American vs. French Roulette
The main difference between the American game of roulette and the French game of roulette is the wheel. The American wheels feature the numbers 1 to 36, the 0 and the 00. On the other hand, the French roulette wheels feature the numbers 1 to 36 and the 0 (not the 00). Many people would not think this one number difference is significant; however, the French wheel greatly increases the player’s odds of winning. Also, the numbers are logically dispersed the same way on both wheels. The reason they are “logically dispersed” is because the location of each number is very important. This ensures that the chance of landing on a high number has the exact same probability as landing on a low number.
The French roulette wheel is the exact same as the American wheel except for the fact that is does not have a slot for 00. The 0 is green, and the other numbers, 1 to 36 are logically dispersed on the wheel and each slot alternates between black and red. Since the 00 is not present, this also means the roulette board looks slightly different. The game itself is also played in the same manner. The dealer is called a croupier, which is the official term used when playing in European casinos.
The French roulette wheel is found throughout European casinos and South American casinos. In fact the French roulette wheel is very rarely seen in American casinos. This is because the French roulette wheel decreases the casino’s advantage. Also what is interesting to note is the payout ratio is the exact same. Normally the house has a 5.26 percent advantage in the game of roulette. However, with the French roulette wheel having no 00 slot, this cuts the casino’s advantage to 2.70 percent.
The French initially introduced the game of roulette to America in New Orleans around the 1800’s. After several changes in the wheels the American Roulette wheel has the numbers 1 to 36, 0 and 00. The game is played exactly the same way as the French version and instead of the term croupier, the American casinos use the term dealer.
The American roulette wheel is found throughout the United States and many other areas of the world. The American roulette wheel gives the casinos a 5.26 percent advantage, which is why it is popular among casinos.
