Learn everything about American roulette, including rules of playing, different types of bets, winning tips and strategies, and much more in our complete guide.
Roulette has been a popular table game in the United States for many decades. The game's popularity is contributed significantly by its thrilling and straightforward gameplay. Though many versions of roulette, many people opt for the American roulette wheel. This game stands out from its European counterpart with 38 pockets, including a zero (0) and double zero (00).
The player's objective is to predict where the ball will land after spinning. This American roulette guide covers all there is to know, including the history and foundation, gameplay and rules, types of bets and payout odds, tips and tricks to winning, and much more.
Brief History of American Roulette
The first roulette table hit the market back in the 18 century. The game immediately attracted a huge fan base in France and soon in the United States. Roulette was taken to the US by Frenchmen in the 19th century. However, several changes were made to the roulette table when it landed in America.
The game was customized to meet the local market demands. Two green zeros were added to the American roulette table layout, which gives it a higher house edge than the European roulette table. The renowned French mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal is the brain behind the modern roulette game we play today.
The original roulette wheel did not have zeros, and landing the ball in the correct pocket was pretty simple. Later, casino operators realized that they could lower the chances of winning by introducing zeros to the game. The game has evolved and is now available in different variants, such as the European, American, and French roulette games.
The Rules of Playing American Roulette
One thing we know for sure is you can play American roulette without prior skills as the rules are straightforward. The American roulette wheel features 38 divisions that are marked with different red and black colors and numbers. Also, the layout features two green pockets marked with a single zero(0) and double zeros(00).
You can only win by predicting where the ball will settle. Before the dealer spins the wheel, all players make their bets. The dealer spins the roulette wheel in one direction, and the roulette ball is thrown in the opposite. All the winning bets are paid after the ball landing, and another round is started. Nevertheless, roulette is not only limited to betting on one number. Players can combine different numbers to increase the winning opportunities.
Types of American Roulette Bets
Success in roulette highly depends on your knowledge of all the bets and the possible payouts you can receive. Like other versions, the American roulette table has inside bets and outside bets and exotic wagers. With all this in mind, you will boost your gaming experience and winning opportunities. So, let's look at some of the most popular bets in the American roulette game:
Inside Bets
Inside bets are exactly what they sound to be. These wagers are placed on the inside lane on the American roulette layout. Inside bets are placed on single numbers, adjacent numbers or small groups of numbers. The following are the inside bets you can play:
- Straight Up Bet: You bet on any single number, including the single zero and double zeros. The chip is placed directly on the number. This bet offers a payout of 35 to 1.
- Split Bet: This bet features two adjacent numbers. The betting chip is placed on the line between the numbers, including the zeros (0) and (00). The payout is 17 to 1.
- Street Bet: This wager has all three numbers in a row. You place the betting chips on the line at the end of the row. Alternatively, you can place on numbers 0, 1, 2; 0, 00, 2; and 00, 2, 3. It has a payout of 11 to 1.
- Corner Bet: This wager has a group of four numbers. You place the betting chip at the corner where the numbers touch. This bet pays 8 to 1.
- Five Bet: This wager has numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. You place betting chips at the corner by 0 and 1. The payout is 6 to 1.
- Line Bet: This wager has six numbers or two rows of three numbers. You place betting chips at the end of the two rows and the border between them. The payout is 5 to 1.
Outside Bets
American roulette outside betting options comprise large groups of numbers, and the chips are placed on the outer section of the layout. These are the outside bets you can play:
- Column Bet: This wager covers an entire column on the roulette layout. You place betting chips on the "2-1" pocket at the end of the column. The payout is 2 to 1.
- Dozen Bet: This wager covers a group of 12 numbers on the roulette layout. You place betting chips on pockets (1 to 12), (13 to 24), and (25 to 36). The payout is 2 to 1.
- Bet on Color: This wager features all the red or black numbers on the roulette layout. You place betting chips on the Red pocket (all red numbers) or the Green pocket (all green numbers). The payout is 1 to 1.
- Odd/Even Bet: This wager features all the odd and even numbers on the roulette layout. You place betting chips on the "Odd" pocket or "Even" pocket. The payout is 1 to 1.
- High/Low Bet: This wager features all the high and low numbers on the roulette wheel. You place betting chips on the "Low" pocket or the "High" pocket. The payout is 1 to 1.
House Edge in American Roulette
Many people shy away from American roulette because the house has a bigger advantage over players. The single zero and double zeros give this version a higher house edge of about 5.26%. Unfortunately, the La Partage rule does not apply in American roulette, but you can take advantage of the surrender option.
Please note that you lose all even money bets if the ball lands in any one of the two zero boxes. Suppose you opt for the five-number bet that applies to American roulette only; the house edge increases to 7.89%. On the other hand, European roulette has a relatively low house edge of 2.7% since it has a single zero only.
Surrender Rule in American Roulette
Many players employ the surrender rule to boost the chances of beating the house in American roulette games. This rule functions more or less like La Partage, only that it only becomes effective if the winning number is either a single zero or a double zero. The best thing about this rule is it reduces the house edge from 5.26% to 2.63%. This applies to all, even money outside wagers.
Live Dealer American Roulette
Live dealer American roulette provides an immersive and thrilling gaming experience. These games are designed to deliver the same experience you get at a brick and mortar casino. You will find real roulette tables, wheels, a ball, and a dealer. The live dealer version has exclusive features, such as the live chat option that allow players to chat with dealers. Moreover, these games are built with cutting edge technology like Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to ensure safety and fairness at all times. Nevertheless, the live dealer games are available for real money only. Therefore, it is recommended to practise roulette online free games before joining the live casino.
Popular Variations of American Roulette
You can play American roulette games at leading online casinos on your mobile device or personal computers. The rules of playing these games are the same, regardless of the variant you are playing. These are the popular versions:
- Premium American Roulette by Playtech
- American Roulette by NetEnt
- American Roulette by Microgaming.
The distinguishing elements among these versions are graphics quality, bonus features, and playing speed.
American Roulette Strategy and Tips
Over the years, players have developed strategies to help reduce the house edge in American style roulette games. Professional roulette players also share tips and tricks they use to increase their chances of winning. You can use these tips when you play roulette online.
- Avoid Top Line Bet: A top-line bet covers numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 with odds of 6 to 1. Unlike other betting options, this wager gives the casino an edge of around 8%.
- Pick the Right Bets: Picking the right roulette bets can play a big role in improving your winning opportunities. Even wagers are recommended if you prefer slow wins and losing bets, but if you are a big risk-taker, you can opt for the single number bet.
- Stick to the Table Minimum: If you are a beginner, it is highly recommended to stick to the table minimum and outside wagers.
- Always Spread Your Bet: The secret to keeping the action at the roulette tables is spreading your bets. For instance, you can bet in a column and a high/low bet.
- Consider the Surrender Rule: It is recommended to employ the surrender rule as it reduces the house edge in American roulette from 5.26% to around 2.63%.
- Casino Bonus Spins: Many online casino sites offer free incentives to attract new customers. With bonus spins, you get to enjoy real money games without depositing. The number of spins varies, and the bonus often has wagering requirements to meet. The bonus spins can be part of the welcome bonus or a stand-alone offer.
- Practise: Play free games and learn how it works before playing roulette for real money. Also, you get a chance to create a strategy that will boost your chances of winning.
- Play at Mobile Casinos: Enjoy the real Las Vegas experience on the go at your best online casino. Many American roulette games are optimized for small screen devices, including smartphones and tablets.
- Use Betting Systems: If you prefer roulette betting systems, we recommend using the popular Martingale system. Make sure you understand all the mechanics and rules of the system before using it.
Conclusion
American roulette is an incredible game that can be played by people with different experiences and budgets. The key differences between American and European roulette are the house edges. While the European version has an edge of 2.7%, the American has 5.26%. The good thing is that you can reduce the house edge to 2.63% using the surrender rule. Make sure you choose a reputable and secure online casino with numerous roulette variants.
FAQ
What is the house edge in the American roulette game?
The American roulette game has a house edge of 5.26%, which means you end up with 94.74 units for every 100 units you wager.
Is American roulette completely random?
Sure. Like European roulette and other versions, American roulette depends on the Random Number Generator for game outcomes.
Can I use Martingale's strategy in playing American roulette?
Yes, you can use the Martingale betting system in roulette, but it is recommended to read and understand how it works first and the risks that are involved.
Can I play American roulette for free?
Of course, yes, free American roulette games are available at top online casinos. Free games are good as you get to learn rules and other basics before playing with real money.
Do online casinos offer bonus spins for American roulette?
Yes, you can claim bonus spins and other offers at the best online casinos.
