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Roulette Strategy: European vs American and Best Bets

An introduction to the king of casino games, Roulette. This guide will walk you through the key differences between European and American roulette, and which bets give you the best chance of winning.

Roulette Strategy: European vs American and Best Bets\n\nAn introduction to the king of casino games, Roulette. This guide will walk you through the key differences between European and American roulette, and which bets give you the best chance of winning.\n\n## European vs. American Roulette: The Great Divide\n\nThe most crucial difference between European and American roulette lies in the wheel itself. The European wheel has 37 pockets, with numbers from 1 to 36 and a single zero (0). The American wheel, on the other hand, has 38 pockets, with numbers from 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00).\n\nThis seemingly small difference has a significant impact on the house edge. The house edge in European roulette is 2.7%, while in American roulette, it's almost double at 5.26%. This means that for every $100 you bet, you're expected to lose $2.70 on a European table and $5.26 on an American table. Therefore, you should always choose to play European roulette if it's available.\n\n### Key Differences at a Glance\n\n| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |\n|---|---|---|\n| Number of Pockets | 37 (1-36 and 0) | 38 (1-36, 0, and 00) |\n| House Edge | 2.7% | 5.26% |\n| Player Advantage | Higher | Lower |\n\n## Understanding the Bets\n\nRoulette bets are divided into two main categories: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers, while outside bets are placed on larger groups of numbers.\n\n### Inside Bets\n\nInside bets offer higher payouts but have a lower probability of winning.\n\n| Bet | Payout | Description |\n|---|---|---|\n| Straight Up | 35 to 1 | A bet on a single number. |\n| Split | 17 to 1 | A bet on two adjacent numbers. |\n| Street | 11 to 1 | A bet on three consecutive numbers in a horizontal line. |\n| Corner | 8 to 1 | A bet on four numbers that meet at a corner. |\n| Six Line | 5 to 1 | A bet on six consecutive numbers that form two horizontal lines. |\n\n### Outside Bets\n\nOutside bets offer lower payouts but have a higher probability of winning. These are the best bets for beginners.\n\n| Bet | Payout | Description |\n|---|---|---|\n| Column | 2 to 1 | A bet on one of the three vertical columns of numbers. |\n| Dozen | 2 to 1 | A bet on a group of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36). |\n| Red/Black | 1 to 1 | A bet on whether the winning number will be red or black. |\n| Odd/Even | 1 to 1 | A bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even. |\n| High/Low | 1 to 1 | A bet on whether the winning number will be in the low range (1-18) or the high range (19-36). |\n\n## Best Bets for Beginners\n\nFor beginners, the best bets are the even-money outside bets: Red/Black, Odd/Even, and High/Low. These bets have a nearly 50% chance of winning and are a great way to get a feel for the game without risking too much of your bankroll. You can use the Bankroll Tracker [blocked] to manage your funds effectively.\n\n## Conclusion\n\nRoulette is a game of chance, but understanding the differences between European and American roulette and the various types of bets can help you make more informed decisions. Always opt for European roulette when possible, and for beginners, stick to the outside bets to maximize your chances of winning. As you become more comfortable with the game, you can explore more complex betting strategies. For more precise calculations of your odds, you can use the Odds Calculator [blocked].

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