What Is European Roulette?

Table of Contents

The first time I stumbled across a European Roulette table online, I was fascinated. The spinning wheel, the little white ball, the chips spread out across the table, it felt like stepping into a world of glamour and possibility.

I was curious: how could such a simple game capture the attention of millions around the world, from casino floors to mobile screens? As I dug deeper, I discovered that European Roulette isn’t just a game of luck. It’s a blend of history, mathematics, strategy, and excitement, all wrapped into one.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about European Roulette, from the basic rules to advanced strategies, from the differences with American Roulette to where you can play in the UK today.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to sharpen your skills, this guide is here to help.

European Roulette is one of the oldest and most beloved casino games in the world. Its charm lies in its simplicity and the thrill of chance. Played on a wheel with 37 numbered pockets, 0 to 36, European Roulette offers players the chance to place a variety of bets on where the ball will land.

What sets it apart from its American cousin is the single zero (0) pocket. This might seem like a small difference, but it significantly lowers the house edge, making European Roulette more favourable to players.

While American Roulette has a house edge of about 5.26%, European Roulette sits at a much gentler 2.7%. That small green zero makes a big difference.

But it’s not just about the odds. European Roulette has become hugely popular online, with beautifully designed virtual tables games, live dealer games, and mobile-friendly versions that let you play anytime, anywhere.

Whether at a luxury casino or on your smartphone, European Roulette continues to attract both beginners and seasoned gamblers thanks to its elegant design, straightforward rules, and the timeless appeal of watching that little ball spin.

What Are the European Roulette Rules?

Understanding the rules of European Roulette is essential before you place your first bet. Thankfully, they’re straightforward.

European Roulette uses a wheel with 37 pockets: numbers 1 through 36 (half red, half black) and a single green zero. The game starts when players place their bets using chips, choosing from several options.

How a Round Works?

Players place bets on the table layout, which includes numbers, colours, and other groupings.
The croupier (or automated dealer online) spins the wheel in one direction and rolls the ball in the opposite.
The ball eventually lands in a pocket, determining the winning number and colour.
Bets are settled, winnings are paid, and a new round begins.

Main Bet Types

European Roulette offers a range of bets, divided into two broad categories:

Inside Bets

Straight up (single number)
Split (two numbers)
Street (three numbers)
Corner (four numbers)
Line bet (six numbers)

Outside Bets

Red/Black
Odd/Even
1-18 / 19-36 (Low/High)
Dozens (1st12, 2nd12, 3rd12)
Columns

These bets are easy to learn but offer a deep variety. Special bets like racetrack bets (Voisins, Tiers, Orphelins) and neighbour bets add even more depth for advanced players.

How to Play European Roulette? – Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re new to European Roulette, this step-by-step guide will walk you through your first game.

Step 1: Place Your Bets

Decide what kind of bet you want to make.

Want a big payout? Try a straight-up bet on a single number.
Prefer a safer bet? Go for red/black or odd/even.
Fancy exploring? Try special racetrack or neighbour bets.

Step 2: Start the Spin

Once all bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel and rolls the ball in the opposite direction.

Step 3: Watch and Wait

The ball bounces and spins, eventually settling in one of the 37 pockets.

Step 4: Check the Outcome

The winning number and colour are announced. If you guessed correctly, you win according to the payout table.

Step 5: Repeat

Adjust your bets, apply a new strategy, or simply enjoy the ride.

Pro Tip: Many online platforms also offer autoplay features, letting you play multiple rounds automatically, and hot/cold number tracking so you can see which numbers have been hitting most often.

What Are the Types of European Roulette Bets?

European Roulette offers a rich variety of betting options. Let’s break them down.

Inside Bets Explained

Straight Up: Bet on a single number (pays 35:1)
Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers (17:1)
Street: Bet on a row of three numbers (11:1)
Corner: Bet on a square of four numbers (8:1)
Line Bet: Bet on two rows, covering six numbers (5:1)
Trio: Bet on combinations like 0,1,2 or 0,2,3
Top Line: Bet on 0,1,2,3

Outside Bets Overview

Red or Black
Odd or Even
Low (1-18) or High (19-36)
Dozens: 1st12, 2nd12, 3rd12
Columns: Select 12 numbers in a column

Racetrack and Special Bets

Racetrack bets, found on many online platforms, allow quick placement of complex combinations:

Bet Name	Chips Used	Numbers Covered
Voisins du Zero	9	0/2/3, 25/26/28/29, etc.
Tiers du Cylindre	6	5/8, 10/11, 13/16, 23/24, etc.
Orphelins a Cheval	5	1, 6/9, 14/17, 17/20, 31/34
Jeu Zero	4	0/3, 12/15, 26, 32/35

Neighbour bets let you cover a number plus its adjacent numbers on the wheel.

What’s the House Edge in European Roulette?

Understanding house edge is critical. The house edge is the built-in advantage the casino has on each bet.

In European Roulette:

There’s only one green zero.
Odds for straight bets are 1 in 37.
The house edge is 2.7%.

Compare that to American Roulette, which has:

Two green pockets (0 and 00).
Odds for straight bets are 1 in 38.
A house edge of 5.26%.

Here’s a quick comparison table:

Roulette Type	Payout (Straight Up)	Odds of Winning	House Edge
European	35:1	1/37	2.7%
American	35:1	1/38	5.26%

That single zero pocket gives players better odds and is a key reason why European Roulette is recommended over its American counterpart.

What Is the Difference Between European and American Roulette?

At first glance, both games look alike, but small differences have a big impact.

Wheel Layout

European Roulette: 37 pockets, numbers 0-36.
American Roulette: 38 pockets, numbers 0-36 plus 00.

House Edge

European: 2.7%
American: 5.26%

Gameplay Experience

European Roulette offers better odds and a slightly slower pace, ideal for strategy.
American Roulette is popular in US casinos but is less favourable mathematically.

If you want the best bang for your buck, European Roulette is the clear winner.

How to Win at European Roulette? – Best Strategies Explained

While no strategy can guarantee wins, smart play can stretch your bankroll and make the game more fun.

Bankroll Management

Set a budget before you play.
Stick to lower-risk bets if you want longer sessions.

Betting Strategies

Martingale: Double your bet after each loss.
Fibonacci: Bet amounts follow the Fibonacci sequence.
James Bond: Spread bets across high numbers, six-line, and zero.

Advanced Tips

Use neighbour and racetrack bets to cover key sections.
Track hot and cold numbers if playing online.

Where to Play European Roulette Online in the UK?

In 2025, UK players have no shortage of places to enjoy European Roulette.

Top Options

Betfair Casino: Great live dealer games.
Paddy Power: Smooth mobile experience.
888casino: Variety of roulette versions.
Realistic Games: Authentic graphics and gameplay.
Roulette Simulator: Free demos for practice.

Always choose licensed, reputable casinos to ensure fair play and secure transactions.

What Are the Payouts for European Roulette Bets?

Understanding payouts helps you make informed bets.

Bet Type	Payout
Straight Up	35:1
Split	17:1
Trio / Street	11:1
Corner	8:1
Line	5:1
Dozen/Column	2:1
Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low	1:1

Inside bets offer bigger rewards, but outside bets provide more frequent wins.

What Are the Best Tips for European Roulette Beginners?

If you’re new, here are some helpful tips.

Start Simple

Focus on outside bets like red/black or odd/even.
Avoid chasing losses.

Practice First

Use free demo versions to get comfortable.

Know When to Stop

Set limits on time and money.
Enjoy the experience without pressure.

Related Games You Should Try Besides European Roulette

While European Roulette is a classic and a favourite for many players, the world of online and land-based casinos offers a range of exciting roulette variants you might enjoy exploring.

Each version brings its own rules, layouts, features, and strategies, adding variety and keeping the gaming experience fresh.

French Roulette

French Roulette is often considered the cousin of European Roulette. It uses the same wheel with 37 pockets (0–36) but introduces special rules like La Partage and En Prison, which apply when the ball lands on zero.

These rules can reduce the house edge even further, making French Roulette one of the most player-friendly versions available.

For instance, with La Partage, if you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, you only lose half your bet instead of all of it. This small change improves long-term odds for players.

American Roulette

American Roulette looks almost identical to European Roulette at first glance, but there’s a critical difference: it has an extra green pocket, the double zero (00), bringing the total to 38 pockets.

This extra slot increases the house edge from 2.7% in European Roulette to 5.26% in American Roulette. While the payouts remain the same, your odds slightly worsen, making it generally less favourable for players who focus on optimising their chances.

3D Roulette

3D Roulette is an online version designed with cutting-edge graphics and animations that mimic the feel of a real casino.

It’s essentially European Roulette but presented with immersive visuals, smooth animations, and often the ability to adjust camera angles.

For players who enjoy a more engaging online experience, 3D Roulette offers the thrill of realism combined with the convenience of virtual play.

Multi-Wheel Roulette

Multi-Wheel Roulette is an exciting variation where you can place bets on up to eight wheels spinning simultaneously. Your wager is applied to all active wheels, and you get multiple outcomes from a single spin.

This can multiply your winnings or, of course, your losses. It’s a thrilling option for players looking for faster-paced action and higher volatility.

Live Dealer Roulette

Live dealer roulette games bring the authentic casino atmosphere straight to your screen. You can join real-time tables with professional croupiers, streamed live from casino studios.

Many online casinos in the UK offer European Roulette as a live dealer option, combining the best of online convenience and the social interaction of a physical casino.

Low Stakes Roulette

Low Stakes Roulette is designed for beginners or casual players who want to enjoy the game without risking large sums.

You’ll find lower minimum bets, often starting from just a few pence or cents. This version lets you practice strategies and enjoy extended gameplay without a big financial commitment.

Quick Comparison of Popular Roulette Variants

Roulette Variant	Wheel Type	House Edge	Key Features
European Roulette	Single Zero (37 pockets)	2.7%	Classic game, best odds, wide availability
French Roulette	Single Zero (37 pockets)	1.35% (with La Partage)	Same as European but with extra player-friendly rules
American Roulette	Double Zero (38 pockets)	5.26%	Extra 00 pocket, higher house edge
3D Roulette	Single Zero	2.7%	Immersive graphics, enhanced online experience
Multi-Wheel Roulette	Single Zero x 8	2.7% per wheel	Play multiple wheels simultaneously
Low Stakes Roulette	Single Zero	2.7%	Lower minimum bets, beginner-friendly

Conclusion

European Roulette offers players a fantastic blend of simplicity, excitement, and better odds. With its single zero, rich variety of bets, and elegant design, it’s no surprise that it’s the top choice in both land-based and online casinos.

Whether you’re a cautious player or a thrill-seeker, European Roulette has something to offer. By understanding the rules, learning smart strategies, and choosing the right online platforms, you can make the most of your roulette experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes European Roulette better than American Roulette?

European Roulette has a lower house edge of 2.7% compared to American Roulette’s 5.26%, making it more favourable for players.

Can I play European Roulette online for free?

Yes, many platforms offer free demos so you can practice before betting real money.

What are neighbour bets in European Roulette?

Neighbour bets cover a selected number plus the numbers directly next to it on the wheel, usually up to five numbers total.

Is there a best strategy to win at European Roulette?

There’s no guaranteed strategy, but bankroll management and structured betting systems like Martingale or Fibonacci can help manage risks.

What’s the minimum bet at online European Roulette tables?

Minimum bets vary but usually start around £0.10 to £1 depending on the casino.

Can I play European Roulette on my mobile phone?

Yes, most UK online casinos offer mobile-optimised European Roulette games for iOS and Android devices.

How do hot and cold numbers work?

Hot numbers have appeared most frequently in recent spins, while cold numbers have appeared least; some players use this info to guide bets.

Disclaimer:

This information is shared for educational purposes only. We do not endorse gambling. Please make informed choices and gamble responsibly if you choose to participate.