The iconic roulette wheel is the most famous image of casino gambling worldwide. Although the core concept —picking the winning number— remains identical everywhere, not every roulette game are created equal. The casino world features two main versions that dominate the casino floors: the American and European layouts. Knowing the massive variations between these wheels is absolutely essential for anyone trying to protect their bankroll.
The Number of Pockets: The Double Zero Factor
The most significant difference between the two games lies in the layout of the wheel itself. A traditional European Roulette wheel contains 37 numbers: the numbers 1 through 36, and one single green zero. Conversely, the American table has thirty-eight slots. It features the regular 1-36, the single green zero (0), and an additional green pocket: the double zero. This one additional space may look trivial to an amateur player, but mathematically, it ruins the math for the player.
How the Double Zero Ruins Player Profitability
On the roulette table, the winning odds paid are based as if there were only 36 numbers. For instance, a winning straight-up bet pays out at 35:1, no matter the wheel type. Since the Euro version only has one extra pocket (the zero) that causes outside bets to lose, the casino's built-in mathematical advantage sits at exactly 2.7%. But, because the American wheel adds a second guaranteed losing pocket for outside bets (the 00) without increasing the payouts, the casino's advantage skyrockets to a terrible 5.26 percent.

Always choose European Roulette if you have the choice. It makes no sense to play with a double zero. The 0-00-1-2-3 wager is unique to the US wheel and is statistically terrible, carrying an edge of 7.89%. Specific Euro tables feature the La Partage rule, which reduces the casino margin on red/black wagers to just 1.35 percent.

Side-by-Side Analysis: Both Wheels Compared
To summarize the mathematics, please review the detailed table. It shows exactly why smart gamblers always prefer the European layout.

CharacteristicEuro LayoutAmerican Roulette Total PocketsThirty-Seven38 Green Pockets1Double Zero Casino Advantage2.7%5.26% (Very Bad) Best Odds1.35% on even money bets5.26% (Rule does not apply)

The bottom line is simple, the American wheel's extra slot is nothing more than a casino trick to extract more money from uninformed players. No matter if you are wagering at a lavish casino in Las Vegas or gambling at an online casino from your smartphone, your absolute first move is required to be choosing the 37-pocket wheel. Skipping the 00 wheel is the easiest and most effective way to mathematically improve your winning probabilities.