Roulette is simple: choose a number, wait for the spin, and see where the ball lands. But while the surface is all smooth spins and lucky streaks, there’s something clever happening underneath—something known as the house edge.
Whether you’re a casual player or someone who’s spun more wheels than you can count, understanding the roulette house edge helps you get more out of every round. It’s not about gaming the system. It’s about knowing what’s behind the design—and why some wheels offer more chances to keep playing than others.
What Is the House Edge in Roulette?
The house edge is the game’s built-in advantage. It’s the reason most games can keep going without needing endless coin top-ups from every player. In roulette, it shows up through one simple element: the green zero.
Or in some cases, two green slots—a zero (0) and a double zero (00). These slots don’t fall under the usual red/black or odd/even selections, which means when the ball lands there, players generally don’t win. That gives the game its edge.
Think of it as the design feature that makes roulette a challenge, not a guarantee.
American vs. European Roulette House Edge
Here’s where it gets more interesting: the version of roulette you’re playing changes the edge completely.
American Roulette
- 38 slots in total: 1–36, 0, and 00
- House edge: 5.26%
European Roulette
- 37 slots in total: 1–36 and 0
- House edge: 2.70%
That one extra green pocket on the American wheel may seem minor, but it almost doubles the game’s edge. And that means fewer frequent wins over time compared to European roulette.
What About Double Zero Roulette?
The double zero roulette house edge refers to the same concept—it’s just another name for American roulette. The 00 slot increases the number of outcomes without increasing your potential win amount. That’s what makes the house edge higher than in European versions.
If you’ve been wondering why some sessions feel shorter or harder to win, the double zero might be the quiet culprit.
A Quick Look at the Math
Let’s say you’re selecting a single number to land. In American roulette, there are 38 total options. If you’re right, your reward might be set to a certain number of game coins, but your chances remain 1 in 38.
Now compare that to European roulette, which only has 37 options. That alone makes a noticeable difference.
While the game doesn’t expect you to do math on the fly, knowing how the edge works gives you insight into what to expect—and how long your session might last.
What Affects the House Edge in Roulette?
While the house edge is set by the wheel type, your game selections and the rules of the table can influence your experience.
- Wider selections, such as choosing a number range (e.g. red/black), tend to bring more consistent smaller wins.
- Narrower picks, like a specific number, land less often but offer higher virtual coin returns.
Some tables introduce extra features that work in your favor. These include:
- La Partage: If the ball hits zero and you’ve selected a broad outcome like red or even, you get half your original selection refunded.
- En Prison: The game holds your previous selection for one more spin after a zero lands. If it hits the second time, your stake is returned.
Both options drop the house edge on broad selections to around 1.35%—a significant difference if you’re playing to stretch your session.
How to Make Smarter Selections in Roulette
Here are a few smart ways to enjoy roulette while keeping the house edge in mind:
- Choose European-style wheels for a friendlier edge and longer sessions.
- Start with broader selections like red/black or odd/even for more regular wins.
- Look for tables with La Partage or En Prison rules to soften the impact of those zero hits.
- Mix up your style. Switch between fast auto roulette and immersive live roulette formats to explore what you enjoy most.
- Don’t chase outcomes. Roulette is unpredictable by nature—knowing the edge just helps you play with a clearer strategy.
Final Thoughts on the Roulette House Edge
Roulette is about more than picking the right number—it’s about understanding the wheel itself. The roulette house edge is what keeps the game balanced, exciting, and just a little bit challenging.
By choosing the right version of the game, knowing what the green pockets mean for your results, and picking wisely based on how much you want to win or how long you want to play, you’re not just spinning—you’re playing smarter.
And that’s the real edge.
Ready to spin? Play live roulette at McLuck!
Related Roulette Articles:
