Last updated: 26 September 2026
Roulette variants can look very similar, but differences in the number of zero pockets, special rules and payouts can significantly affect the house edge and how each game plays.
This guide compares European, American and French roulette alongside triple-zero wheels and modern variants such as Lightning and Double Ball roulette. You'll see how the rules differ, which games offer the lowest house edge and what to check before choosing a table.
Casino Beacon Opinion
Roulette variants can look very similar, but the number of zero pockets and any special rules matter far more than the presentation. French roulette with La Partage or En Prison offers the lowest house edge on even-money bets, while European roulette is the best widely available all-round choice. Modern multiplier and multi-ball games can be entertaining, but players should check their payouts and volatility rather than assuming a newer format offers better odds.
Main Roulette Game Variants Explained
European roulette
European roulette uses a single-zero wheel with 37 pockets (0-36). The single zero gives it a standard house edge of 2.70%.
- One zero pocket.
- Available in both RNG and live dealer formats.
- Supports standard inside and outside bets.
American roulette
American roulette adds a double-zero (00) pocket for a total of 38 pockets. This increases the standard house edge to 5.26%, compared with 2.70% on European roulette.
- Includes both 0 and 00.
- Commonly associated with US casinos.
- Uses most of the same standard bets as European roulette but with a higher house edge.
French roulette
French roulette normally uses the same single-zero wheel as European roulette, but some tables add special rules for even-money bets:
- La Partage: If the ball lands on 0, half of your even-money stake is returned.
- En Prison: If the ball lands on 0, your even-money stake is held for the next spin. If the bet wins on that spin, your stake is returned.
These rules can reduce the effective house edge on qualifying even-money bets from 2.70% to about 1.35%.
Live dealer roulette
Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel and dealer to your screen. Tables can use European, American or French rules, so the house edge depends on the wheel and rules used rather than whether the game is live or RNG.
- Typically slower-paced than RNG roulette.
- Can include different table limits, VIP tables and themed rooms.
- May offer multiple camera angles, live statistics and dealer chat.
Modern Online Roulette Variants
Beyond the classic wheels, modern roulette variants can add multipliers, extra balls or faster rounds. These changes affect the payouts, pace and volatility, so it is worth checking the rules before playing.
- Lightning roulette: Adds random multipliers to selected numbers each round. Straight-up wins can pay much more than 35:1, while non-multiplied straight-up wins use a reduced base payout.
- Double Ball roulette: Uses two balls on the same wheel, creating additional bets and payouts based on where both balls land.
- Speed roulette: Uses faster spin cycles and shorter betting windows for quicker rounds.
- Auto roulette: Uses an automated wheel instead of a live dealer and can run rounds continuously.
Check the rules: Multiplier and multi-ball variants can use different payouts and volatility from standard roulette, so do not assume the biggest advertised payout means better overall odds.
Roulette Variants FAQ
Which roulette variant has the lowest house edge?
French roulette with La Partage or En Prison can reduce the effective house edge to about 1.35% on qualifying even-money bets. Standard European roulette has a house edge of 2.70%.
What is the difference between European and American roulette?
European roulette has one zero and 37 pockets in total, giving it a standard house edge of 2.70%. American roulette adds a 00 pocket for 38 pockets in total, increasing the standard house edge to 5.26%.
What is triple-zero roulette?
Triple-zero roulette uses 39 pockets, normally numbered 0, 00, 000 and 1-36. With standard roulette payouts, the additional zero increases the house edge to about 7.69%.
What is La Partage in roulette?
La Partage is a French roulette rule that applies to qualifying even-money bets. If the ball lands on 0, half of your stake is returned instead of losing the full bet.
What is En Prison in roulette?
En Prison is a French roulette rule for qualifying even-money bets. If the ball lands on 0, the stake is held for the next spin. If the bet wins on that spin, the stake is returned.
How are multiplier roulette games different?
Multiplier roulette variants can apply enhanced payouts to selected numbers while changing the standard payout structure elsewhere. The exact rules, payouts and volatility depend on the game, so check its information panel before playing.
