VegasNow European vs American Roulette
VegasNow European vs American Roulette
Choosing the right roulette wheel is a fundamental decision that directly impacts your odds and playing strategy. While the core game remains the same, the subtle differences between European and American Roulette are significant. This guide breaks down the key distinctions, from house edge to wheel layout, to help you make an informed choice at VegasNow casino and maximize your gameplay.
Understanding the Core Difference: The Single Zero
The most critical difference lies in the wheel itself. European Roulette features a wheel with 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero (0). American Roulette, however, has 38 pockets. It includes numbers 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and an additional double zero (00). This extra pocket is the primary reason the house edge is higher in the American version. For a straight-up bet (betting on a single number), the European wheel offers a house edge of 2.70%, while the American wheel’s edge jumps to 5.26%.
Comparing the House Edge and RTP
The Return to Player (RTP) percentage is inversely related to the house edge. A lower house edge means a higher RTP for the player. European Roulette boasts a respectable RTP of 97.30%, meaning for every $100 wagered, a player can theoretically expect $97.30 back over time. American Roulette’s RTP is lower, at 94.74%, due to the double zero. This makes the European variant the statistically smarter choice for players focused on longevity and better odds. The following table illustrates the impact on common bet types:
| Bet Type | European Roulette Payout | European Roulette House Edge | American Roulette Payout | American Roulette House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up (Single Number) | 35 to 1 | 2.70% | 35 to 1 | 5.26% |
| Split (Two Numbers) | 17 to 1 | 2.70% | 17 to 1 | 5.26% |
| Red/Black (Even Money) | 1 to 1 | 2.70% | 1 to 1 | 5.26% |
Wheel Layout and Number Sequencing
Beyond the zero, the physical arrangement of numbers on the wheel differs. Both wheels are designed to alternate high/low, red/black, and even/odd numbers as evenly as possible. However, the number sequences are entirely different. The European wheel’s sequence is: 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. The American wheel sequence is more fractured due to the added double zero.
Using the « En Prison » or « La Partage » Rule
Some European Roulette games offer a beneficial rule for players on even-money bets (like red/black or odd/even). If the ball lands on zero, the « La Partage » rule allows the player to recover half of their bet. The « En Prison » rule instead imprisons the bet for the next spin; if the bet wins on the next spin, the original stake is returned without profit. These rules effectively cut the house edge on even-money bets in half, to approximately 1.35%. This rule is almost never available in American Roulette, further widening the gap in player favorability.
Choosing the Right Game at VegasNow
When you log in to your casino account, you will typically find both variants in the table games lobby. Here is a simple checklist to decide which game to play:
- For Better Odds: Always choose European Roulette for its lower house edge.
- Check for Special Rules: Look for European tables that advertise « La Partage » or « En Prison » for the best odds on outside bets.
- Game Speed: American games can sometimes feel faster due to the « Five-Number Bet » which covers 0, 00, 1, 2, 3, but this is a sucker bet with a high house edge.
- Bonuses: Remember that any VegasNow bonus or VegasNow free spins offered will have wagering requirements. Using a bonus on a game with a lower house edge helps you meet those requirements more efficiently.
Before you deposit, always check the promotions page for a potential VegasNow promo code to boost your bankroll. While a VegasNow no deposit offer is rare for table games, it’s worth verifying. Ultimately, for a serious player, European Roulette is the unequivocal choice due to its superior mathematics. You can explore both variants and find the one that suits your style at VegasNow.
Maximizing Your Play with Strategy
While no strategy can overcome the house edge in the long run, certain systems work better on the European wheel. Strategies like the Martingale (doubling your bet after a loss) are less punishing on a wheel with a lower house edge, as you are statistically less likely to encounter long losing streaks. However, always set strict loss limits and remember that the house edge always remains. Choosing European Roulette at vegasnow is the first and most important strategic decision you can make.
