Roulette returns are determined by three things: the wheel type, the table rules, and any special features such as multipliers. Whether you play at a traditional site or a crypto casino, the math is the same: house edge equals 1 − RTP. Understanding which rules you’re sitting down to can change your expected return by several percentage points.
The baseline house edges by wheel and rule set
- European roulette (single zero): 2.70% house edge, or 97.30% RTP. This is the standard figure you’ll see on reputable European wheels, including many live games.
- American roulette (double zero): 5.26% house edge on most bets; the notorious 0-00-1-2-3 “five-number” bet is worse at 7.89%. RTP is 94.74% overall.
- French roulette with La Partage / En Prison (even-money bets): reduces the edge to 1.35% on those even-money wagers, i.e., 98.65% RTP. Other bets remain at European levels.
- Triple-zero roulette: typically 7.69% house edge (≈92.31% RTP). Avoid if you have better options.
- Mini roulette (13 pockets): usually 7.69% house edge on all bets.
Crypto and live variants with multipliers
Some popular crypto/live tables add multipliers to straight-up numbers and compensate by lowering the base payout on those bets (for example, paying 29:1 instead of 35:1). Overall table RTP often stays around 97.3%, but the straight-up bet’s RTP can be lower. Examples include Lightning Roulette and Mega Roulette; both use European wheels, but straight-up bets have reduced theoretical returns compared with classic European tables. Always read the game’s info panel.
Step-by-step: estimate your expected returns
- Identify the wheel. Single-zero→2.70%; double-zero→5.26%; triple-zero→≈7.69%; mini→≈7.69%. This sets the baseline.
- Check special rules. If the table uses La Partage or En Prison, even-money bets drop to a 1.35% edge.
- Look for multipliers or altered payouts. Lightning-style or bonus roulette lowers straight-up payouts; confirm the posted RTP for those bets and the table overall.
- Verify the RTP in the game info. Live/RNG European tables from major providers typically display 97.30% RTP; French tables may show 98.65% on even-money.
- Convert to dollars. Expected return on a $100 wager is RTP × $100. For example, European: ≈$97.30; American: ≈$94.74; French even-money with La Partage: ≈$98.65; triple-zero: ≈$92.31.
Why the house edge exists in roulette
All standard bets on a wheel share the same built-in disadvantage because payouts are set slightly below “true odds.” On American wheels it’s 5.26% for most bets and worse for the five-number bet; on European wheels it’s 2.70%. Mixing columns, dozens, or inside bets doesn’t change the long-run edge; it only changes variance.
Crypto-specific fairness: RNG certification vs. provably fair
Most online roulette outside of on-chain niche titles is either live-dealer or RNG-based. For RNG roulette, look for third-party testing and certification (e.g., eCOGRA or GLI) in the game or casino footer; these labs test that outcomes are unpredictable and unbiased. Live tables run on real wheels from licensed studios, and their rulesheets list RTPs too. Note that your choice of crypto coin or payment rail does not change RTP—it affects only fees and settlement.
Quick comparison table
| Variant / rule | House edge | RTP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| European (single zero) | 2.70% | 97.30% | Widely available in live/RNG; default choice. |
| French even-money (La Partage / En Prison) | 1.35% | 98.65% | Applies only to even-money bets. |
| American (double zero) | 5.26% | 94.74% | Avoid the 0-00-1-2-3 five-number bet. |
| American five-number bet | 7.89% | 92.11% | Worst standard bet on double-zero wheels. |
| Triple-zero | 7.69% | 92.31% | Growing in some markets; generally poor value. |
| Mini roulette (13 pockets) | 7.69% | 92.31% | Small wheel; high edge. |
| Lightning/Mega-style (straight-up) | varies | varies | Straight-up RTP lower than classic; table RTP ≈97.3% typical. |
Practical table-selection checklist
- Prefer European or French wheels; avoid triple-zero and the five-number bet on American tables.
- Read the info panel for the exact RTPs, especially on multiplier variants.
- For RNG tables, look for independent certification (eCOGRA/GLI).
- Bankroll and coin choice don’t alter the edge; they only change fees and convenience.
Frequently asked questions
Does using crypto change roulette RTP?
No. RTP is set by the wheel and rules. Crypto only affects how you deposit/withdraw and the fees you pay. Check the game info panel for the posted RTP.
Why do Lightning-style games feel different?
They add multipliers to some numbers and compensate by lowering the base straight-up payout, so the straight-up bet’s RTP is lower even if the overall table RTP remains near 97.3%.
What’s the best mainstream roulette edge I can get?
On even-money bets with La Partage or En Prison, the edge drops to 1.35%. If those rules aren’t available, a regular European wheel at 2.70% is next best.
Is there any bet on American roulette I should avoid specifically?
Yes, the 0-00-1-2-3 five-number bet carries a 7.89% edge, much worse than the usual 5.26% on that wheel.
