Stefan Weber
With just one Zero on the wheel as compared to two in its American counterpart, European roulette variant is rightly known for its lower house edge. The variant is however not synonymous with French roulette as is often assumed, particularly at land-based casinos in the US.
In fact, despite being one of the most popular and classic casino games, European roulette isn't even an original variant. It is rather a game developed by casino providers combining the most popular features from American and French roulette among gamblers to give you the best of both worlds. And they've certainly done a great job in designing a roulette variant that everyone loves. Our European Roulette Guide will give you a detailed overview on this roulette classic.
Table of Contents
- Best European Roulette Casinos 2024
- European Roulette Basics
- Play European Roulette for Free
- European Roulette Rules and How to Play
- Differences from American Roulette and French Roulette
- European Roulette Odds and Payout
- Inside and Outside Bets in European Roulette
- European Roulette Racetrack Bets
- European Roulette Tips and Tricks
- European Roulette FAQ
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European Roulette Basics
Since European roulette is essentially a combination of the most popular features from French and American roulette, there are actually few hard and fast rules as to what constitutes the game. From racetrack to no racetrack, game providers are known for fully exercising their creative license when putting together their take on the game.
The one thing that all European Roulette games have in common is that they have the same wheel as French Roulette. That is, you're looking at a wheel with just one Zero, and a house edge of 2.70%. And that's quite a bit lower than the house edge in American roulette, which stands at 5.26%.
BGaming's take on European Roulette is a really great example on how game providers combine different features into the game. We've embedded it as a demo game below so you can try it for yourself. What you will see is that other than the standard betting layout, there is also a racetrack to facilitate Call Bets. The developers took Voisins du Zero and Tiers du Cylindre from French roulette, and then even added their own bet types that they named Black Splites and Red Splites.
You can find the real money version of BGaming's European Roulette at Lucky Dreams MoreLess
At land based casinos, European roulette is usually played on just one table managed by the croupier and a table manager. It's much leaner in contrast to the double table with up to three croupiers and a table manager in French roulette. Bets are placed with chips, or jetons as they are sometimes called in Europe. Other particularities will vary with the casino or the game provider, in case you are playing online.
European Roulette Key Features
- Usually in English plus local language
- French layout with single Zero and same number arrangements
- Racetrack often available
- Wheel bet options vary with provider
- Table usually has fewer croupiers than in French roulette
- La Partage or En Prison rule may be available
Just to reiterate: European roulette is often thought to be synonymous with French roulette, particularly in the US. It is however a combination of both French and American roulette, but always based on the French roulette wheel with a single Zero. Beyond that, there is no fixed definition of what European roulette is.
Play European Roulette for Free
Before gambling for real money, it's always good to get familiar with the game first. If you're in Vegas or at a land-based casino, you might want to start off with small bets at European roulette table. However, online is a whole different deal with far more options with demo games and simulators. We've provided a European roulette simulator here for you so you can get started right away.
While it's never the same as real money gambling, playing free roulette games online can give you a feel for all the intricacies of the game so that you are thoroughly ready before you go for the real thing. This is especially true for European roulette at online casinos where game providers capitalize on the variant's flexibility to provide an abundance of different betting options.
European Roulette - Demo
By pressing on "Play", I understand that I will be shown content from BGaming.
BGaming
European Roulette Rules and How to Play
The basic rules to European roulette are pretty simple. It all starts when the croupier, aka the dealer, asks players at the table to place their bets. Usually this is in English or the local language if you're in a non-English speaking environment. To place your bet, put your chips on the betting layout, just as with any roulette game.
The single Zero wheel of French Roulette
As previously mentioned, European roulette uses the wheel from French roulette, so there is only one Zero on the wheel. The betting itself can follow a mixture of French or American rules. Which ones it follows should be clear just by taking a glance at the betting layout on the table.
If you see options like Orphelins, Voisins du Zero and Tiers, you are looking at sector bet options in the tradition of French bets. French bet options are displayed on a so-called racetrack. These bets might be translated into English and we explain what these mean in our European roulette bets section a little further down below. You will certainly want to familiarize yourself with these.
A little less obvious is the La Partage rule. European roulette often - but not always – employs the La Partage rule. This rule gives you back half your bet if the ball lands on the Zero, provided that you placed an even money bet, for example on colors or high low.
Some tables may use En Prison rule instead, which gives you another spin instead of half your bet back. You can confirm which rule is in force by looking under the game info button, or by asking the croupier at the table.
Once all players have placed their bet, the croupier will close the betting round, spin the wheel, and then drop the ball. When the wheel stops spinning and the ball settles into a pocket, the croupier will pay out all wins and collect all losses. And then another round begins.
Differences from American Roulette and French Roulette
In terms of the differences between the variants, let's start with European vs American roulette first, since this is where the bigger differences can be found.
European roulette has a single Zero, versus American roulette's double Zero. It also means European roulette has 37 pockets while American roulette has 38. This is the main difference, and just this alone makes the European game much more player friendly with a lower house edge of 2.70%, compared to American variant at 5.26%.
With the double Zero, the American version also uniquely has the so-called basket bet, a five number bet on 00, 0, 1, 2, 3. The European variant doesn't have this bet option since only the American wheel has this second Zero.
American and European games have their numbers arranged in a different order on the wheel itself, with European roulette taking the same arrangement as French roulette.
Single Zero vs double Zero wheelMoreLess
In American roulette, if the ball lands on one of the Zeros, you will lose your stake. European roulette tends to take after one of the French rules of La Partage or En Prison, although this is something you should double check as it's not always the case.
Since they share the same wheel, European and French roulette have the same house edge at 2.70%, and the European game is often thought of as French roulette with the layout translated into English. While that is sometimes the case, the two games can also be very different. For example, European roulette might or might not have call bets like Voisins, Orphelins, and Tiers, and when they are available these bets might be translated into Neighbors, Orphans and Thirds on the layout.
At land-based casinos, French roulette tables typically have three croupiers and one table manager taking care of all the bets. European usually has just one or two.
Since European roulette is a very versatile variant, you might encounter different combinations depending on the casino you're visiting. And the possibilities online can be even richer as the digital medium offers even more flexibility.
With ten options from different providers Playzilla has one of the biggest selections of Europen Roulette games.MoreLess
European Roulette Odds and Payout
European roulette has the same odds as French roulette. The bets available also have the same probability of winning since the game is based on the same wheel.
The table below shows the betting options in European Roulette, their respective probabilities of a win, and corresponding payout.
| Bet type | Probability of winning | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up - single number | 2.70% | 35:1 |
| Split - two numbers | 5.41% | 17:1 |
| Street - three numbers | 8.11% | 11:1 |
| Corner - four numbers | 10.81% | 8:1 |
| Line (Double Street) - six numbers | 16.21% | 5:1 |
| Columns (12 numbers, columns) | 32.43% | 2:1 |
| Dozens (12 numbers, dozens) | 32.43% | 2:1 |
| Simple chances (Even/Odd, High/Low, Red/Black, 18 numbers each) | 48.65% | 1:1 |
European roulette odds can be easily calculated by taking the numbers you have bet on, for example, 3 numbers in a street. You then divide 36 (the numbers on the wheel excluding the 0) by that 3, giving you 12. Deduct 1 from the answer, and you get 11.
This payout is in addition to your own bet, which you get back. So if you bet a $10 street, you will win $10 x 11, plus your own $10 bet, to receive a total payout of $120.
Inside and Outside Bets in European Roulette
Since European and French roulette have the same wheel, they both have the same bet options.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are known for their higher payouts since they are bets limited to up to six numbers, and therefore have a lower probability of winning.
- Straight bet: on a single number, aka a single bet.
- Split bet: a bet on two numbers on the layout next to each other. Chips should be placed on the line between them.
- Street bet: a bet on three numbers that form a horizontal row on the layout, eg. 7- 8 – 9.
- Line bet: aka a Double Street. Two horizontal rows adding up to six numbers, eg. 25 - 26 - 27 - 28. Chips should be placed on one of the outside corners shared by the numbers.
- Trio bet: On the first 3 numbers on the top of the layout where the Zero is, so either 0 - 1 - 2, or 0 - 2 - 3. Chips go on the shared corner between the 3 numbers.
- First four: On the first 4 numbers on the top of the layout with the Zero, so 0 - 1 - 2 - 3. Chips go on 0 - 1 or 0 -3 corner.
- Square bet: a bet on four numbers that share a center point, eg. 20 – 21 – 23 – 24. Chips go on the shared corner. Also known as a corner bet.
The layout for inside bets (green framed).MoreLess
Outside Bets
On the outer edge of the betting layout are the outside bets. They cover more numbers and include even money bets like Even – Odd. Since they cover more numbers, outside bets have a higher probability of winning and payout is correspondingly lower.
- Dozen bet: a bet on groups of twelve numbers. Choose between 1st Twelve (numbers 1 to 12), 2nd Twelve (13 to 24) and 3rd Twelve (25 to 36).
- Columns: groups of twelve numbers that run down the betting layout, marked at the end with "2 to 1". For example, the top line on the layout, which has the numbers 3 – 6 – 9 – 12 – 5 – 18 – 21 – 24 – 27 – 30 – 33 – 36 .
- Red or Black: an even money bet on the winning number's color.
- Even or Odd: an even money bet on whether the winning number will be even or odd.
- High or Low: an even money bet on whether the winning number will be a low number (1- 18) or a high number (19 – 36).
The layout for outside bets (green framed).MoreLess
European Roulette Racetrack Bets
European roulette online games often have a racetrack for placing announced bets, aka call bets. These bets come from French roulette and are usually translated into English or the local language. Just put your chips in the corresponding section of the racetrack to place your bet.
Racetrack with bet options from French Roulette.MoreLess
At land based casinos, there may or may not be a racetrack at the table. If there's no racetrack, then you can ask the croupier to place your call bet for you.
Racetrack bets are sometimes also known as wheel bets or sector bets because they cover large sections of the wheel. Below are the racetrack bets that can be available in European roulette, along with some of their original French names.
Sector bets
Sector bets are made with a combination of different bets, typically with splits and straight bets to cover multiple numbers.
- Neighbors of Zero (Voisins du Zero): These are the 17 numbers on the left and right of the Zero pocket on the wheel, including the Zero itself. The entire wager is combined of 2 units on a trio bet (0 - 2 - 3), 2 units on a Corner (25 - 26 - 28 - 29), and 5 splits on the remaining numbers (4/7, 12/15, 18/21, 19/22 and 32/35). The wager should thus be divisible by 9.
- Zero Game (Jeu Zero): The seven numbers surrounding the Zero pocket, that is the numbers 12 to 15. The entire wager is comprised on 1 straight bet on the number 26, and 3 split bets between the remaining numbers (0/3, 12/15 and 32/35). The wager should thus be divisible by 4.
- Small Series (Tiers du Cylindre): aka Thirds of the Wheel, aka Series 5-8. The 12 numbers facing the Zero pocket, covering a third of the wheel. The entire wager is made of 6 split bets on 5/8, 10/11, 13/16, 23/24, 27/30, 33/36. The wager should thus be divisible by 6.
- Orphans (Orphelins): The numbers 1 to 9 and 17 to 6 on the wheel. These are the numbers that are not covered by Voisins du Zero or Tiers du Cylindre. The entire wager is made of 4 split bets (6/9, 14/17, 17/20 and 31/34), and 1 straight bet on the number 1. The wager should thus be divisible by 5.
Variable bets
These types of bets are on numbers of your choosing and not on fixed numbers on the wheel.
- Neighbors: Straight bets next to each other on the wheel. For example, the number 6 and two numbers on each side. That would come to five straight bets on 13 - 27 - 6 - 34 - 17. There is no limit as to how many neighbors you can bet on.
- Finals (also Final, Finale): All of the numbers on the wheel that end in a certain number. For example, Final 1 bets on 1, 11, 21, and 31, and costs 4 chips in total. Since the highest number on the wheel is 36, Final bets above 6 would only cost 3 chips in total. For example, Final 8 bets on 8, 18, 28.
European Roulette Tips and Tricks
Often – although not always – European roulette will play with La Partage rules. This is a major advantage, and we highly recommend finding a European table with this. La Partage gives you back half your bet immediately when the ball lands on Zero, in contrast to the En Prison rule, which only returns your stake if you win on the next spin.
Since there are few concrete rules for this variant, check the rules of the game you're interested in. Take a glance at the betting layout to see what bets are offered. If you're playing European roulette online, names like La Partage European Roulette should give you more than a hint of what's in store, and you can usually read all the rules in the game's Info button. If you're playing at a land-based casino, and you shouldn't feel shy asking the staff.
As with all roulette games, it's good to play with combinations of different bets. In the case of European Roulette, you will want to take advantage of the Call bets like Neighbours, Orphans, and Series. These help you cover large sections of the wheel with a more attractive payout than even money bets.
Last but not least, at Roulette Guide, we have a definite preference for playing European Roulette online. Not only is it convenient with more variety, but there are often tournaments with prizes, promos and bonuses with free chips added to the mix for more excitement.
European Roulette FAQ
- Where can I play European Roulette?
- Is European Roulette the same as French Roulette?
- Is European or American roulette better?
- Can I play racetrack bets in European roulette?
- Why do I see different bet options between different European roulette games?
- Where can I find European roulette simulators?
1. Where can I play European Roulette?
European roulette is one of the most popular games and you can play it in land-based casinos in Europe, in the US, and just about anywhere. Of course, you can find the game at online casinos too.
The naming largely reflects the fact that the game shares the French roulette wheel, rather than the American one. There is actually nothing that is geography specific to European roulette and you can pretty much play it anywhere.
2. Is European Roulette the same as French Roulette?
Yes and no. European and French roulette use the same single Zero wheel. Thus in terms of the odds and the betting options, the games are often thought to be identical and in the United States the two have practically become synonymous.
However, European roulette is actually a newer and much more flexible variant that allows casino providers to combine different features into the game. Therefore, you can find European roulette games that differ from each other, and certainly from French roulette itself.
3. Is European or American roulette better?
While what is better is often a matter of personal taste, European roulette has better odds than American roulette because the European wheel only has one Zero while the American game has two.
Also, bearing in mind that European roulette is really a variant designed to please gamblers by offering the most popular roulette features in one game, there is a high likelihood that you will find the results to be more than satisfying!
4. Can I play racetrack bets in European roulette?
Absolutely. Almost all European roulette online games will have a racetrack so you can easily place call bets like Neighbors aka Voisins to cover large sections of the wheel for strategic betting.
At brick and mortar casinos, there might be some variation between tables, but if you don't see the racetrack on the betting layout, you can always ask the croupier.
5. Why do I see different bet options between different European roulette games?
Other than the fact that it uses the French roulette wheel, there aren't any other fixed rules as to what constitutes European roulette. That's why you can come across European roulette games online that have different rules.
6. Where can I find European roulette simulators?
We have embedded a European roulette simulator on this page so readers can try things immediately. However, more effective would be simply to go to an online casino (see our list of recommended casinos), and search for European roulette games there. You can then play them in demo mode, which is sometimes called fun mode.
Playing European roulette demo games at an online casino has the distinct advantage of giving you a taste of all the variety possible in the game, without having to download anything.
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I'm lucky enough to have found both my job and my calling on the internet. As the online marketing manager for a major sportsbook, I began in the online gambling business over a decade ago. The business has been good to me and I love the dynamics of the industry. A blackjack and roulette enthusiast myself, I try to provide articles that combine practicalities with the strategic elegance of the game in a way that both rookies and experienced players can appreciate. And when I can, I like to spend my free time on live streaming platforms such as Twitch and Kick.