European vs American vs French Roulette
Not all roulette wheels are the same. The three main variants — European, American, and French — differ in ways that significantly affect your odds. Choosing the right type is the most important decision you will make before placing a single bet.
European Roulette
European roulette features a wheel with 37 pockets: numbers 1 through 36 plus a single green zero (0). The house edge is 2.70%, derived from the single zero pocket. This is the standard roulette game offered at most Australian online casinos and is the version you should default to.
The single-zero wheel means that for every $100 you wager on even-money bets over time, you can expect to lose approximately $2.70. This is a fair deal by casino game standards and makes European roulette one of the lower house-edge games available, significantly better than most pokies.
American Roulette
American roulette adds an extra pocket: the double zero (00). This gives the wheel 38 pockets instead of 37, but the payouts remain the same as European roulette. The result is a nearly doubled house edge of 5.26%. For every $100 wagered, you can expect to lose about $5.26 — almost twice as much as European roulette.
Our advice: never play American roulette if European is available. The games look identical, the payouts are identical, but American roulette costs you almost double. There is simply no upside to choosing the American version. Some casinos prominently feature American roulette because it is more profitable for them — do not fall for it.
French Roulette
French roulette uses the same single-zero wheel as European roulette but adds two special rules that benefit the player:
- La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, you receive half your even-money bet back. This reduces the house edge on even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) to just 1.35%.
- En Prison: Instead of receiving half your bet back, your even-money bet is placed "in prison" for the next spin. If you win the next spin, you get your full bet back (but no winnings). If you lose, the bet is forfeited. This also gives an effective house edge of 1.35%.
French roulette with La Partage or En Prison is the best-value roulette game you can play. At a 1.35% house edge on even-money bets, it is competitive with blackjack played with basic strategy. Unfortunately, not all casinos offer French roulette, but when you find it, it should be your first choice.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | European | American | French |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pockets | 37 (0-36) | 38 (0, 00, 1-36) | 37 (0-36) |
| House Edge | 2.70% | 5.26% | 1.35%* |
| Special Rules | None | None | La Partage / En Prison |
| Our Verdict | Good choice | Avoid | Best choice |
*1.35% house edge applies to even-money bets with La Partage/En Prison. Other bets retain the standard 2.70% house edge.
All Roulette Bet Types Explained
Roulette offers a wide range of betting options, broadly divided into inside bets and outside bets. Understanding every bet type is essential before you sit down at the table.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of adjacent numbers on the inner grid of the table layout. They offer higher payouts but lower probability of winning.
- Straight Up: A bet on a single number. Place your chip directly on the number. Pays 35:1.
- Split: A bet on two adjacent numbers. Place your chip on the line between them. Pays 17:1.
- Street: A bet on three numbers in a horizontal row (e.g., 1-2-3). Place your chip on the outer edge of the row. Pays 11:1.
- Corner (Square): A bet on four numbers that share a corner (e.g., 1-2-4-5). Place your chip at the intersection. Pays 8:1.
- Six Line (Double Street): A bet on two adjacent rows of three numbers (six total, e.g., 1-2-3-4-5-6). Pays 5:1.
- Trio: A bet on three numbers including at least one zero (0-1-2 or 0-2-3). Pays 11:1.
- Basket/First Four: A bet on 0-1-2-3 in European roulette. Pays 8:1. (In American roulette, the "basket" bet covers 0-00-1-2-3 and pays 6:1 with a terrible house edge of 7.89% — the worst bet on any roulette table.)
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and are placed on the sections around the outside of the number grid. They win more frequently but pay less.
- Red/Black: Bet on the colour of the winning number. Pays 1:1 (even money). Covers 18 numbers.
- Odd/Even: Bet on whether the winning number is odd or even. Pays 1:1. Covers 18 numbers.
- High/Low (1-18 or 19-36): Bet on whether the winning number falls in the low or high half. Pays 1:1. Covers 18 numbers.
- Dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36): Bet on which group of 12 the number falls in. Pays 2:1.
- Columns: Bet on one of three vertical columns of 12 numbers. Pays 2:1.
Note: the zero (and double-zero in American roulette) is not covered by any outside bet. When the ball lands on zero, all outside bets lose (unless La Partage or En Prison applies). This is how the casino generates its edge.
Complete Odds and Payouts Table
Here is every roulette bet with its payout, probability of winning, and house edge for both European and American wheels.
| Bet Type | Payout | European Odds | American Odds | Numbers Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 35:1 | 2.70% | 2.63% | 1 |
| Split | 17:1 | 5.41% | 5.26% | 2 |
| Street | 11:1 | 8.11% | 7.89% | 3 |
| Corner | 8:1 | 10.81% | 10.53% | 4 |
| Six Line | 5:1 | 16.22% | 15.79% | 6 |
| Dozens | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% | 12 |
| Columns | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% | 12 |
| Red/Black | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% | 18 |
| Odd/Even | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% | 18 |
| High/Low | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% | 18 |
A critical insight: the house edge on European roulette is 2.70% for every bet type. Whether you bet on a single number or red/black, the mathematical edge is identical. The difference is in the risk profile — inside bets are more volatile (bigger wins, less often), while outside bets are more stable (smaller wins, more frequently). Choose based on your preference and bankroll, not on a belief that some bets have better odds than others.
House Edge Comparison: Why It Matters
The house edge is the mathematical advantage the casino has on every bet. In roulette, it is determined entirely by the number of zero pockets and any special rules. Understanding the house edge helps you make informed decisions about which version to play and how much you can expect to lose over time.
European Roulette: 2.70% house edge. For every $1,000 wagered, you expect to lose $27 on average.
American Roulette: 5.26% house edge. For every $1,000 wagered, you expect to lose $52.60 — nearly double.
French Roulette (even-money bets): 1.35% house edge. For every $1,000 wagered, you expect to lose just $13.50.
To put this in perspective: if you play 100 spins at $10 per spin ($1,000 total wagered), the expected loss on European roulette is $27, on American it is $52.60, and on French (even-money bets) it is just $13.50. Over a year of regular play, these differences compound into hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Always choose the lowest house edge version available.
For comparison, the house edge on blackjack with basic strategy is around 0.5%, and most online pokies have a house edge between 3% and 7%. French roulette at 1.35% sits between the two, making it one of the better-value options in any online casino.
Popular Roulette Betting Strategies (Honest Assessment)
Roulette strategies have been around for centuries. Players love them because they provide structure and a sense of control. However, we need to be upfront: no betting strategy can overcome the house edge. The maths is absolute. These systems manage your bankroll in different ways, but they do not change the odds. Here is an honest assessment of the most popular approaches.
The Martingale System
How it works: Double your bet after every loss. When you eventually win, you recover all previous losses plus a profit equal to your original bet. Reset to the original bet after a win.
Example: Bet $5 on red. Lose. Bet $10. Lose. Bet $20. Lose. Bet $40. Win. Net result: -$5 -$10 -$20 +$40 = +$5 profit.
The reality: Martingale produces many small wins and the occasional devastating loss. A run of 7 consecutive losses (which happens roughly once every 100 sequences on even-money bets) requires a $640 bet to recover just $5 in profit. Table limits will stop you from doubling indefinitely, and a bad streak can wipe out hundreds of previous small wins in a single sequence. It is exciting short-term but mathematically neutral at best and practically dangerous.
The Fibonacci System
How it works: Follow the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21...) for your bet sizes. After a loss, move one step forward. After a win, move two steps back.
The reality: Fibonacci is less aggressive than Martingale — bets escalate more slowly. However, it still requires increasing bets after losses and can produce large cumulative bets after extended losing streaks. It is a slightly safer negative progression system but does not change the house edge.
The D'Alembert System
How it works: Increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease by one unit after a win. More conservative than Martingale.
Example: Start at $5. Lose: bet $6. Lose: bet $7. Win: bet $6. Win: bet $5.
The reality: D'Alembert is the gentlest of the negative progression systems. Bets increase slowly, and the risk of hitting table limits is much lower. However, recovery from losing streaks is also much slower, and a significant imbalance between wins and losses can still result in substantial cumulative losses. Of the three negative progression systems, D'Alembert is the most sensible for recreational play.
The James Bond Strategy
How it works: Spread $200 across three bets: $140 on 19-36 (high), $50 on the six line 13-18, and $10 on zero. This covers 25 of 37 numbers on a European wheel.
The reality: This is not really a "system" but rather a fixed bet pattern that covers about 68% of possible outcomes. When it hits, you win. When it misses (numbers 1-12, probability 32.4%), you lose $200. The house edge remains 2.70% regardless. It is fun to try occasionally but offers no mathematical advantage.
Our Honest Recommendation
If you want to use a system for structure and entertainment, the D'Alembert system is the most sensible option for recreational players. It keeps bet sizes manageable and reduces the risk of catastrophic losses. But understand that no system changes the fundamental maths. The most effective "strategy" in roulette is choosing French or European roulette, setting a strict budget, and walking away when you hit your limit.
Live Roulette Options for Australian Players
Live dealer roulette is one of the fastest-growing segments of online gambling, and for good reason. It combines the convenience of playing from home with the authenticity of a real wheel, real ball, and real dealer. For Australian players, live casino games are available 24/7 at most offshore casinos.
Evolution Gaming Roulette
Evolution is the undisputed market leader in live casino. Their roulette offerings include:
- European Roulette: Classic single-zero roulette with professional dealers and multiple camera angles.
- Immersive Roulette: Multi-camera, slow-motion replays of the ball landing. A cinematic experience.
- Lightning Roulette: Adds random multipliers of 50x-500x to straight-up bets each round. Hugely popular, though note that straight-up payouts are reduced to 29:1 (from 35:1) to compensate for the multiplier feature, increasing the house edge to around 2.78%.
- Auto Roulette: Automated wheel with no dealer, very fast spin speed. Ideal for players who want rapid-fire action.
- French Roulette Gold: Live French roulette with the La Partage rule. The best-value live roulette option available.
Pragmatic Play Live Roulette
Pragmatic Play's live roulette offerings are growing rapidly. Their Mega Roulette adds random multipliers similar to Lightning Roulette. Standard European and Speed Roulette options are also available, with competitive streaming quality.
Which Live Roulette Should You Play?
For the best odds, choose French Roulette with La Partage (1.35% house edge on even-money bets). For entertainment value, Lightning Roulette is hard to beat — the multipliers add genuine excitement, though the house edge is slightly higher. Immersive Roulette is the best premium experience. Avoid any live roulette table that uses an American (double-zero) wheel.
Top Tips for Australian Roulette Players
1. Always Choose European or French Over American
This is the single most impactful decision you can make. The difference between 2.70% and 5.26% house edge is enormous over time. French roulette with La Partage at 1.35% is even better.
2. Set a Strict Budget and Stick to It
Decide how much you are willing to lose before you start. When that amount is gone, stop. Roulette can be fast-paced, especially with auto-play and rapid spin features, so it is easy to burn through a bankroll quickly if you are not disciplined.
3. Understand That Every Spin Is Independent
The roulette wheel has no memory. If red has come up 10 times in a row, the next spin still has a 48.65% chance of being red (on a European wheel). Do not fall for the "gambler's fallacy" that past results predict future outcomes.
4. Combine Inside and Outside Bets
A popular approach is to place a larger outside bet (for steady returns) with a smaller inside bet (for excitement). For example, $10 on red plus $2 on a favourite number. This gives you frequent small wins from the outside bet while maintaining a shot at a 35:1 payout.
5. Take Advantage of Casino Bonuses Wisely
Some casino bonuses can be used on roulette, though many have reduced game contribution (often 10-20% for table games versus 100% for pokies). Check the terms before attempting to clear a bonus on roulette — the wagering requirements may be impractical.
6. Know When to Walk Away
Set both a loss limit and a win target. If you start with $200 and your target is $100 profit, cash out when you reach $300. The temptation to keep playing when winning is powerful, but the house edge ensures that the longer you play, the more likely you are to give back your winnings.
For more tips on staying safe and in control, visit our responsible gambling resource page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of roulette to play online?
French roulette with the La Partage rule is the best, offering a house edge of just 1.35% on even-money bets. If French roulette is not available, always choose European roulette (2.70% house edge) over American roulette (5.26% house edge). The double-zero on American roulette nearly doubles the casino's advantage.
Does the Martingale strategy work in roulette?
No betting strategy overcomes the house edge in the long run. Martingale (doubling after each loss) can produce short-term wins, but a losing streak will eventually exceed the table maximum or your bankroll. It trades many small wins for occasional catastrophic losses. The D'Alembert system is a more conservative alternative, but no system changes the fundamental maths.
What are the odds of hitting a specific number in roulette?
On European roulette: 1 in 37, or approximately 2.70%. On American roulette: 1 in 38, or approximately 2.63%. A straight-up bet pays 35:1 in both versions. While the payout is the same, European roulette gives slightly better odds due to one fewer pocket.
Is online roulette rigged?
Not at reputable, licensed casinos. RNG roulette uses certified random number generators audited by independent labs. Live dealer roulette uses physical wheels filmed in real-time. The house edge is built into the game mathematically through the zero pocket(s), so casinos profit reliably without needing to rig anything.
What is the difference between inside and outside bets?
Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups (higher payout, lower probability). Outside bets cover larger groups like red/black or dozens (lower payout, higher probability). The house edge is identical for both on a European wheel — the difference is in risk profile and volatility, not in mathematical advantage.
Can I play live roulette from Australia?
Yes. Many offshore casinos offer live dealer roulette from providers like Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play. Games stream in real-time 24/7, featuring real wheels and real dealers. Popular variants include standard European Roulette, Immersive Roulette, Lightning Roulette, and Auto Roulette.
What is the La Partage rule in French roulette?
La Partage returns half your even-money bet when the ball lands on zero, reducing the house edge from 2.70% to 1.35%. The similar En Prison rule keeps your bet "imprisoned" for the next spin instead. Both rules make French roulette the best-value roulette game available.
How much bankroll do I need for online roulette?
For outside bets, 30-50 times your bet size is reasonable. For $5 bets, that is $150-$250. For inside bets with higher variance, aim for at least 100 times your bet. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose entirely, and set a strict loss limit before each session.