Roulette Odds & House Edge
If you want better value in real money roulette, there is one simple habit that beats most 'strategies': check the number of zeros.
This page breaks down roulette odds in plain English. You will learn the house edge for European, French, American, and triple-zero roulette, what La Partage and En Prison actually do, and why your bet type changes volatility more than it changes the edge.
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Roulette House Edge Cheat Sheet (Best to Worst)
Here is the quick version. If you remember nothing else, remember this: single-zero tables usually beat double-zero tables, and any wheel with extra zeros is typically worse for players.
| Roulette type | Zero pockets | House edge | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| French roulette (La Partage / En Prison on even-money) | 0 | ~1.35% (even-money bets only) | Best value on red/black, odd/even, high/low |
| European roulette | 0 | 2.70% | Best all-round choice (easy to find) |
| American roulette | 0, 00 | 5.26% | Classic US format (worse maths) |
| Triple-zero roulette | 0, 00, 000 | Higher than 5.26% | Avoid when single-zero is available |
European vs American Roulette: Why One Extra Pocket Matters
European roulette uses 37 pockets (0-36). American roulette uses 38 pockets (0-36 plus 00). That extra pocket is the reason the house edge nearly doubles.
- European roulette: single zero, house edge 2.70%
- American roulette: 0 and 00, house edge 5.26%
If your goal is to get more spins and more entertainment from your bankroll, European roulette is usually the better pick. If you enjoy the classic US layout and do not mind paying a higher 'cost' per spin over time, American roulette is still fun - just understand the trade-off.
Want the bigger picture? See our roulette variants guide for modern twists like Lightning roulette and Double Ball roulette.
French Roulette: La Partage and En Prison (Explained Simply)
French roulette looks like European roulette (single zero), but some French tables offer special rules on even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low).
La Partage
If the ball lands on 0, you lose only half your even-money stake. This reduces the effective house edge on those even-money bets to about 1.35%.
En Prison
If 0 hits, your even-money stake is held ('imprisoned') for the next spin. If your bet wins on that next spin, you get your stake back. If it loses, you lose it. In practice, it improves the value of even-money bets compared to standard European roulette.
Triple-Zero Roulette (0, 00, 000): Why It's Usually Poor Value
Triple-zero roulette adds a third zero pocket. The wheel becomes less favourable because that extra pocket increases the casino's edge on every bet.
- European (single-zero) is typically the best value you will see widely.
- American (double-zero) is worse, but still common - especially for US-style lobbies.
- Triple-zero is generally worse than both, so it is usually the last choice if you care about odds.
Do Roulette Odds Change by Bet Type?
This confuses a lot of new players, so here is the clean version:
- House edge: On standard European and American roulette, the house edge is essentially the same across most common bets.
- Volatility: What changes is how often you win and how swingy your balance feels.
Outside bets (like red/black) win more often but pay less. Inside bets (like straight-up numbers) hit less often but pay more. Both can be fun - but they feel very different, especially if your bankroll is small.
For bankroll guidance, see our roulette bankroll tips.
Common Roulette Payouts (Quick Table)
Roulette payout names can sound complicated, but most online tables follow standard payouts:
| Bet type | What it covers | Typical payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight-up | 1 number | 35:1 |
| Split | 2 numbers | 17:1 |
| Street | 3 numbers | 11:1 |
| Corner | 4 numbers | 8:1 |
| Six-line | 6 numbers | 5:1 |
| Dozen / Column | 12 numbers | 2:1 |
| Even-money | Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low | 1:1 |
Note: Some modern variants (like multiplier tables) can adjust payouts or add side bets. Always check the game info panel before you play.
How to Pick the Best Roulette Table Online (5-Point Checklist)
- Look for fewer zeros: Single-zero is usually the best starting point.
- Check for French rules: La Partage / En Prison can improve even-money bets.
- Confirm limits: Make sure minimum and maximum bets fit your bankroll.
- Choose RNG vs live: RNG is faster - live dealer feels more realistic and social.
- Bonus terms matter: Some bonuses exclude roulette or reduce wagering contribution (especially live tables).
Roulette Odds & House Edge FAQ
What roulette table has the best odds?
French roulette with La Partage or En Prison has the best odds on even-money bets, with an effective house edge of about 1.35%. If you cannot find that, European roulette (single zero) is usually the next best option at 2.70%.
What is the house edge in European vs American roulette?
European roulette (single zero) has a house edge of 2.70%. American roulette (0 and 00) has a house edge of 5.26%, which is higher because of the extra 00 pocket.
Do roulette odds change depending on what bet I make?
On standard European and American roulette, the house edge is essentially the same across most common bets. What changes is volatility: outside bets win more often but pay less, while inside bets hit less often but pay more.
Is triple-zero roulette worse than American roulette?
Yes. Triple-zero roulette adds an extra zero pocket (0, 00, 000), which increases the house edge above American roulette. If you have a choice, single-zero European or French roulette is usually better value.
What do La Partage and En Prison mean in roulette?
They are French roulette rules that improve even-money bets when 0 hits. With La Partage, you get back half your even-money stake if the ball lands on zero. With En Prison, your even-money stake is held for the next spin and returned if your bet wins on that next spin.