, especially in quick sessions or when betting on outer fields.
- The operation of strategies. Popular methods such as Martingale, D’Alambert, and Labouchere demonstrate greater stability in the European version. The absence of a second zero makes them mathematically more predictable.
- Visual perception of the wheel. In the European format, the 37 sectors are organized symmetrically, which makes it easier to read the wheel and helps you navigate your bets more quickly. This reduces the number of mistakes made during the game.
- The presence of La Partage and En Prison rules. These options are only available in European roulette. They allow you to return a portion of your bet or keep it for the next spin if you hit zero, which significantly reduces the potential losses on equal odds.
- Online casinos and accessibility. Almost 90% of online platforms offer both formats, but European roulette is more often presented in live mode with a dealer, which adds realism and transparency. For beginners, this format may be more convenient for adaptation.
Choosing the right version of the game is the first step towards a successful strategy. European roulette offers more favorable conditions and additional rules that help reduce risks and get comfortable without unnecessary pressure. It is the perfect starting point for exploring the world of betting.
Mistakes that beginner players make
Without understanding the rules and odds, a bet becomes a sacrifice. In the American version, an additional cell destroys probability-based tactics. For example, a “parlay” bet in the European version loses in 18 out of 37 cases (48.65%), while in the American version, it loses in 18 out of 38 cases (47.37%). The difference of 1.28% may seem insignificant, but it represents 13 additional losses per thousand bets.
Why does a beginner win less often
A player who starts with the European version gets more information to analyze. It is possible to use a symmetrical arrangement of numbers, minimize losses thanks to special rules, and adapt strategies.
Online platforms that support this version are more likely to provide training materials, which reduces the likelihood of mistakes. This explains why it is more logical to choose European roulette at the start.
American or European Roulette: Conclusions
American or European roulette offers two different philosophies of play: intuition versus calculation, chaos versus structure, and high risks versus reduced losses.
A beginner player who wants to build a strategy, reduce the level of randomness, and increase the likelihood of winning will benefit more from the European version. It offers not only better odds but also more opportunities for learning.
Roulette maths plays a key role in determining the probability of winning. In the European version, due to the presence of only one zero, the mathematical expectation for the player is higher than in the American version with two zeros. This means that playing European roulette is more profitable in the long run.
The casino always maintains an advantage and this is important to remember. The chances of winning at roulette always depend on luck and the chosen strategy, but none of them guarantees success. Tactics can help you better control the game and manage your bets, but winnings still depend on chance.