European Roulette – Master This Wheel Game and Try It Online
11 minutes
Last Updated: November 2, 2023
European roulette has very straightforward gameplay with a simple betting objective. You can learn the basics within minutes and play it online with relative proficiency.
That said, the game includes many bets, meaning you can play it in different ways. Moreover, you can use various betting strategies based on your preferences.
With all of that in mind, if you want to master European roulette, you’ve come to the right place! In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything from basic roulette bets to strategies, tips, and more to help you learn everything you should know about one of the most popular gambling games in the world.
European Roulette Basic Rules
Roulette, including the European variation, is one of the simplest games you can play in any casino. The gameplay is very straightforward and doesn’t involve much more than placing bets on the number of your choice.
The European roulette wheel has 37 pockets, going from number 0 to 36. The number 0 is green, while the other 36 numbers are divided into 18 red numbers and 18 black ones.
Compared to American roulette, the European version has one less number, as the American version has a 00 pocket.
When playing in land-based and online roulette casinos, the croupier controls the betting process and spins the ball. In this environment, you have a finite time to place your bets, until the dealer announces the betting round is over.
If you’re playing electronic European roulette online, you control the pace and can take as much time as you need to place bets and think through your decisions. This makes this type of European roulette a more favorable choice for beginner players.
What Is the House Edge in European Roulette?
The house edge in European roulette is 2.70%. To put it in simpler terms, this means that the casino takes $2.70 out of every $100 you wager.
Of course, this applies on a wide scale across a long-term period. So, while short-term and even long-term wins are possible for some players, most players lose money.
Moreover, this 2.70% house edge means that even the 50/50 bets in European roulette don’t actually give you a 50% winning chance.
Due to the house edge, the probability of every even-money bet is actually just 48.6% on both outcomes. The zero pocket makes up for the rest of the difference up to 50% and enables the casino to reap guaranteed profit.
Still, even with this sort of house edge, the European roulette version is a more favorable choice than the American version.
This is because the American roulette wheel also includes the previously mentioned 00 pocket. This effectively doubles the game’s house edge, as American roulette has a 5.26% house edge.
With that in mind, you should always go for the European variation if you have the option. As the house edge is lower, your winning odds across all bets will be slightly higher. This can make a difference in your overall long-term success in the game.
What Are the Different Bet Types in European Roulette?
One look at the European roulette table can tell you that there are many bets to choose from when playing this popular casino game. But, as these bets all differ in winning odds and potential payouts, it’s essential to understand all roulette rules and how different bets work.
The first and most important thing to know is that all bets in European roulette are grouped into two categories. These are inside bets and outside bets.
Inside bets cover the inner portion of the European roulette betting table and include bets on smaller number groups or bets on individual numbers.
Oppositely, outside bets in European roulette cover larger groups of numbers, with most of these bets being divided into two groups of 18 numbers.
With that in mind, outside bets help you cover a bigger portion of the wheel with a single bet. They are safer but also offer smaller payouts compared to inside bets.
Outside Bets in European Roulette
European roulette includes five types of outside bets you can place on the betting table. Here are the outside bets that are at your disposal:
Low/High Bet
The low/high bet in European roulette divides all numbers on the board based on their overall numerical value. If you bet on low, you cover numbers from 1 to 18.
If you bet on high, your bet covers 19 to 36. Neither bet includes the 0, as this is how the casino obtains its edge.
This is an even-money bet, meaning that the payout is equal to your bet. Due to the house edge, the winning probability is slightly lower than 50%, at 48.64%. The low/high bet is one of the best bets in European roulette, along with other even-money bets.
Odd/Even Bet
Another even-money bet, this one also divides all of the numbers into two groups. In this bet, you can cover 18 odd or 18 even numbers with one bet. Again, neither option includes the 0. It comes with the same winning probability and payout as the low/high bet.
Red/Black Bet
The third and last even-money bet in European roulette, it divides the numbers based on their color. It enables you to bet on 18 black or 18 red numbers.
As the 0 is marked with a green pocket, it isn’t covered by either of these options. The red/black bet offers a 1:1 payout with a 48.64% winning probability.
Column Bet
The column bet is the first of the two European roulette bets that divide the numbers into three groups. The numbers in the three-column bet groups are divided by their horizontal order on the betting board.
Every group includes twelve numbers that increase in patterns of three. For instance, the bottom column includes numbers 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34. Each of the three columns pays out 2:1 and comes with a 32.4% winning probability.
Dozens Bet
The dozens bet works on the same principle as the column bet, as it divides the numbers on the board into three equal groups of twelve. But, instead of dividing them by their horizontal position, it only groups them by their total numerical value.
The numbers are divided into groups of 1 to 12, 13 to 24, and 25 to 36. The winning probability when betting on each of the three groups is 32.4%, and the payout is 2:1.
Inside Bets in European Roulette
European roulette has one fewer inside bet than American roulette, as it doesn’t include the basket bet, due to not having a 00 symbol. Because of this, there are five European roulette play options when it comes to inside bets. These are:
Straight-up Bet
The straight-up bet is the simplest, riskiest, and most rewarding bet in European roulette. To place this bet, you just need to pick a number you want to bet on. You can bet on any of the numbers on the wheel, from 0 to 36.
This bet comes with a fantastic 35:1 payout but with a winning probability of just 2.7%. This makes it one of the most entertaining European roulette bets to place and also a very poor choice for most bettors, especially those with a long-term focus.
Split Bet
The split bet is a European roulette bet that covers any two numbers adjacent on the betting board. You can even place a 0-1, 0-2, or 0-3 split bet. If either of your two numbers comes up, you win the bet.
With that in mind, the split bet offers a 17:1 payout with a winning probability of over 5.4%. This makes it a safer alternative to the straight-up bet, as it provides you with more coverage.
Street Bet
Following the same pattern, the street bet adds one number and covers three numbers. The only added rule when it comes to this bet is that it must cover three consecutive numbers in one row.
The only exceptions to this are 0, 1, 2 and 0, 2, 3, which aren’t in a row on the betting board. The payout for this European roulette bet is 11:1, and the winning probability is slightly over 8.1%.
Corner Bet
The corner bet in European roulette covers four numbers that share the same corner on the roulette betting board. It offers an 8:1 payout and a winning probability of over 10.8%.
You can also place this bet on the corner of 0, 1, 2, and 3, as the latter three numbers all share a border with the 0 on the betting board.
Line Bet
Unlike American roulette, which also includes a five-number (basket) bet, European roulette skips this option and only offers the line bet, also known as the six-line bet. This bet covers a total of six numbers in two adjacent rows.
The line bet is the safest inside bet in European roulette, with a winning probability of over 16%. However, it’s also the worst-paying inside bet with a payout of 5:1.
Still, this solid payout/probability balance makes it a good pick for players who are looking for safer bets but don’t want to place outside bets.
The Best Betting Strategies for European Roulette
If you want to master European roulette, it’s crucial to remember all of the possible bets you can place in the game. However, choosing the right bets is just part of the equation. It’s also essential to have a proper betting strategy based on your bankroll and preferences.
When it comes to the best European roulette betting strategies, you have a wide variety of options to pick from. You can use a standard flat betting strategy or a progression-based one.
If you decide on the latter, you can choose between positive progression and negative progression betting strategies.
Picking a betting strategy for European roulette will enable you to make the most out of your bankroll. It won’t increase your winning chances in any way, but it will help you bet more methodically and keep tight control of the money you have. Using a betting strategy is a must if you want to play European roulette long-term.
Additional Tips to Boost Your European Roulette Success
Unlike blackjack or poker, European roulette doesn’t include a skill element you can master to become more successful at it. Still, there are certain tips you can implement to enhance your European roulette experience.
Moreover, some of these tips can directly help you to be more successful. Here are the best tips for boosting your European roulette experience:
- Practice for Free First – Before you deposit money into an online casino and start playing European roulette, make sure to first play for free and learn all roulette rules. Many online gambling sites offer demo versions of European roulette games that you can play for as long as you want.
- Be Careful When Picking an Online Casino – When playing European roulette online, picking the right online casino makes all the difference. By playing at a licensed gambling site, you can be certain that the game you’re gambling on is fair and random, and that the site will pay out any winnings you manage to obtain.
- Always Claim Casino Bonuses – While online casino bonuses aren’t as effective for roulette as they are for some other casino games like slots, they can still provide a solid bankroll boost. You can take advantage of these offers to get extra playing money and more winning opportunities.
- Set a Limit and Accept Losses – Playing European roulette without a bankroll can lead you to lose more money than you can afford. Moreover, even a bankroll won’t save you if you don’t ensure you’re betting within your means. Stay within your budget and don’t chase losses in an effort to recoup money.
Ready to Spin the European Roulette Wheel?
European roulette is undoubtedly a smarter pick than American roulette, as you will be playing with a lower house edge and will lose less money over time.
Plus, with everything we’ve covered on this detailed page, you’ve mastered all there is to know about European roulette.
The only question that remains is, are you ready to start playing European roulette online? If so, choose a trusted online casino, set a bankroll you’re comfortable with, and enjoy everything this fun gambling game offers!
