European Roulette Explained: How To Play & Strategies

European Roulette is one of the three variants most enjoyed by British players. It has a house edge that is more favourable than its counterparts. The house edge is 2.70%, which is significantly lower than the 5.26% in American Roulette. This is due to the addition of a double-zero (00) pocket.

British players continue to favour this version of the game more than others due to its simplicity and favourable odds. Read this page to find out everything to know about this game, including top European Roulette tips and strategies.

A Short History of European Roulette

European Roulette traces its story to seventeenth-century France. Blaise Pascal’s work on perpetual motion produced a spinning apparatus that, combined with contemporary games of chance, evolved into an early roulette wheel. Through the eighteenth century the game took shape in French gaming houses and by the late 1700s it had become a fashionable diversion in Parisian salons, complete with numbered pockets, red and black colouring, and a single zero in some regional variations.

In the nineteenth century operators refined the layout and rules to attract international clientele. The single zero format, which lowers the built-in cost of a spin compared with double zero layouts, became a powerful commercial draw. François and Louis Blanc popularised single zero in continental resorts, first in German spa towns and then at Monte Carlo, where the format became the house standard. The success of Monaco influenced elite venues in Victorian London, and private clubs and European casinos adopted single zero as the premium version that serious players preferred.

Twentieth-century regulation and engineering brought tighter wheel tolerances, routine inspections, and more consistent felt layouts, which made outcomes less dependent on mechanical quirks. The digital era began in the late 1990s with online roulette that used certified random number generators. The 2000s added live dealer studios that streamed real single zero wheels to home players. In the 2010s and beyond, high quality mobile apps put European Roulette in every pocket, while experimental formats such as virtual reality tables and metaverse lobbies explored new ways to present a familiar game without changing its core mathematics.

In summary,

Period	Milestone	What changed	Why it mattered
1600s	Pascal’s mechanical experiments	Spinning device inspires chance games that evolve toward roulette	Establishes the physical foundation of the wheel
Late 1700s	Parisian salons adopt roulette	Game gains fashionable status with numbered pockets and colour scheme	Popularity spreads across France and Europe
Early to mid 1800s	Rise of single zero in continental resorts	Operators promote lower edge single zero layouts	Single zero becomes the premium standard for players
Late 1800s	Monte Carlo standardises single zero	Casinos anchor the format for elite international play	Sets the global reference version of European Roulette
Victorian era	Adoption in London clubs	Prestige venues mirror continental rules and etiquette	Consolidates single zero as the preferred house game
20th century	Regulation and engineering improvements	Better bearings, tighter tolerances, formal inspections	More consistent outcomes and trusted equipment
Late 1990s	First online RNG roulette	Digital tables with certified randomness appear	Access expands beyond physical casinos
2000s	Live dealer streaming	Real single zero wheels broadcast to players online	Blends authenticity with remote play
2010s	Mobile apps become primary channel	Optimised interfaces and lobbies on phones and tablets	Play on the move with full table choice
2020s	VR and metaverse experiments	Immersive lobbies and virtual tables emerge	New presentation layers without altering the core game

Wheel & Table Anatomy – How European Roulette Differs

European Roulette is a casino game that is played on a wheel that contains 37 pockets. These are numbered from one to 36, with each number alternating between red and black colours. A single green pocket is also included on the wheel, which is the single zero (0).

Due to the wheel’s layout, the house edge stands at 2.70%, making it one of the most favourable of all roulette variants.

In addition to the wheel, the game will feature a racetrack-style betting area to the side. Players will be able to place bets on this track, placing chips on the available bets. These can involve selecting a specific number(s), colour, odd/even, and inside/outside bets (among many others).

Bet Type	Numbers Covered	Payout	True Odds (European)	House Edge (European)
Straight Up	1	35:1	2.70%	2.70%
Split	2	17:1	5.41%	2.70%
Street	3	11:1	8.11%	2.70%
Corner	4	8:1	10.81%	2.70%
Six Line	6	5:1	16.22%	2.70%
Red/Black	18	1:1	48.65%	2.70%
Odd/Even	18	1:1	48.65%	2.70%
High/Low	18	1:1	48.65%	2.70%
Dozen	12	2:1	32.43%	2.70%
Column	12	2:1	32.43%	2.70%

How to Play European Roulette – Step-by-Step for UK Players

1.) Choose a UKGC-licensed casino

Only play at operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. A UKGC licence means games are tested, funds are protected to a defined level, and safer gambling tools are mandatory. Check the licence number in the site footer and verify it on the public register. Confirm the lobby has single zero European Roulette from reputable providers and look for French rules like La Partage or En Prison on even money bets.

2.) Register and complete the process.

Create your account with your legal name, date of birth, address, email, and mobile number. Enable two factor authentication in settings for extra security. UKGC rules require age and identity checks, so be ready to upload a photo ID and a recent proof of address. If you expect higher deposits, a source of funds check may also be requested.

3.) Make a deposit to your casino account and claim a bonus (if applicable).

Open the cashier and choose a method you already use. Debit cards, open banking transfers, and major e-wallets are common in the UK. Read bonus terms carefully before opting in. Roulette often contributes 0 to 20 percent toward wagering and many offers include a maximum bet per spin while wagering is active. If weighting is low, consider skipping the bonus and using loyalty or cashback instead. Set a small base unit that is about 1 to 2 percent of your session bankroll.

4.) Go to the casino section of the site and find European Roulette options.

Filter by Roulette, then select European or Single Zero. Avoid American unless you specifically want 0 and 00. For live tables, open the info panel to confirm the single zero layout, table limits, provider, and whether La Partage or En Prison applies. For RNG titles, check the rules page and the published RTP. If a racetrack view is available, learn section bets such as Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins.

5.) Open the game, place your bets, and play!

Review the paytable, table limits, chip sizes, and any special rules before you wager. Start with outside bets like Red or Black or High or Low to learn the pace, then explore inside numbers or racetrack sections if you want more variety. European Roulette has a house edge of about 2.70 percent on even money bets. La Partage can reduce the effective edge to about 1.35 percent when zero lands. Keep chip sizes small, set a stop loss and a session timer, avoid chasing losses, and cash out to the same method where possible to speed up withdrawals.

European Roulette RTP & House Edge

European Roulette features a single-zero wheel with 37 pockets, resulting in a house edge of 2.70% and an RTP (return to player) of approximately 97.30% for all standard bet types. This makes European Roulette significantly more favourable to players compared to the American variant, which has a house edge of 5.26% due to the addition of the double zero pocket.​

In European Roulette, all placable bets share the same house edge and RTP. The payout structure remains at 35:1 for straight bets, with lower payouts for split, corner, street, and outside bets, all maintaining the same player return by design.

French Roulette, a closely related single-zero variant, offers additional “La Partage” and “En Prison” rules that further reduce the house edge to 1.35% for even-money bets, making it the most advantageous roulette version for players seeking minimal risk.

Popular European Roulette Variants

European Roulette can be found in many forms at online UK casinos. Players can enjoy this format of the game in many ways, with many notable examples of the game typically being among the most played for various reasons:

• European Roulette (Standard): Features a single zero wheel and 37 pockets. It’s the most widely played online and live version, valued for its low house edge and simple layout.​

• Lightning Roulette: A dynamic variant by Evolution, Lightning Roulette adds random multipliers to straight-up numbers, allowing payouts up to 500x on top of standard European wheel rules.

• 20p Roulette: A low-stakes, European-style roulette game featuring bets starting at just £0.20 per spin. The game uses a single zero wheel. Players can place the full suite of inside and outside bets, such as straight, split, and red/black, but with a much lower entry cost.

European Roulette Comparison to Other Variants Summary Table

Variant	Pockets/Zero(s)	House Edge	Speed of Game	Unique Features
European Roulette	37 (single 0)	2.7%	Moderate	Single zero, simpler bets
American Roulette	30 (0,00)	5.26%	Fast	Top Line (5-number bet), double zero
French Roulette	37 (single 0)	1.35% (even bets)	Moderate	“La Partage” and “En Prison” rules reduce edge for even bets
Double Ball	37 (single 0)	~2.7%	Very Fast	Two balls per spin, extra wager types and payouts

European Roulette Strategies

European Roulette strategies can maximise the entertainment that players can enjoy when playing this casino classic. Players should use these to enhance their play, as they encourage responsible gambling.

The strategies that can be played include:

Martingale

The Martingale aims to recover all prior losses with a single win while locking in one base unit of profit. On European Roulette the single zero lowers overall cost compared with American, but the house edge still applies to every spin so expectation remains negative. Treat the method as a pacing tool that can create many small wins with the risk of occasional large losses.

Choose a small base unit, place an even money bet, and double after each loss. When a win arrives you reset to the base unit and bank one unit of profit for that cycle. If the table offers La Partage or En Prison on even money bets, the zero outcome hurts less, which slightly improves survivability without changing the core math.

The main risks are long losing streaks that push stakes up to uncomfortable levels or into table limits. Keep the base unit tiny relative to your bankroll, decide in advance how many doubles you will permit, and stop the session when you hit that cap. Avoid side bets and the five number top line does not exist on European tables, so keep the focus on even money wagers for consistent variance.

d’Alembert

The d’Alembert is a gentler negative progression that aims to smooth swings by moving in single unit steps. European Roulette’s lower edge and optional French rules make this style feel steadier than on a double zero game, but it cannot turn the edge in your favour. It works best for players who value slower stake growth and clear boundaries.

Pick a unit size, increase by one unit after a loss, and decrease by one unit after a win, never going below one unit. On even money bets with La Partage or En Prison, zero outcomes reduce the damage, which can shorten drawdowns and help you step back down more quickly after a rough patch. Use small chips to keep moves manageable.

Risk comes from extended losing runs that still push stakes higher and from the temptation to overstay in search of breakeven. Set a maximum step height and a session time limit, then stick to both. Reset to the base unit after a recovery or a preplanned break, and avoid creeping your unit upward during the session.

Fibonacci

The Fibonacci uses the sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 in betting units to unwind losses over several wins rather than one. On European Roulette this progression benefits from the single zero’s lower edge and benefits even more if La Partage or En Prison apply to your even money bets. The sequence still grows, but it climbs less abruptly than doubling.

After a loss you move one step forward in the sequence. After a win you step back two positions. For example, at £5 per unit you might go 1, 1, 2 after two losses, then drop back to 1 after a win. Many players reset to the base unit once the sequence returns to or below the starting point to avoid drift.

The risk is that sustained losses carry you into higher sequence values faster than expected. Prevent that by writing down your current index, capping the maximum index you will reach, and pausing if you hit it. Keep to even money bets for consistency, and consider stopping after any full recovery so the sequence does not escalate across the session.

Labouchère

The Labouchère is a list method built around a target profit in units. You write a short list of small numbers that add to the goal, then stake the sum of the first and last numbers. Wins cross off both ends of the list and losses append the stake to the end. European Roulette’s single zero makes list recovery a little easier than on a double zero layout, and French rules on even money bets help further by softening zero outcomes.

A simple example might set a target of 8 units with a list such as 1, 2, 2, 3. The first stake is 1 plus 3, which is 4 units. A win crosses off to leave 2, 2 and another 4 unit stake clears the list. A loss appends the lost stake to the list, which lengthens it and can lift future stakes, so disciplined caps are essential.

The weaknesses are list expansion during losing bursts and the tendency for required bets to rise when confidence is low. Start with short lists and a very small unit, set a hard ceiling for both list length and single bet size, and reset after a recovery. Keep written notes to avoid mistakes and stick to even money wagers if you want La Partage or En Prison to reduce the impact of zero.

Most Advantageous Bets for European Roulette

The most advantageous bets in European Roulette are the even-money options: Red/Black, Odd/Even, and High/Low. These each cover 18 out of 37 numbers and have the highest probability of winning in a single spin (48.65%), making them the best bets for sustained play.

Bet Type	Probability (Hit Rate)	Payout
Straight Up	1/37 (2.70%)	35:1
Split	2/37 (5.41%)	17:1
Street	3/37 (8.11%)	11:1
Corner	4/37 (10.81%)	8:1
Six Line	6/37 (16.22%)	5:1
Dozen/Column	12/37 (32.43%)	2:1
Red/Black	18/37 (48.65%)	1:1
Odd/Even	18/37 (48.65%)	1:1
High/Low	18/37 (48.65%)	1:1

Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling practices and measures must be adopted by all British players engaging in European Roulette and all gambling activities. Players should only ever deposit and wager with money that they can afford to lose, and never chase losses. They should stick to small, manageable bets, as these can help prolong sessions.

Sticking to budgets and using responsible gambling tools at UKGC-licensed casinos is a must. Players are afforded protections and access to tools, including deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion resources, as well as access to independent charities and organisations that offer advice and support 24/7.

Visit our Responsible Gambling page for more.

Main Takeaways

European Roulette is one of the most popular games played at UK casinos. It is a wheel-based game with 37 pockets, numbered 1-36, and a single-zero pocket (0). The house edge of this game is 2.70%, which is more favourable than other alternatives.

Players can access this game in many forms, available on mobile and desktop. Several variants exist, including traditional play and options that feature technological innovations (Lightning Roulette).

Responsible gambling must be followed at all times. This can include using European Roulette betting strategies, sticking to budgets, placing manageable small bets, and using tools when required to stay in control.

Only ever use a UKGC-licensed casino and remember, winnings are never guaranteed.

TL;DR:

• European Roulette has 37 pockets: 0-37 = 2.70% house edge
• Can be accessed on mobile/online and in physical casinos
• Online casinos feature innovative variants
• Play using European Roulette strategies
• Stick to even-money bets
• Always gamble responsibly

FAQs

Does European Roulette have a better return than American?
Yes. With 37 pockets and one zero, the house edge on most bets is about 2.70 percent versus roughly 5.26 percent on American, so bankrolls generally last longer on European tables.

What are La Partage and En Prison, and why do they matter?
They’re French rules applied to even-money bets when zero lands. La Partage returns half your stake immediately; En Prison holds your stake for the next spin—both reduce the effective edge on those wagers to about 1.35 percent.

Are live dealer games or RNG games better?
Neither changes the math; both are fair at UKGC-licensed casinos. RNG is faster and usually cheaper per spin, while live dealer offers a slower pace and more table ambience.

What is the racetrack and what are call bets?
The racetrack UI mirrors wheel order, making it easy to place section bets like Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins. Call bets bundle predefined neighbour/section patterns so you can cover arcs of the wheel quickly.

How do neighbour bets work?
A neighbour bet picks one number plus its immediate neighbours on the wheel, often “1+2 each side” for five numbers total. It’s a convenience feature—payouts are the same as placing those individual straight-ups.

What bankroll size and base unit should I use?
Keep your base chip small—around 1–2 percent of your session bankroll is a common guide. This lets you absorb normal variance without hitting table limits too quickly.

Do table limits really matter?
Yes. Low maximums can choke progression systems and force a stop mid-recovery, so always check min/max before you start, especially at live tables.

Is there any “worst” bet in European Roulette?
There’s no five-number top line like on American wheels, but very concentrated inside bets (e.g., stacks of straight-ups) have high variance. If you’re learning, stick to outside bets or modest section coverage.

What’s the real hit rate of even-money bets?
On a single-zero wheel, even-money wagers win 18/37 spins, about 48.65 percent. Zero is the spoiler, which is why French rules are valuable.

Do payouts differ between casinos?
Standard payouts (e.g., 35:1 straight-up, 17:1 split) are consistent, but variants with multipliers or side features may alter returns. Always check the game info/RTP page before playing.

Can betting systems (Martingale, d’Alembert, Fibonacci, Labouchère) beat the game?
No. They shape volatility and pacing but can’t change expected value—use them only with small units and firm stop rules.

How does RTP relate to the house edge?
RTP is 100% minus the house edge over the long run. For standard European Roulette, that implies ~97.30% RTP on typical play, or a bit higher on even-money bets when La Partage/En Prison apply.

Are there European Roulette variants with special features?
Yes—some add side bets, “lightning” multipliers, or boosted payouts on occasional hits. These can raise volatility and sometimes increase the effective edge; read the rules carefully.

Is speed of play important for my results?
Faster sessions mean more spins per hour and greater exposure to the edge. If you want to stretch your bankroll, favour slower live tables or take regular breaks.

Can I play safely on mobile?
Yes—UKGC-licensed apps are secure and audited. Use Wi-Fi or reliable data, enable device biometrics, and turn on in-app safer-gambling tools like deposit limits and time alerts.

Do bonuses work well with European Roulette?
Often roulette wagers contribute 0–20% toward wagering and have max-bet caps. If terms are tight, consider skipping the bonus and using loyalty or cashback instead.

Are winnings from European Roulette taxed in the UK?
Generally, gambling winnings are not taxed for UK players. Personal circumstances can vary, so check current guidance if you’re unsure.

How do I choose a good European Roulette table?
Prioritise single-zero wheels, clear limits that suit your bankroll, and (if possible) La Partage/En Prison. For live play, pick reputable studios and stable streaming.

What’s the smartest way to start as a beginner?
Learn on even-money bets with small chips, then explore columns/dozens or gentle section coverage via the racetrack. Set a session budget, a stop-loss, and a time limit before you begin.

Can wheel bias be exploited today?
Modern wheels and oversight make meaningful bias rare in regulated casinos. Treat any bias hunting as curiosity, not a strategy.

Does stopping after a win help?
It can protect a session result and support discipline, but it doesn’t change long-term expectation. Use stop-points as a budgeting tool, not an edge.

Is European Roulette suitable for responsible gambling goals?
Yes, because its lower edge extends session longevity compared with American. Combine it with small units, firm limits, and regular breaks for the best experience.