European Roulette

European Roulette by NetEnt

European Roulette is one of the oldest casino games still played today, and NetEnt's version stays true to the format while delivering the kind of clean presentation the developer is known for. The single-zero wheel is the defining feature here - and it matters more than most players realise when it comes to your long-term odds.

This guide covers everything you need to know: how the game works, every bet type available, the house edge, how it stacks up against American Roulette, and the strategy approaches that are worth understanding before you sit down at the table.

How European Roulette Works

The wheel contains 37 pockets numbered 0 to 36. Of these, 18 are red, 18 are black, and the single green zero sits outside both colour groups. A small ball is released as the wheel spins, and when it comes to rest in a pocket, all bets matching that number or category pay out.

NetEnt's version presents the classic felt layout alongside the wheel. You select a chip denomination - options run from £0.25 to £100 - click your chosen bet position, and hit spin. The interface keeps a history of recent results and lets you replay your previous bet with a single click, which is useful if you want to keep consistent stakes across multiple spins.

The RTP is 97.30%, meaning for every £100 wagered the game returns £97.30 on average over time. That figure is built into the single-zero format and cannot be improved by bet selection.

Inside Bets

Inside bets are placed directly on the numbered grid and offer higher payouts in exchange for lower probability.

• Straight Up - A single number. Pays 35:1. Covers 1 of 37 pockets.
• Split - Two adjacent numbers, placed on the line between them. Pays 17:1.
• Street - Three numbers in a horizontal row. Placed on the outer edge of the row. Pays 11:1.
• Corner - Four numbers sharing a corner. Chip placed at the intersection. Pays 8:1.
• Six Line - Two adjacent rows of three numbers. Pays 5:1.

The payout on a straight up bet looks generous at 35:1, but there are 37 pockets so the true odds are 36:1. That gap is where the house edge lives for every inside bet type.

Outside Bets

Outside bets cover larger sections of the wheel and pay less per win, but they land far more frequently than inside bets.

• Red / Black - 18 numbers each. Pays 1:1. Zero not included.
• Odd / Even - 18 numbers each. Pays 1:1. Zero not included.
• 1-18 / 19-36 (Low / High) - Pays 1:1. Zero not included.
• Dozens - First 12 (1-12), Second 12 (13-24), Third 12 (25-36). Pays 2:1.
• Columns - Vertical columns of 12 numbers each. Pays 2:1.

When zero lands, all outside bets lose. This is why even-money bets like red/black carry a house edge - zero sits outside the red and black categories entirely.

House Edge: European vs American Roulette

The house edge on European Roulette is 2.70%. That figure applies uniformly to every bet on the table - inside, outside, regardless of how you combine your wagers.

American Roulette adds a second green pocket, the double zero (00), bringing the wheel to 38 pockets. This single change lifts the house edge to 5.26% - nearly double. The payouts remain identical, so you get fewer winning spins but the same returns when you do win.

On a £10 stake per spin, the theoretical cost per hour at 30 spins is around £8.10 on a European wheel against £15.78 on an American one. Over a session, that difference compounds significantly. If you have the choice between the two variants, European Roulette is the rational pick every time. You can compare both on American Roulette.

Roulette Strategy: What Works and What Doesn't

No betting system alters the 2.70% house edge. Martingale (doubling after losses), Fibonacci sequences, D'Alembert progressions - these change how your bankroll moves session to session but cannot change the expected return per spin. The mathematics is fixed in the single-zero format.

What strategy can do is help you manage variance and session length:

• Flat betting on outside bets gives the longest session time at a given bankroll. Red/black at 1:1 keeps you in the game more spins than chasing straight ups.
• Inside bets produce higher variance - long runs without wins followed by larger payouts. Better suited to players comfortable with wider swings.
• Combination coverage - placing a straight up alongside a column or dozen - lets you balance potential payout against frequency. Just be aware you are still paying 2.70% on every chip wagered regardless of placement.

Bankroll management is the most practical tool at your disposal. Setting a loss limit before you play and sticking to it keeps any session from spiralling. NetEnt's version supports this with its chip denomination range - you can play at £0.25 per spin or up to £500 if you want to keep stakes measured.

The NetEnt Presentation

NetEnt is one of the largest game developers in the industry, and their European Roulette reflects the studio's approach to established games - clean interface, fast load times, and no unnecessary distractions. The wheel animation is smooth, the result history is visible at a glance, and the bet controls are easy to navigate across both desktop and mobile. See more titles from NetEnt.

The game launched in June 2013 and has remained a reliable version of the format. The max bet of £500 per spin keeps it accessible to a wide range of players.

Where to Play European Roulette

These online casinos carry NetEnt games including European Roulette. Read our Donbet review or browse all casino reviews.

European Roulette RTP and Variance

European Roulette has an RTP of 97.30%, which is well above average. See our highest RTP slots for the best returning games.

More NetEnt Slots

If you enjoy European Roulette, try these other NetEnt games available at the same casinos.