Roulette vs Blackjack Odds – a Comparison

Roulette and blackjack are two of the most popular casino games online. Both have entertained players for years thanks to their simplicity and excitement. They are both more strategic than many games on offer (check out our roulette vs slots article if you are more interested in pure chance games).

While roulette offers a mix of luck and strategy, blackjack stands out for its strategic depth and favorable odds when played optimally. Let’s take a look at roulette vs blackjack betting odds.

What are the key differences between these games? Let’s start with European Roulette and European Blackjack, and delve into the games: their variants, plus their pros and cons.

Popular Variants of Both Games: An Overview

European Roulette is a classic casino game featuring a spinning wheel divided into 37 numbered pockets (0–36). Players bet on the outcome of the spin, choosing from options such as specific numbers, groups of numbers, or colours (red/black).

The house edge in European Roulette is 2.70%, meaning the return-to-player (RTP) percentage is 97.30%. This edge arises from the single zero pocket, which tilts the odds in favor of the casino.

European Blackjack, a variant of the traditional game, pits players against the dealer. The goal is to form a hand closer to 21 than the dealer’s without exceeding it. Players can draw additional cards (hit), stick with their current hand (stand), double their bets (double down), or split pairs.

When played with optimal strategy, the RTP for European Blackjack can reach 99.60%. This high RTP results from strategic decisions, such as when to hit, stand, or double down, making it a skill-dependent game.

Comparing Odds: Roulette vs Blackjack

Best Odds in Roulette: European Roulette with La Partage
European Roulette with the La Partage rule offers the best odds for roulette enthusiasts. This rule applies to even-money bets (e.g., red/black, odd/even). If the ball lands on zero, players lose only half of their bet instead of the entire amount. With La Partage, the house edge drops to 1.35%, boosting the RTP to 98.65%.

Best Odds in Blackjack: Single-Deck Variants
Single-deck blackjack offers the most favorable odds for blackjack players. With optimal strategy, these variants can reduce the house edge to as low as 0.50%, translating to an RTP of 99.50%. Variants like Vegas Strip Blackjack or Atlantic City Blackjack also provide competitive odds with slight rule adjustments.

Online Availability
Both European Roulette with La Partage and single-deck blackjack are available online, although the former is rarer. Many online casinos offer blackjack with favourable rules, while roulette players might need to search for platforms featuring La Partage or En Prison rules.

Popular Variants: Roulette vs Blackjack

Roulette Variants
American Roulette: Features a double zero pocket, increasing the house edge to 5.26%.
French Roulette: Similar to European Roulette but often includes La Partage or En Prison rules.
Mini Roulette: A smaller wheel with fewer numbers, often with higher house edges.

Blackjack Variants
Classic Blackjack: The standard game with a 3:2 payout for blackjack.
Pontoon: A British variant with unique rules like the “Five Card Trick.”
Progressive Blackjack: Includes side bets for jackpots, often at the cost of higher house edges.

Comparison of Popularity

Roulette games like European and French Roulette are staples of both land-based and online casinos. Blackjack variants like Classic and Vegas Strip Blackjack dominate the online scene

Bets and Games to Avoid

Roulette
American Roulette: The double zero pocket significantly increases the house edge, making it less favorable than European or French Roulette.
Five Number Bet: Found in American Roulette, this bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. It has a house edge of 7.89%, making it one of the worst bets. Avoid it!

Blackjack
Side Bets: While enticing, side bets like Insurance or Perfect Pairs often come with high house edges, diminishing long-term returns.
6:5 Blackjack: Blackjack games offering a 6:5 payout for a natural blackjack should be avoided. These increase the house edge significantly compared to the standard 3:2 payout.

Final Thoughts

Roulette and blackjack cater to different player preferences. For those who like to try their luck and enjoy pure simplicity, European Roulette—especially with the La Partage rule—offers favourable odds approaching that of blackjack. Blackjack appeals to players who enjoy strategy and decision-making, with single-deck variants providing the best chances of success.

Both games have many variants online, but watch out and do your research when selecting games or bets to place. Avoid high-edge options like American Roulette and unfavourable blackjack payouts to maximize your enjoyment and potential winnings.

Choose wisely and strike a balance between entertainment and favourable odds.