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Explaining the House Edge in Roulette: What Is It and Can Players Reduce It?

Q: Why is it important to understand the house edge in roulette?

Understanding the house edge helps players set realistic expectations and make informed decisions about betting, ultimately improving their overall roulette experience.

Written by: Eddie Griffin

Last Updated:

Read Time: 13 minutes

Roulette is one of the most iconic and exciting casino games. However, like all casino games, roulette operates on odds that are skewed in favor of the house. This advantage that the casino has over the player in roulette, blackjack, slots, and other games is called the house edge.

The spinning wheel, accompanied by the anticipation of where the ball will land, makes for an adrenaline-pumping experience when playing roulette, whether at a brick-and-mortar casino or at one of the best crypto casinos.

Understanding the house edge is crucial for anyone playing roulette, as it directly impacts their chances of experiencing a winning feeling regularly over the long term.

Below, we will explore the concept of the house edge in roulette, how it varies across different types of roulette, and what players can do to make informed decisions when they sit down at the real or virtual roulette table.

What is the House Edge in Roulette?

In casino gambling, the house edge is the statistical advantage that the casino holds in a game.

It represents the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over time. In other words, the house edge is the built-in advantage that ensures the casino will, on average, make a profit from the game.

In roulette, this edge comes from the way the game is designed, particularly the presence of the zero (or double zero, in some versions).

On a European roulette wheel, there is a single zero pocket. In American roulette, the wheel has both a single zero and a double zero pocket. These extra pockets skew the odds against the player, resulting in the house edge.

The House Edge in Different Variants of Roulette

Roulette has several variants, with the two most common being European roulette and American roulette.

The key difference between these variants lies in the number of pockets on the wheel, which directly affects the house edge.

The House Edge in European Roulette

European roulette features a wheel with 37 pockets: 18 red, 18 black, and one green pocket for the zero (0). This design gives the house an edge of 2.7%.

To calculate the house edge, we need to understand the concept of “expected value.”

Each bet in roulette is placed on a specific outcome, such as a particular number, red or black, or even or odd. While there are 37 possible outcomes, players only receive payouts based on 36 possible winning numbers for most bets.

For example, when betting on a single number (a straight-up bet), the casino pays 35 to 1. That means that the payout is less than the true odds of winning, which are 36 to 1.

This difference creates the house edge. Over time, for every $100 wagered, the player can expect to lose about $2.70, making European roulette the better option for players seeking to minimize the house edge.

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The House Edge in American Roulette

American roulette, on the other hand, features 38 pockets: 18 red, 18 black, and two green pockets for the zero (0) and double zero (00). The addition of the double zero increases the house edge in American roulette to 5.26%.

This increased house edge results from the extra pocket. With 38 possible outcomes, but players still receiving a 35-to-1 payout on a single number, the expected return on a $100 bet drops significantly. In American roulette, for every $100 wagered, players can expect to lose about $5.26 over time.

Of course, just because the house edge is higher in American roulette than in European roulette does not mean that you should stay away from the former. Some of the best RTG casinos, as well as some of the best Betsoft casinos, offer American Roulette games that are worth trying. Just use your knowledge of house edge to help manage your expectations while playing.

What Is the House Edge in Other Roulette Variants?

Other types of roulette, such as French Roulette, are also worth noting.

French roulette has the same 37-pocket wheel as European roulette but offers additional rules that can reduce the house edge even further.

The most notable of these rules is La Partage or En Prison. These rules come into play when a player places a bet on an even-money wager (like red/black or odd/even) and the ball lands in the zero pocket.

La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, the player loses only half of their even-money bet. That effectively reduces the house edge to 1.35% for even-money bets.
En Prison: If the ball lands on zero, the player’s even-money bet is “imprisoned” and carried over to the next spin, where it has another chance of winning. This rule also reduces the house edge to 1.35% for even-money bets.

However, French roulette is not commonly found even in the best U.S. online casinos, unlike American roulette and European roulette. So, you may have to travel abroad to take a crack at it.

How the House Edge Affects Players in Roulette

Understanding the house edge is essential for setting expectations while playing roulette.

The house edge is a long-term average, which means that individual outcomes in the short run can be extremely unpredictable. Over the course of a session, a player may experience winning streaks and losing streaks. But over many spins, the house edge ensures that the casino will make a profit.

In practical terms, what does the house edge mean for players in roulette? Let’s break it down.

Expected Loss Over Time

As mentioned earlier, the house edge represents the percentage of a player’s bet that the casino expects to keep.

For example, in European roulette, the house edge of 2.7% means that, on average, the casino expects to keep $2.70 for every $100 wagered over many spins.

This doesn’t guarantee that a player will lose $2.70 per $100 bet every time. It is quite simply an average calculated over a long period and many spins.

Impact of Different Bets:

Different types of bets in roulette come with different payouts and probabilities, but the house edge remains relatively constant. However, the way that bets are placed may have an influence on the player’s experience.

Outside Bets: These are bets on broader categories such as red/black, odd/even, or high/low numbers. These bets offer almost a 50% chance of winning (slightly less due to the zero(s)) and typically have a house edge of 2.7% in European roulette and 5.26% in American roulette.
Inside Bets: These are bets on specific numbers or small groups of numbers (like a corner bet or straight-up bet). These bets carry higher payouts but also have a lower chance of winning. On inside bets, the house edge remains the same as on outside bets. However, the potential payout is greater, which makes inside bets riskier.

While the house edge remains fixed for each roulette variant, players can adjust their strategies and bet types to manage their risks.

Can You Overcome the House Edge in Roulette?

Despite the consistent house edge, many roulette players hope to overcome the odds and win big.

There are several strategies and systems that players utilize to try to tilt the odds in their favor. However, none of them can eliminate the house edge.

Martingale System

The Martingale system is one of the most popular betting systems and is used in both sports betting and casino gambling.

The Martingale strategy involves doubling your bet after each loss. The idea is that after a series of losses, a win will recoup the previous losses and generate a profit equal to the original bet.

In the short term, this system can be effective. But it can be risky and requires a larger bankroll to sustain extended losing streaks. Moreover, the Martingale system does nothing to change the house edge.

Reverse Martingale

In contrast to the Martingale system, the Reverse Martingale or Paroli system involves increasing the bet after each win.

This strategy focuses on capitalizing on winning streaks rather than trying to recover losses. This is less risky than the traditional Martingale system, but it still doesn’t change the house edge in the long run.

Fibonacci Sequence

This system is based on the Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones.

In roulette, players use the Fibonacci sequence to increase their bets following a loss. Like the Martingale system, this strategy has no impact on the house edge. However, it can provide a structured betting approach that some players might feel more comfortable with.

Flat Betting

Flat betting involves placing the same bet size on every spin, regardless of wins or losses.

This strategy doesn’t attempt to recoup losses or maximize wins, but it can help players manage their bankrolls more effectively and avoid the risks associated with more aggressive betting systems.

Comparing the House Edge in Roulette to Other Popular Casino Games

Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games, but understanding its house edge in the context of other games is crucial for players seeking to maximize their chances of success.

Different casino games come with different odds, which can affect a player’s decision about where to place their bets.

Let’s compare the house edge in roulette with the house edge of other popular casino games you may find at real money online casinos such as Lucky Red Casino and OnlineCasinoGames.

This knowledge can help you determine which games you may want to play and which games you may want to avoid.

Blackjack

House Edge: 0.5% to 1% (depending on the rules and the player’s strategy)
Explanation: Blackjack offers some of the lowest house edges among popular casino games, but this depends heavily on the player’s ability to use optimal strategy. In blackjack, the house edge is relatively low because players have some control over the game based on their decisions (e.g., when to hit, stand, double down, or split). With perfect strategy, the house edge can be as low as 0.5%. But if players deviate from the strategy or if the rules of the game are unfavorable, the house edge can rise.

Craps

House Edge: 1.36% (on the “Pass Line” bet)
Explanation: Craps is a dice game that offers several different betting options, but the Pass Line bet has a house edge of just 1.36%. That makes it one of the more favorable bets in craps. However, other bets in craps (such as proposition bets) come with much higher house edges, so it’s crucial for players to choose their bets wisely. Overall, craps can be a great choice for players looking for a low house edge, provided they stick to the most advantageous bets.

Baccarat

House Edge: 1.06% (on the Banker bet), 1.24% (on the Player bet)
Explanation: Baccarat is another game with a relatively low house edge, especially when betting on the Banker. The Banker bet has the lowest house edge, while the Player bet is slightly higher. The Tie bet, on the other hand, carries a much higher house edge, typically around 14.36%. Therefore, it is generally avoided by seasoned players.

Slots

House Edge: 2% to 15% (depending on the machine)
Explanation: Slot machines have a much higher house edge compared to table games. The house edge in slots can vary greatly depending on the game and the specific machine. Some slots offer a house edge as low as 2%, while others can go as high as 15% or more. Because slots are purely games of chance, players have no control over the outcome. That is reflected in the high house edges you will find when playing slots. Therefore, you should look for slots with higher RTP (Return to Player) percentages.

Video Poker

House Edge: 0.5% to 5% (depending on the game and strategy)
Explanation: Video poker is a unique hybrid game that combines elements of poker and slot machines. When playing video poker with optimal strategy, the house edge can be as low as 0.5% (in games like “Jacks or Better” with a full pay table). But if players do not use the best strategy or choose games with unfavorable pay tables, the house edge can reach as high as 5%.

Poker

House Edge: Variable (dependent on the game and players’ skill)
Explanation: In poker, the house edge is generally lower than in most other casino games. That is because players are competing against each other rather than the casino. The casino makes money by taking a small percentage of each pot (called the “rake”), which varies depending on the casino and the game. The more skilled a player is, the lower their effective house edge, as they can beat less experienced players.

Keno

House Edge: 25% to 29%
Explanation: Keno is one of the worst games in terms of house edge. Some variations carry a house edge as high as 29%. The odds of winning in keno are extremely low, which makes it one of the least favorable casino games for players looking to minimize their losses.

Conclusion

The house edge is a fundamental part of roulette that all players must understand and keep in mind as they play.

Whether playing European or American roulette, the house edge ensures that the casino maintains an advantage over the player over the long term.

Yes, players may enjoy winning streaks or experience exciting moments at the table. However, the odds are always tilted in favor of the house.

If you play European roulette or take advantage of special rules in French roulette, you can minimize the house edge and maximize your chances of success. However, no betting system or strategy can alter the inherent odds of the game.

The most important thing for players to remember is that roulette is a game of chance, and while you can manage your bet choices and sizes, you can never eliminate the house edge.

If you understand how the house edge works and recognize its place as an unavoidable part of the game, you can enjoy the thrill of roulette while keeping expectations realistic and making informed decisions.

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Roulette House Edge FAQ

What is the house edge in roulette?

The house edge is the statistical advantage the casino has over the player. It ensures that, over time, the casino will make a profit from the game.

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How is the house edge calculated in roulette?

The house edge in roulette is determined by comparing the true odds of a bet to the payout the casino offers. In European roulette, there are 37 possible outcomes (numbers 1-36 and a single zero). A single-number bet pays 35 to 1, but the true odds are 36 to 1, creating a house edge. This difference ensures the casino keeps a small percentage of each bet over time. For European roulette, the house edge is about 2.7%, meaning the casino expects to keep 2.7% of each wager in the long run.

How does the house edge differ between European roulette and American roulette?

European roulette has a house edge of 2.7%, while American roulette has a higher edge of 5.26% due to the extra double zero pocket on the wheel.

Can players reduce the house edge in roulette?

No, the house edge is a built-in feature of the game. However, playing European or French roulette can minimize the edge compared to American roulette.

Why is it important to understand the house edge in roulette?

Casino rules, such as whether the dealer hits on soft 17, whether players can surrender, and whether the payout for blackjack is 3:2 or 6:5, can all affect the house edge. Favorable rules like 3:2 payouts and the option to surrender help lower the edge.

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