Why European Roulette Is Disappearing From Casinos (And What It Means for Your Odds)

Walk into certain casinos today, and something feels off. You’ll still hear the click of the ball, the murmur of bets, and the celebration of the occasional win. But if you look closely, you might notice that one classic option is quietly missing: the European roulette wheel.

It hasn’t disappeared entirely, but in more and more places, it’s been pushed aside, replaced, or hidden in a corner while a different version takes centre stage. The change is subtle, but it’s not accidental.

Here’s why this matters, and what it means for you as a player.

First, What Makes European Roulette Different (And Better for You)

Before we get into why it’s disappearing, it helps to understand what sets the European roulette wheel apart.

European roulette has 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 and a single green zero. American roulette, by comparison, has 38 pockets. It adds a second green “double zero.” That single extra pocket might not seem like much, but it shifts the odds.

House edge:

• European roulette: 2.7%
• American roulette: 5.26%

That’s nearly double the edge for the house in American roulette. So from a player’s point of view, the European version is clearly the better option. Yet in some casinos, it’s being phased out.

The Quiet Switch: Why Casinos Are Phasing Out European Roulette

Casinos don’t tend to announce these things. You won’t see a press release or a sign saying “We’ve replaced a fairer game with one that benefits us more.” But the trend is happening, and it’s mostly about profits.

By replacing European roulette wheels with American ones, the house instantly increases its edge. It doesn’t require new equipment. It doesn’t need to hire new staff. It just means that, over time, the house earns more per spin from the same number of players.

In physical casinos, where table space is limited and every square foot matters, game selection is strategic. American roulette gives them more margin, so it gets the better table location.

“It’s just business,” one dealer admitted. “Players don’t always notice. But the house definitely does.”

Why Some Casinos Keep This Shift Under the Radar

So why not just advertise it? Because players know the math.

Experienced gamblers (especially those who play regularly) prefer the European layout. The single zero is a symbol of better odds, even if the difference plays out slowly over time.

By removing the European table without much notice, casinos avoid sparking resistance. Many casual players won’t realise what changed. Others may assume the American version is just a variation rather than a downgrade in odds.

It’s a quiet change because it works better that way. Casinos don’t need players questioning what’s fair, just engaging with what’s available.

What This Means for Your Chances at the Table

Let’s break this down simply. If you’re placing outside bets on red or black, odds or evens, you’ve got better chances on a European table. That lower house edge helps your bankroll last longer and reduces your expected loss per hour.

Here’s what you’re up against:

That 2.56% difference may seem small, but over 100 spins at $10 each, it means about $25 more lost just for playing the version with an extra zero.

Multiply that over a weekend, and you start to see why this matters.

How to Spot a Casino That Still Offers European Roulette

The good news? Not every casino has made the switch. Some still offer European wheels, especially in higher-stakes areas, international gaming rooms, or online platforms that cater to strategy-focused players.

Here’s how to spot the good ones:

• Look for single zero wheels – literally, look at the layout.
• Check the digital display if you’re at an electronic terminal. It usually says which variant is being used.
• Ask the dealer or staff. They’ll usually tell you, especially if you frame it as a gameplay question.
• Online? Look at the game info or rules section. European and American versions are clearly marked if you dig a little.

If you care about odds, this is worth the 30 seconds of research.

What the Experts Say: Why This Trend Might Grow

Insiders we’ve spoken with expect this shift to continue, especially in North American casinos where many casual players don’t know the difference.

Online, it’s a different story. European roulette still dominates on many licensed platforms, and some live dealers even specialise in the single-zero format. That’s likely to stay (for now) because online players often compare versions before choosing a table.

In-person, though, the trend is toward higher-margin games. That doesn’t mean all casinos will ditch European roulette, but it does mean you’ll need to pay more attention if you care about playing the version that’s slightly more in your favour.

If You Want the Best Odds, Here’s What to Do

We get it. Sometimes you’re there for fun. You’re not counting every decimal point. But if you’re placing real bets, it’s worth playing smarter.

Here’s your quick checklist:

• Prefer European over American roulette whenever possible.
• Avoid tables that don’t clearly show the rules. If you can’t find the layout, assume it’s not the good version.
• Online? Bookmark platforms that prioritise European games. Some casinos even label them as “Low House Edge” or “Pro Friendly.”
• Don’t assume the roulette you played last time is still there. Check again. Casinos rotate layouts, especially during slow seasons.

Small changes in edge lead to big shifts in your long-term outcomes.

Final Thoughts: It’s Still Roulette, But Not Quite the Same

The game hasn’t changed, but the experience has. European roulette was once the norm in many lobbies, and its quiet removal speaks volumes about where casino strategy is headed.

This shift doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy roulette. But it does mean you’ll need to be more intentional. Know what you’re betting on. Know how many zeros are on the wheel. Know who benefits most from the game you’re about to play.

Because it might not be you.