Roulette is one of the most iconic and recognizable casino games in the world, but not all roulette wheels are created equal. Two versions dominate the global gambling scene: American Roulette and European Roulette. While both share the same thrilling gameplay of spinning a wheel and betting on outcomes, they differ in design, odds, and player experience. In the United States, where gambling culture is deeply tied to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, American Roulette has historically reigned supreme. However, with the rise of online casinos, U.S. players now have more access than ever to European Roulette as well. This raises the question: which version do American players actually prefer in 2025? To answer that, we need to dive into their history, mechanics, house edges, player psychology, and cultural influence.

Roulette originated in 18th-century France, inspired by Blaise Pascal’s experiments with perpetual motion. The early wheels had both single zero and double zero pockets, but European casinos eventually phased out the double zero, creating what is now known as European Roulette. When the game crossed the Atlantic in the 19th century, American casinos deliberately brought back the double zero, giving birth to American Roulette. The addition of the 00 increased the house edge, making the game more profitable for operators. This version became a fixture in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and other U.S. gambling hubs. For decades, American players grew accustomed to the double-zero wheel, cementing it as the “standard” roulette in the United States.

American Roulette wheels have 38 pockets: numbers 1–36, plus a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). This additional green pocket creates higher odds in favor of the casino. The layout of the betting table also reflects this difference, with special bets tied to the double zero. Gameplay is simple and identical in format to European Roulette: players place bets on single numbers, groups of numbers, or characteristics like red/black or odd/even, then the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball. The presence of the double zero, however, changes the probabilities and payouts, tilting them slightly more toward the house.

European Roulette uses a 37-pocket wheel: numbers 1–36 plus a single zero (0). Without the double zero, the odds improve significantly for players, resulting in a house edge of 2.7% compared to 5.26% in American Roulette. The table layout is slightly different as well, particularly with the “call bets” or “announced bets” that are more common in European play. These bets cover specific sections of the wheel, like Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins, adding a strategic layer often appreciated by experienced gamblers. European Roulette is widely regarded as the “fairer” version, which explains its popularity in Europe and in international online casinos.

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The key distinction between the two versions lies in mathematics. In American Roulette, the double zero increases the house edge to 5.26%. For every $100 wagered over time, players statistically lose $5.26. In European Roulette, the house edge drops to 2.7%, meaning players lose only $2.70 per $100 wagered. While this may seem like a small difference, it has a massive impact over long gaming sessions. For professional gamblers and strategy-focused players, the European wheel is the clear choice. Casual players in the U.S., however, often overlook this detail, focusing instead on the thrill and familiarity of the American version.

The dominance of American Roulette in U.S. casinos is not accidental. Casino operators prefer it because the higher house edge ensures greater profitability. Over decades, players have come to associate the double-zero wheel with the glamour of Las Vegas. In fact, for many tourists, playing American Roulette is part of the quintessential Vegas experience. Casino marketing, Hollywood films, and cultural imagery have reinforced this preference. For instance, when you picture a tuxedo-clad gambler dramatically pushing chips onto a number in a Vegas movie scene, chances are the wheel shown is American Roulette.

With the expansion of online gambling in the United States, European Roulette has made major inroads. Most online platforms offer both American and European versions, giving players the freedom to choose. Unsurprisingly, many U.S. players are now gravitating toward European Roulette after discovering its better odds. Live dealer games streamed from European studios often feature single-zero wheels, exposing American gamblers to a version that was once hard to find in physical U.S. casinos. This shift has created a fascinating divide: while traditional brick-and-mortar players still prefer American Roulette, online players increasingly lean toward the European variant.

American players’ preferences often come down to psychology. Many older players stick with American Roulette simply because it’s what they’ve always known. The visual layout, the double zero, and the cultural association with Vegas create a sense of nostalgia and authenticity. On the other hand, younger and more tech-savvy players, who tend to research odds and strategies online, are more likely to favor European Roulette. For them, the appeal lies in maximizing value and minimizing losses. This generational divide highlights how personal experience and knowledge shape preferences between the two versions.

Roulette is largely a game of chance, but players often bring strategies to the table, such as the Martingale, Fibonacci, or Labouchere systems. These strategies tend to perform better with lower house edges, making European Roulette the more logical choice. For example, doubling down after losses (the Martingale) is less punishing when the house edge is 2.7% rather than 5.26%. American Roulette, with its higher edge, makes these systems riskier in the long run. Players who value strategy and bankroll management tend to prefer European Roulette, while those focused on short-term thrills may stick with the American wheel.

Culture also plays a huge role in preference. American Roulette is tied to the image of Las Vegas, with its neon lights, casino floors, and Hollywood portrayals. European Roulette, meanwhile, is associated with Monte Carlo, sophistication, and high-class European casinos. American players often choose based on the atmosphere they want to emulate. Tourists in Las Vegas are likely to play American Roulette for the full experience, while online players who dream of European elegance may gravitate toward the single-zero version. This cultural distinction ensures that both versions will continue to coexist in the American gambling market.

Looking ahead, the U.S. market is unlikely to see one version completely replace the other. American Roulette will remain the dominant choice in physical casinos, where tradition and familiarity matter most. European Roulette, however, will continue to gain traction in the online sphere, where informed players seek better odds. Hybrid offerings may also emerge, with some U.S. casinos introducing European wheels to appeal to high rollers and international tourists. By 2030, we may see a more balanced presence of both versions, with players freely switching depending on context—Vegas trips for American Roulette, online play for European Roulette.

So, which version do U.S. players prefer? The answer is both. In physical casinos like Las Vegas and Atlantic City, American Roulette remains king, beloved for its cultural significance and longstanding dominance. Online, however, European Roulette is rapidly growing in popularity thanks to its lower house edge and wider availability. Ultimately, the choice comes down to what players value more: the nostalgic thrill of tradition or the mathematical advantage of better odds. One thing is certain—whether single zero or double zero, roulette will continue to spin its way into the hearts of U.S. players for generations to come.