European Roulette Guide

Overview of European Roulette

European roulette is a single-zero roulette format featuring 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero. The absence of a double zero reduces the structural disadvantage for players compared with American roulette, positioning European roulette as the preferred baseline format for odds-focused play.

House Edge and RTP

European roulette operates with a house edge of 2.70%, which translates to a return-to-player rate of 97.30% across all standard bets. This figure reflects the ratio between winning outcomes and total wheel pockets under the fixed payout table.

Wheel and Table Layout

The wheel consists of a fixed sequence of numbers alternating between red and black, with the zero coloured green. The betting layout displays numbers 1–36 in three columns and twelve rows, with the zero positioned separately. Layout design supports both inside and outside betting options.

Outside Bets

Outside bets cover larger sets of numbers and provide higher hit frequency. These wagers are commonly used for lower variance sessions and clearer bankroll pacing.

• Red / Black: Pays 1:1 on colour selection.
• Odd / Even: Pays 1:1 excluding zero.
• High / Low: 1–18 or 19–36, pays 1:1.
• Dozens: 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36, pays 2:1.
• Columns: One of three vertical columns, pays 2:1.

Inside Bets

Inside bets focus on smaller number groups and produce higher variance. These bets offer larger payout multiples at the cost of lower hit frequency.

• Straight Up: Single number, pays 35:1.
• Split: Two adjacent numbers, pays 17:1.
• Street: Three numbers in a row, pays 11:1.
• Corner: Four numbers forming a square, pays 8:1.
• Six Line: Six numbers across two rows, pays 5:1.

Special Rules: La Partage and En Prison

Some European roulette tables apply La Partage or En Prison rules to even-money bets when the ball lands on zero. La Partage returns half of the stake, while En Prison holds the bet for the next spin. These rules lower effective loss severity on even-money bets.

Variance and Session Control

Each spin in roulette is independent. European roulette reduces long-run cost relative to double-zero formats, yet variance remains a defining factor. Bet selection and unit sizing shape session outcomes more than number selection.

Bankroll Discipline

Structured play relies on predefined session budgets, fixed unit sizes, and exit thresholds. These controls do not alter expected value; they stabilise exposure and reduce impulsive decision-making.

• Set a session bankroll before play begins.
• Keep unit size consistent within the session.
• Apply stop-loss and profit-lock limits.
• Avoid escalating stakes without a predefined cap.

Key Takeaway

European roulette offers a more efficient structure than double-zero variants. Optimal engagement centres on table selection, variance awareness, and disciplined capital allocation rather than prediction-based tactics.