European Wheel Changes Everything

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Roulette has captivated casino-goers for centuries with its spinning wheel of fortune. While the game may appear similar online and in land-based casinos, the type of roulette wheel used makes a major difference. European roulette rules boost players’ odds and wins through subtle but impactful distinctions.

Understanding the contrast between European and American roulette rules reveals why one gives the house a smaller advantage. With online casinos like Nine Casino UK and others, you have the flexibility to choose the wheel with the best odds. Taking the time to learn why European roulette offers better value helps ensure you find the right games.

Single vs Double Zero Wheels

At first glance, European and American roulette wheels may look almost identical. Both feature numbered slots ranging from 1-36 alternately colored red and black. However, European wheels have just a single green 0 slot while their American counterparts hold 0 and 00 slots.

This extra 00 pocket gives the house an additional edge. Let’s examine the math more closely:

Wheel Type	Total Numbers	House Edge
European	37 (1-36 + 0)	2.70%
American	38 (1-36 + 0 + 00)	5.26%

With 37 numbers instead of 38, the odds of winning on a European wheel are simply better. Your chances increase from 47.37% to 48.65%. While this may seem marginal, over time it has significant impact.

En Prison and La Partage

Aside from the wheel itself, advantage play comes from European roulette rules around special bets. Wagers like Red/Black, Odd/Even and High/Low hold nearly 50/50 odds. This probability stays consistent until the green 0 comes up, creating the house edge.

Rules like “En Prison” and “La Partage” aim to offset losses from 0 spins specifically for even money bets. With En Prison, an even money bet lands “in prison” if 0 hits. On the next spin, the wager either wins or loses in full with no house edge applied. La Partage gives up half the even money bet straight away if the ball lands on 0. So instead of losing the full amount, only 50% goes to the house. The player doesn’t get a “second chance” spin like with En Prison. Implementing either rule cuts the house edge on even wagers by roughly half, further tipping the scale towards better player odds.

Bets Become More Advantageous

While En Prison and La Partage improve even money bets, straight wagers with a single number see benefits too. The payout symmetry between American and European roulette remains fixed. Wagers on a single number pay out 35 to 1 no matter the wheel.

However, because the European wheel has 37 numbers instead of 38, hitting your number becomes marginally more probable. This increases the Expected Value (EV) of straight bets. Not by much, but every little bit counts!

Variety and Excitement Online

Live online www.freeslots99.com bridge the gap between virtual and land-based play. Table limits tend to run higher with VIP and high roller options. This accommodates players of all budgets.

For roulette fans, streaming European tables with human dealers ups the ante. Watching an actual wheel spin builds suspense and loyalty to a specific casino.

Many live dealer platforms also support native speaking croupiers. French, German, Spanish – playing roulette in your tongue adds authenticity. It also helps clarify rules around the unique bets available.

Speaking of unique bets, online European roulette serves up way more variety than physical venues. French bets like Voisins du Zero (neighbors of zero) package groups of numbers on wheel segments. Then there is the announcé bet which places chips randomly based on what the player verbally “announces!”

When the Rules Work in Your Favor

Roulette will always include an element of luck no matter how you spin it. But not all roulette games are created equal. Just half a pocket’s difference between American and European wheels impacts odds more than you’d expect.

Savvy players realize that when it comes to roulette, the devil is in the details. Rules like En Prison and La Partage further tip the scales by reducing losses when luck goes sideways. Before playing online, check that the wheel only has a single 0 pocket. And when given options around special bets, look for the phrase “En Prison.”

Small tweaks add up. And in roulette, every extra fractional win counts towards your bankroll. So why not put the odds in your favor when possible? European rules packages make for a better overall experience both live and online.