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What You Need to Know About Playing European Roulette: Rules, Strategy, and More

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European roulette is one of the most popular casino games worldwide. It is known for its simplicity and relatively favorable odds compared to American roulette.

In addition to being available at brick-and-mortar casinos, European roulette games are found at many of the best online casinos, including Lucky Red Casino, Wild Casino, and DuckyLuck Casino. Some of the best roulette sites even have live dealer games, which give players the opportunity to interact with real people without having to leave their home.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about European roulette. Learn about the rules and layout to strategies, payouts, tips, how to play online, and more here. Whether you are an experienced roulette enthusiast or you are new to roulette, this guide can be impactful for you.

Rules and Layout of European Roulette

The European Roulette Wheel and Table

European roulette features a wheel with 37 numbered pockets: the numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero (0). The numbers alternate between red and black, with the single zero displayed in green.

This single-zero design is the key distinction between the two most-well known types of roulette.

American roulette includes an additional double zero (00). This raises the house edge in American roulette to 5.26%. Without the double zero involved, the house edge in European roulette drops to 2.7%.

Neither American roulette nor European roulette have as low of a house edge as baccarat or blackjack, so if you are choosing between these popular casino table games, you may opt for one of the others.

But if you are choosing between the popular types of roulette, European roulette has a clear edge for many players due to its layout and the impact it has on the house edge.

The roulette table layout mirrors the numbers on the wheel. There are additional sections for placing outside bets such as red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns.

In European roulette games at land-based casinos, players place their chips on the layout to indicate their wagers.

Types of Bets in European Roulette

Like American roulette, European roulette features inside and outside bets. However, European roulette also features an extra set of bets for players to sink their teeth into.

Inside Bets

Inside bets focus on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. These bets offer higher payouts but come with lower odds of winning:

Straight Up: A single number bet with a payout of 35:1.
Split: A bet on two adjacent numbers, paying 17:1.
Street: A row of three numbers, paying 11:1.
Corner (Square): Four numbers meeting at a corner, paying 8:1.
Six Line (Double Street): Two adjacent rows, covering six numbers, with a payout of 5:1.

Outside Bets

Outside bets cover broader categories of numbers. These bets have better odds of winning but lower payouts:

Red or Black: A bet on the ball landing on a red or black number, with even-money odds (1:1).
Odd or Even: A wager on whether the number will be odd or even. It also pays 1:1.
High or Low: A bet on numbers 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high), also with a payout of 1:1.
Dozens: Betting on groups of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36), paying 2:1.
Columns: A bet on one of the three vertical columns of numbers, also paying 2:1.

Call Bets (Announced Bets)

European roulette often includes call bets, which are not a part of American roulette. These bets are wagers placed on specific sections of the wheel.

Call bets are common in live and land-based casino games. So, if you are getting in some live European roulette wheel spins at one of the best roulette sites (like HighRoller Casino or Super Slots Casino, both of which have live dealer roulette), you may have the option to make call bets.

Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero): This bet covers 17 numbers around the single zero.
Tiers du Cylindre (Thirds of the Wheel): This bet covers 12 numbers opposite the zero on the wheel.
Orphelins (Orphans): This bet covers the remaining eight numbers not included in the other two sections.
Neighbors: A bet on a number and the two numbers on either side of it on the wheel.

Odds and Payouts in European Roulette

One of the main attractions of European roulette is its lower house edge, which gives players a better chance of winning compared to American roulette.

If players do win in European roulette, what kind of payouts can they receive? Here is a breakdown of some key European roulette bets and their payouts.

Straight Up: 35:1 with a probability of 2.7%.
Split: 17:1 with a probability of 5.41%.
Street: 11:1 with a probability of 8.11%.
Corner: 8:1 with a probability of 10.81%.
Even-Money Bets: 1:1 with a probability of 48.65% (adjusted for the single zero).

Strategies for European Roulette

Although European roulette is largely a game of chance, employing certain strategies can help you manage your bankroll and make more informed betting decisions.

Strategies for European roulette can be categorized into basic and advanced levels, and these strategies can be used when playing at real money online casinos or at casinos.

Basic European Roulette Strategies

Bet on Outside Bets: Beginners should focus on even-money bets like red/black or odd/even. Why? These provide almost a 50% chance of winning.
Set Betting Limits: Decide in advance how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. This helps you avoid chasing losses.

Advanced European Roulette Strategies

Martingale System

With this strategy, you double your bet after every loss to try to recover what you have lost with a single win. While effective in theory, this strategy requires a substantial bankroll, and it may not work well at tables with bet limits.

Reverse Martingale (Paroli)

When you use this strategy, you increase your bet after each win. This is done to try to capitalize on winning streaks while minimizing losses.

Fibonacci Sequence

Players using this strategy will base their bets on the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…). If you lose, you then move to the next number in the sequence. But if you win, you move back two steps.

D’Alembert System

This is a safer progression strategy in which you increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win.

Labouchère System

In this system, you create a sequence of numbers (e.g., 1-2-3). Bet the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence. Adjust the sequence based on wins and losses.

Tips for Success in European Roulette

Understand the Game Rules: Familiarize yourself with the table layout, betting options, and payouts before you start playing.
Play at Reputable Casinos: Whether online or in-person, choose licensed casinos with fair gaming practices.
Avoid Betting Systems with High Risk: Strategies like Martingale can seem appealing, but they can lead to significant losses if a losing streak occurs.
Practice for Free: Many online casinos offer demo versions of European roulette, which allows you to practice without risking real money.
Capitalize on Live Dealer Games: Live casino games provide an immersive experience like land-based casinos. This enables you to enjoy the game from the comfort of your home.

Playing European Roulette Online

With the advent of online casinos, European roulette has certainly become more accessible than ever.

Online platforms such Roaring 21 and SlotsandCasino offer various versions of the game, ranging from standard RNG (Random Number Generator) games to live dealer games.

Here’s how to get started with playing European roulette online:

Choose a Trustworthy Casino: Look for a licensed online casino with good reviews, secure payment methods, and fair gaming certifications.
Try Free Play Modes: Many online casinos let you play European roulette for free, giving you a risk-free opportunity to learn the rules and test strategies.
Utilize Bonuses: Take advantage of online casino bonuses and promotions, which can be especially lucrative for new players. That said, read the terms and conditions to understand wagering requirements, as even the best online casino bonuses can come with a hefty rollover.
Explore Variants: Some online platforms offer unique variations of European roulette. Possibilities include multi-wheel roulette or speed roulette.
Check the Minimum and Maximum Bets: Roulette tables at online casinos often have a wide range of betting limits. So, choose one that fits your budget.

Conclusion

European roulette is a classic casino game that combines simplicity with the thrill of chance.

Its single-zero-wheel design offers better odds than its American counterpart and is a favorite among players worldwide.

By understanding the rules, betting options, and strategies, you can improve your European roulette gameplay and enhance your chances of long-term success.

Whether you’re playing at a brick-and-mortar casino or one of our favorite crypto casinos, the key to enjoying European roulette is to approach it responsibly.

Set limits, use strategies wisely, and focus on the fun and excitement the game offers. With a little luck and preparation, European roulette can be rewarding in more ways than one.

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European Roulette FAQ

What is the difference between European roulette and American roulette?

The primary difference lies in the wheel design. European roulette has 37 pockets (numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero), while American roulette has 38 pockets (adding a double zero). This results in a lower house edge of 2.7% for European roulette compared to 5.26% in American roulette, making it a more player-friendly option.

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What is the house edge in European roulette?

The house edge in European roulette is 2.7%, due to its single-zero design. This reduces the advantage the casino has over the player compared to American roulette, which has an extra double zero that increases the house edge to 5.26%.

What strategies work best for European roulette?

Beginners can focus on outside bets like red/black or odd/even for consistent, albeit smaller, payouts. Advanced players may use strategies like the Martingale (doubling bets after losses) or the Fibonacci sequence to manage risk and profits. However, no strategy guarantees wins since roulette is largely a game of chance.

Can I play European roulette online?

Yes, European roulette is widely available online, including RNG-based games and live dealer versions. To start, choose a reputable, licensed online casino. Many platforms offer free demo games to help you practice before playing with real money. Take advantage of bonuses but check the terms for wagering requirements.

How can I win in European roulette?

There are no strategies or tips that will guarantee success. But the following tips can help you maximize your chances of short and long-term success: 1) Avoid high-risk bets like straight-up numbers unless you’re comfortable with low odds of winning, 2) stick to even-money bets for steadier returns, 3) manage your bankroll carefully and set limits to avoid chasing losses, 4) choose tables with lower minimum bets to extend your playtime, and 5) practice using free games online to refine your strategies and understanding of the game.

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