Roulette Odds Explained: European vs American House Edge

Roulette odds explained: why single-zero wheels have a 2.70% house edge and double-zero wheels 5.26%, and the law in Singapore and Malaysia.

Quick answer: Roulette’s house edge comes from the zero. A single-zero (European) wheel has 37 pockets and a house edge of 2.70%. A double-zero (American) wheel has 38 pockets and a house edge of 5.26%. No betting system changes these figures.

How roulette works

A ball is spun around a numbered wheel and lands in one pocket. Players bet on a single number, groups of numbers, or “outside” bets such as red or black and odd or even. A single-zero wheel has pockets 0 to 36; a double-zero wheel adds a 00 pocket.

Where the house edge comes from

A bet on one number pays 35 to 1. If there were only 36 numbers, that payout would be fair and the casino would break even. The zero (and on American wheels, the double zero) adds pockets that are not paid at true odds, which gives the casino its edge.

Wheel	Pockets	Straight-up payout	House edge
European (single zero)	37	35 to 1	2.70%
American (double zero)	38	35 to 1	5.26%

Some casinos apply “la partage” or “en prison” rules to even-money bets when zero comes up. Under en prison, Wikipedia gives a house edge on even-money bets of about 1.35%–1.38% on a single-zero wheel and 2.63% on a double-zero wheel. The edge is lower, but it is never zero.

Do betting systems work?

No. Systems such as doubling your stake after a loss change how wins and losses are spread out, not the average. Every spin carries the same house edge, so over time the expected result is a loss.

Is online roulette legal in Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand?

Singapore: Singapore Pools is the only operator licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) for remote gambling. Playing roulette with an unlicensed online operator while in Singapore can lead to a fine of up to S$10,000, up to 6 months’ jail, or both. See online casino Singapore: is it legal?

Malaysia: online gambling is prohibited under the Betting Act 1953 and the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, and there is no online casino licensing system. See online casino Malaysia: is it legal?

Thailand: online gambling is illegal under the Gambling Act B.E. 2478 (1935). See online casino Thailand: is it legal?

Roulette FAQ

Is European or American roulette better for players?

European (single zero) has the lower house edge, 2.70% against 5.26%, though both lose money on average.

Can you beat roulette with a strategy?

No betting strategy removes the house edge, because every spin has the same odds.

Is online roulette legal in Malaysia?

No. Online gambling is prohibited under the Betting Act 1953 and the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.

Getting help

If gambling is causing problems for you or someone close to you, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline (Singapore) on 1800 666 8668 (daily, 8am–11pm).

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Sources

AuthoritySlot does not link to, promote or earn from any gambling operator. This page explains how a game works; it is not an invitation to gamble and not legal advice. Last checked: 24 October 2026.