It’s essential to understand that choosing between American and European Roulette can greatly affect your odds of leaving the casinos with a plus. However, the groundbreaking feature of this article will be the American roulette version because it features an extra double zero, which pushes the house edge to 5.26%, making it difficult for you to beat the casino/house. However, in contrast, the European Roulette, the most usual one, only has a single zero, offering you a much more manageable house edge of 2.63%. So, why do these things matter, after all? Our experts consider that the extra 0 in American Roulette divides the NZ players because the American Version increases the casino’s advantage, while the European doesn’t. So, for this reason, we decided that the best way to understand why some players play the European version while others prefer the American one is to go in-depth. This guide will decipher the differences between those two games and explain how the house edge affects gameplay. We think you will ultimately be able to decide which version is correct for you.

Same Game but With Key Differences in NZ Online Casinos

The most critical factor regarding the differences between American and European Roulette that players must know is the wheel numbers. If you want to try both versions, the best roulette casinos in NZ feature all the appropriate varieties. Meanwhile, try to understand the in-depth features of American roulette via our unique guide.  American vs European roulette: let’s see what sets them apart!

Main Difference in Roulette Wheels

The main difference between American and European Roulette stems from the roulette wheel design. We cannot emphasize enough how important this factor is when playing in NZ online casinos. The European version has 37 pockets distributed along with the wheel. One is zero, and the rest range from 1 to 36. Compared to the roulette wheel mentioned, the American edition has 38 pockets with two numbers signifying zero, represented by a single zero and a double zero extra pocket on the wheel. The rest are the same, ranging from 1 to 36.

Roulette Odds

The double zero version has 38 total numbers, so the odds for betting on one number will always be 38 to 1. For the single zero, they will always be 37 to 1. So, setting aside the fact that the first-mentioned versions have two zeros. The odds tilt in the favor of the single-zero table game. However, the best way to understand roulette odds is to read and comprehend our top-tier article, in which our expert, Francisc Csiki, encompasses every aspect of the odds.

Main Difference in House Edge

American vs European roulette house edge differs because the first one has the double zero slot, thus increasing the casino advantage. The two zero variants have a general casino benefit of 5.26%, meaning the RTP is 94.74%. By comparison, the single zero version has a minor house advantage of 2.63%, raising the Return to Player to 97.37%. The extra zero embedded on the American wheel is responsible for the variation in house edge between the two.

French alternative

One thing that must be specified is that the French variant has the lowest casino edge of any type. This variation, which uses the European roulette wheel, has a casino advantage of 1.35% because it has two different rules that benefit the player. Tips: Online casino bonuses are the best way to test out a game’s house edge without risking your funds when playing on NZ online casinos.

Difference in Wheel Numbers Order

Differences are presently going over to the exact number distribution across the wheel. The difference between the European Roulette and American variants does not impact the gameplay, although the number layout differs.

Wheel distribution

• European

0-32-15-19-4-21-2-25-17-34-6-27-13-36-11-30-8-23-10-5-24-16-33-1-20-14-31-9-22-18-29-7-28-12-35-3-26

• American

0-28-9-26-30-11-7-20-32-17-5-22-34-15-3-24-36-13-1-00-27-10-25-29-12-8-19-31-18-6-21-33-16-4-23-35-14-2

Optional “En Prison” Rules for European Versions

The “En Prison” option is one of the criteria, alongside “La Partage,” that transforms the European wheel into French roulette. Both rules apply to outside bets, meaning any wagering possibility inscribed on the betting table does not contain each number.

“En Prison”

“En Prison” means having a second try if the ball lands on zero. It’s a second spin that heightens the player’s chances. But players will lose the entire wagered sum if the ball does not land on the wagered combination. This rule always applies to French roulette, but sometimes it is also allowed in the European variant.

“La Partage”

The “La Partage” rule means that players receive half of the wagered sum back when the ball lands on zero. This is another interesting option that favours the player when playing at the best casinos.

Call Bets for European Versions

Call Bets involve placing a stake on any combination a player wants without actually betting money. The NZ online casino will cover the bet on credit for the player.

Number Five Ber for American Roulette

The American version has an attractive option called Five Bet. Wagering on this combination means placing a wager on the first five numbers in ascending order: 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. This wager has a pay-out of 6:1, with the odds being 13.16%

Discover The Popular Roulette Strategies for American vs European Roulette

So, if you play either American or European roulette, choosing the right betting strategy can significantly impact your overall success. Since both versions offer different odds and house edges, the type of strategy you can use will vary:

Fibonacci: Ideal for European Roulette

The Fibonacci Roulette System is a progressive wagering strategy that works best on games with a lower house edge, such as the European version of roulette. In simple terms, this system is based on the Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the previous two. So, after a loss, you will increase your bets following this sequence; the goal is to recover from your loss gradually. Why does Fibonacci work best in the European Version?

• The single zero in European Roulette offers better odds, reducing the risk of a long losing streak.
• The lower house edge of 2.63% increases the effectiveness of this conservative strategy.

Learn more about how to apply the Fibonacci Roulette System to improve your gameplay on European wheels.

Orphelins Bet: Best for French and European Roulette

The Oprhelins bet covers a specific group of numbers on the roulette wheel that aren’t part of Voisins or Tiers. This exotic bet is highly popular on European and French roulette tables because the layer of the wheel allows for more strategic coverage. Why Orphelins is Better For the European Version? 

• The absence of the double zero in European Roulette increases the chances of hitting numbers in the Orphelins section.
• French Roulette (a variant of European roulette) offers additional rules, like “La Partage,” which can help players minimize losses on these types of bets.

For a full breakdown on how to use the Orphelins Bet to your advantage, explore our detailed guide. Voisins Bet: A French Roulette Favorite The Voisins Bet is a well-known strategy in European and French roulette variants. It is specially designed for the wheel’s layout and covers many of the numbers surrounding 0. This bet is often combined with call bets in live games. Why Voisins Thrives in European Roulette:

• The Voisins bet has a higher success rate.
• This strategy allows players to control risk while leveraging better odds on European tables.

Interested in how the Voisins bet works in detail? Read more in our guide on the Voisins Roulette Bet.

Martingale Strategy: Higher Risk on American Roulette

You should already know that the Martingale System is one of the most popular betting strategies, but its success heavily depends on the roulette version you’re playing. The strategy is simple: you must double your bet after every loss. The main goal is to recover from the previous losses. Why Martingale Is Riskier in American Roulette:

• The higher house edge of 5.26% in American Roulette means losing streaks can be longer, making it harder to recover losses with Martingale.
• In contrast, the 2.63% house edge in European Roulette makes the Martingale system more viable for players looking to minimize risk.

If you want to try this strategy, master the Martingale Roulette System.

What’s your roulette version?

The American version is less reliable from a pay-out perspective since the house edge is double compared to the other version on NZ online casinos. However, the extra number that the double zero wheels have provides more betting opportunities and thus more diverse gameplay. In the end, it all comes down to your own preferences.

How to find out which one is right for you?

We suggest that our players try them for themselves before deciding which is better. Tips: If the single-zero game suits you, check out the best European roulette NZ casinos. Our recommendations are targeted for every type of player, so you’ll indeed find your match! If you’re unsure about gambling on a game you’re unfamiliar with, we advise claiming no deposit bonuses NZ. Wagering for free before committing to money betting is a great way to learn roulette rules. Recommendation: Let’s suppose you don’t know where to start. In that case, we recommend you use he Martingale roulette strategy, which is considered one of the most efficient strategies out there.

Tips on where to find the game in online casinos NZ

There are many websites where you can try this game of chance. The top online casinos in NZ have all relevant game types and variations. Recommendation: Some software developers featured on different platforms have a perk that makes them stand out:

1. NetEnt casinos are known for having high-quality games, especially for this category.
2. Evolution gaming platforms bring the complete live casino experience.
3. Playtech casinos have some of the best graphics and game features available in the industry.

Land-based casinos

Depending on what brick-and-mortar casino you choose to play, not all may have the game types you want. Smaller ones usually do not feature table games. Still, you can be sure that the top NZ land-based casinos will have all the game variety you want, including this emblematic game type.