BassWin European vs American Roulette: A Strategic Guide
Choosing between European and American roulette is one of the first decisions a player makes at any table. The choice significantly impacts your odds and overall strategy. This guide breaks down the key differences between these two popular roulette variants, specifically at BassWin casino, giving you the concrete details needed to play smarter.
The Core Difference: The Single-Zero vs. Double-Zero Wheel
The most critical distinction lies in the wheel layout. European Roulette features a single zero (0), bringing the total number of pockets to 37. American Roulette includes both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00), for a total of 38 pockets. This single extra pocket is what dramatically changes the game’s mathematics. The presence of the double zero increases the house edge, meaning the casino has a greater statistical advantage over the player in the long run. For a straight-up bet (betting on a single number), the house edge in European Roulette is 2.70%, while in American Roulette it jumps to 5.26%.

Comparing the Rules and Their Impact on Your Game
Beyond the wheel, specific rules can affect your gameplay and potential losses. The most important rule variation is ‘La Partage’ or ‘En Prison’, commonly found in European Roulette.
- La Partage: If you place an even-money bet (e.g., Red/Black, Odd/Even) and the ball lands on zero, you lose only half your bet. This rule effectively halves the house edge on even-money bets to approximately 1.35%.
- En Prison: This rule “imprisons” your even-money bet for the next spin if the ball lands on zero. If your bet wins on the subsequent spin, your original bet is returned without winnings.
American Roulette tables almost never offer these rules, making European Roulette the clear choice for strategic players focusing on outside bets.
RTP and Volatility at BassWin
The Return to Player (RTP) percentage is directly derived from the house edge. At BassWin, the RTP for European Roulette is a respectable 97.30%, while American Roulette sits at 94.74%. This means that for every £100 wagered, you can theoretically expect to get back £97.30 from European Roulette versus only £94.74 from American Roulette over an extended period. While both games have similar volatility (the frequency and size of wins), the higher RTP of European Roulette makes it a less costly game to play in the long term.
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Pockets | 37 (0 to 36) | 38 (0, 00, 1 to 36) |
| House Edge (Straight Up) | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| RTP | 97.30% | 94.74% |
| Common Special Rules | La Partage, En Prison | None |
Using Your BassWin Bonus Wisely
When you claim a BassWin bonus, it’s crucial to understand the wagering requirements. These requirements dictate how many times you must play through the bonus amount before you can withdraw winnings. Because of its lower house edge, using your bonus funds on European Roulette is far more efficient. You will lose less money to the house edge while meeting the wagering conditions, preserving more of your bonus balance. This is especially true for a BassWin no deposit offer, where your starting capital is limited. Always check if a specific BassWin promo code excludes roulette or applies different wagering contributions before you play. Similarly, BassWin free spins winnings are often subject to the same rules, so applying that strategy to other games is wise.
Final Verdict and How to Get Started
For any serious roulette player, European Roulette is the superior choice due to its significantly better odds. The lower house edge and player-friendly rules like La Partage make it the mathematically sound option. While American Roulette can be entertaining, it comes at a higher cost. To explore these games yourself, a great resource for understanding fair play and secure gaming practices can be found at Bass Win. Remember, always set a budget, play responsibly, and choose the game that gives you the best chance to succeed.
