Lizaro European vs American Roulette: A Player’s Guide
Choosing between European and American roulette is one of the first decisions you’ll make at an online casino like Lizaro. While they look similar, the subtle differences have a major impact on your chances of winning. This guide will break down the exact rules, house edges, and strategies for both versions, giving you the concrete information needed to play smarter.
Core Rule Differences: The Single Zero Advantage
The most critical difference lies in the wheel layout. A European roulette wheel has 37 pockets: numbers 1 through 36 (alternating red and black) and a single green zero (0). American roulette, however, has 38 pockets. It includes the numbers 1-36 plus two green pockets: a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). This single additional pocket is what drastically changes the game’s mathematics. All other rules regarding betting on red/black, odd/even, and specific numbers remain consistent between the two versions.

House Edge Calculation: Why the Zero Matters
The house edge is the casino’s mathematical advantage over the player, expressed as a percentage. It represents the average amount of each bet the casino expects to keep over the long term. This is where the number of zeros becomes paramount.
- European Roulette House Edge: With 37 pockets, the true odds of winning a single number bet are 1 in 37. However, the payout is 35 to 1. The house edge is calculated as (1/37 * 35) – (36/37 * 1) = 2.70%.
- American Roulette House Edge: With 38 pockets, the true odds are 1 in 38, but the payout remains 35 to 1. The edge becomes (1/38 * 35) – (37/38 * 1) = 5.26%.
This means American roulette is nearly twice as expensive for the player. For every $100 wagered, you can expect to lose $5.26 on average playing the American version, compared to just $2.70 on the European wheel.
Comparing Betting Options and Payouts
The standard betting layout and payouts are identical for both games. The table below outlines the common bets and their details.
| Bet Type | Description | Payout | European Odds | American Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | Bet on a single number | 35:1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Split | Bet on two adjacent numbers | 17:1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Street | Bet on three numbers in a row | 11:1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Red/Black | Bet on the color | 1:1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Odd/Even | Bet on odd or even | 1:1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
As shown, while payouts are the same, the underlying probability of winning any of these bets is lower in American roulette due to the extra 00 pocket.
Strategic Implications for Your Bankroll
The higher house edge in American roulette directly affects your bankroll management. Your money will, statistically, last significantly longer on a European wheel. If you are a casual player using a £50 bankroll, the European game gives you more spins for your money. Strategies like the Martingale (doubling your bet after a loss) are also riskier on the American table because the presence of the 00 increases the likelihood of hitting a losing streak that quickly exceeds table limits or your budget. For any serious roulette strategy, the European version is the only logical choice.
Finding the Best Version at Lizaro Casino
When you log into your Lizaro casino account, you’ll typically find multiple live dealer and RNG (Random Number Generator) roulette games. Always check the game title and description for “European” or “American.” Reputable providers like Evolution Gaming or Playtech clearly label their games. Before you claim any Lizaro bonus, such as a welcome package or a Lizaro no deposit offer, verify that the wagering requirements can be met on European roulette, as it often contributes 100% to playthrough. Using a specific Lizaro promo code might grant you Lizaro free spins on slots, but for table games, the focus should be on finding the lowest-house-edge options. The clear winner for any informed player is unequivocally European roulette.
Ultimately, the choice is simple: for better odds and a more sustainable gaming experience, always opt for the European wheel. You can explore the live casino section at Lizaro to find top-quality European roulette tables and put this knowledge into practice.