The playing tables are subtly different too, with the outside bets on an American or European Roulette table all down one side, while the outside bets are split either side on the French Roulette table.Įven the numbers on the wheel can be different, with American numbers usually facing out and European or French numbers facing in. What’s more, the unique rules of the French game can cut that edge in half again, reducing their take to just 1.35% on even money bets. The biggest difference between the American and either the European or the French Roulette game is the number of zeros on the wheel.Īn American Roulette wheel has both zero and double zero, setting the house edge at 5.26%, whereas a European or French Roulette wheel has just one, cutting the house edge in half to just 2.7%. Differences between French and American Roulette So, whenever you have the option, the French Roulette wheel should always be your first choice. This means that the French Roulette table looks different, has more betting opportunities and delivers a better return to the player. In the mid-19th century, the game was taken across the water to America where they made changes to the wheel to increase the house edge, as well as changes to the playing table and the rules.
Online French Roulette uses the original version of the game, which legend has it, is based on failed experiments to create a perpetual motion machine by scientist Blaise Pascal in the 18th century.