American Roulette is a well-known version of the classic roulette game. Its key feature—the inclusion of a double-zero (‘00’) pocket—sets it apart from the European version and increases the house edge. While gameplay remains similar, the odds and betting layout reflect this structural difference. This version is common in land-based U.S. casinos and across online gaming platforms.
Historical Background
Roulette originated in 18th-century France and evolved as it spread to other regions. The American variant developed in the 19th century when casinos in the United States introduced a second zero pocket. This adjustment increased the number of wheel pockets from 37 to 38 and raised the house advantage.
| Version | Total Pockets | Zero Pockets | House Edge (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| European | 37 | 1 (0) | Approx. 2.70 |
| American | 38 | 2 (0, 00) | Approx. 5.26 |
While the European version remains dominant in many international casinos, the double-zero format has become standard in the U.S.
Objective of the Game
The primary objective in American Roulette is straightforward: players aim to correctly guess the outcome of the spin by betting on specific numbers, groups of numbers, or general outcomes like color or odd/even. Wagers can range from choosing a single number, which has the highest payout, to broader options that cover larger groups of numbers with lower payouts. The double-zero feature in American Roulette makes winning odds slightly lower than in European versions, contributing to the distinct challenge of the game.
Table Layout and Components
The wheel includes 38 pockets numbered from 1 to 36, along with a single-zero (‘0’) and a double-zero (‘00’). The layout is balanced, with the zero and double-zero positioned opposite each other, and red numbers alternating with black around the wheel.
The betting table itself consists of two main sections: the inside and outside bets. The inside area features individual numbers arranged in a grid format, where players place wagers directly on single numbers or combinations like splits and corners. The outside area, placed along the edges of the grid, includes broader wagers like Red/Black, Even/Odd, and 1-18 or 19-36, which offer even-money payouts. Unique to American Roulette is the “Top Five” bet, which covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, offering a payout of 6:1 but with a higher house edge due to the double-zero.
Chips and Their Unique Use
American Roulette uses chips with unique colors assigned to each player. This system allows multiple players to bet on the same numbers without confusion and helps the croupier track all individual wagers.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Buy-In | Players choose a color and assign a value to their chips at the table. |
| Table-Specific | These chips are valid only at the table where they are issued. |
| Cash-Out | Players must exchange roulette chips for standard casino chips before leaving. |
| Visual Clarity | The croupier quickly identifies wagers, improving speed and accuracy. |
This method differs from other games where standard-value chips are shared by all players. In roulette, color separation is essential to maintain order during high-volume betting rounds.
Basic Rules and Flow of the Game
American Roulette is relatively simple in structure and involves these core steps:
- Players Place Wagers: Players select their stakes by placing chips on the betting table. Wagers can range from single numbers to various groups and categories. Betting options are divided into inside bets (specific numbers or combinations) and outside bets (broader categories like color, number range, or parity).
- Croupier Spins the Wheel: Once all wagers are placed, the croupier spins the roulette wheel in one direction while rolling a small ball in the opposite direction.
- End of Betting: As the ball slows, the croupier announces “no more bets,” signaling that no further changes or new stakes can be placed.
- Ball Lands on a Number: The ball eventually falls into one of the 38 pockets on the wheel, and this pocket number and color are announced as the winning result.
- Winning Number Marked and Bets Resolved: The croupier places a marker, called the Dolly, on the winning number on the table. All winning wagers are paid according to the bet type and payout structure, and losing stakes are cleared from the table.
- New Round Begins: Once payouts are complete, players can place new wagers for the next round.
Betting Options in American Roulette
American Roulette offers players a range of betting choices, divided into inside, outside bets, and a few unique options specific to the double-zero layout. Each wager type comes with distinct odds, payouts, and risk levels.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are wagers placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the main grid of the roulette table. These wagers generally offer higher payouts due to their lower probability of winning.
- Single Number (Straight-Up Bet): This wager is placed directly on any single number, including 0 or 00. The payout is 35:1, making it one of the highest-risk and highest-reward stakes in American Roulette.
- Split: A bet placed on two adjacent numbers, with the chip positioned on the line between them. This wager pays 17:1 and covers both numbers.
- Street: A bet on a row of three consecutive numbers, such as 1-2-3 or 4-5-6, with the chip placed at the end of the row. The payout for a street bet is 11:1.
- Corner: This wager covers four numbers that form a square on the table (e.g., 1-2-4-5). The payout is 8:1, and the chip is placed at the intersection of these four numbers.
- Top Five: Exclusive to American Roulette, this stake covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. The payout is 6:1. This option is only available on double-zero wheels and carries a higher house edge of 7.89%, making it less favorable for most players.
- Line: A wager covering two adjacent rows of three numbers, totaling six numbers (e.g., 1-2-3 and 4-5-6). The payout for this wager is 5:1.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover broader sections of the table and are generally less risky than inside bets, with lower payouts but higher probabilities of winning.
- Red/Black: A bet on whether the winning number will be red or black. The payout is 1:1.
- Even/Odd: A wager on whether the winning number will be even or odd, with a payout of 1:1.
- Low/High (1-18 or 19-36): A wager that the winning number will fall within the low (1-18) or high (19-36) range. It also pays 1:1.
- Column: This wager covers one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers. The payout is 2:1, and the chip is placed at the bottom of the selected column.
- Dozen: A wager on one of three groups of 12 numbers: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Like the column bet, this pays 2:1.
Odds and Payouts for Each Bet Type
The table below shows the payout structure and probabilities for common stakes in American Roulette:
| Type | Coverage | Payout | Probability (%) | House Edge (%) |
| Single Number | 1 number | 35:1 | 2.63% | 5.26% |
| Split | 2 numbers | 17:1 | 5.26% | 5.26% |
| Street | 3 numbers | 11:1 | 7.89% | 5.26% |
| Corner | 4 numbers | 8:1 | 10.53% | 5.26% |
| Top Five | 5 numbers | 6:1 | 13.16% | 7.89% |
| Line | 6 numbers | 5:1 | 15.79% | 5.26% |
| Column/Dozen | 12 numbers | 2:1 | 31.58% | 5.26% |
| Red/Black | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 46.37% | 5.26% |
| Even/Odd | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 46.37% | 5.26% |
| Low/High | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 46.37% | 5.26% |
Inside bets offer the highest payouts, but with lower probabilities of winning, making them ideal for players who prefer a higher-risk approach. In contrast, outside wagers provide more consistent, lower payouts, appealing to those who favor steadier, lower-risk gameplay. The Top Five bet, unique to American Roulette, gives players a combination of risk and reward but comes with a higher house edge due to the inclusion of both 0 and 00.
RTP, Payouts, and House Edge in American Roulette
American Roulette has a unique return-to-player (RTP) rate, payout structure, and house edge due to its double-zero (‘00’) pocket. The RTP in American Roulette stands at approximately 94.74%, slightly lower than in European or French roulette due to the additional pocket. This extra ‘00’ increases the house edge to 5.26%, higher than the 2.7% seen in European roulette and significantly higher than the French variant, which can go as low as 1.35% with certain rules.
The following table summarizes key aspects:
| Roulette Type | Payout for Single Number | Total Pockets | RTP | House Edge |
| American | 35:1 | 38 (1-36, 0, 00) | 94.74% | 5.26% |
| European | 35:1 | 37 (1-36, 0) | 97.30% | 2.70% |
| French | 35:1 | 37 (1-36, 0) | Up to 98.65%* | 1.35%-2.70% |
French roulette can offer an improved RTP when rules like “La Partage” or “En Prison” are applied, which allow players to recover part of their even-money wagers when the ball lands on zero.
Betting Systems in American Roulette
Players use various betting systems to manage risk and adjust their stakes. No system removes the house edge, but certain methods may help control losses during a session.
| System | Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Martingale | Double the wager after each loss on even-money bets | Requires a large bankroll; risk increases with consecutive losses |
| Reverse Martingale (Paroli) | Double the wager after each win on even-money bets | Capitalizes on winning streaks; limits risk by not increasing stakes after losses |
| Fibonacci | Follow the sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc. | After a loss, move one step forward; after a win, move two steps back |
| D’Alembert | Increase bet by one unit after a loss; decrease by one unit after a win | More conservative than the Martingale; gradual progression in stake size |
Martingale System
The Martingale is one of the most widely used betting strategies in roulette. This approach involves doubling the wager after each loss, with the aim of recovering previous losses with a single win. The Martingale is typically applied to even-money stakes (Red/Black, Odd/Even) due to their higher probability. However, the Martingale requires a substantial bankroll to cover consecutive losses, which can accumulate quickly given the house edge.
Reverse Martingale (Paroli System)
Opposite to the Martingale, the Reverse Martingale, or Paroli, involves doubling the wager after each win rather than after a loss. This strategy is intended to capitalize on winning streaks while minimizing losses. Since stakes are only increased after wins, the Reverse Martingale poses less risk of substantial loss compared to the traditional Martingale.
Fibonacci System
The Fibonacci system is based on a sequence of numbers where each wager is the sum of the two previous stakes (e.g., 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc.). After a loss, the player moves one step forward in the sequence; after a win, they move two steps back. This system is also commonly used on even-money wagers, allowing for a gradual progression in bet size while managing risk.
D’Alembert System
In the D’Alembert system, the player increases the wager by one unit after a loss and decreases it by one unit after a win. The D’Alembert is less aggressive than the Martingale, requiring a smaller bankroll. While it can be effective for moderate bankrolls, the D’Alembert does not offset losses as quickly, which may result in a gradual accumulation of losses during unfavorable sequences.
FAQs
What is the main difference between American and European Roulette?
The primary difference is the presence of an additional double-zero pocket (00) in American Roulette, which increases the house edge to 5.26% compared to 2.7% in European Roulette, which has only a single-zero pocket.
Can I play American Roulette online?
Yes, many online casinos offer American Roulette in both live dealer formats and virtual versions. Some platforms even offer free play options so players can practice without betting real money.
Why does American Roulette have a higher house edge?
The extra double-zero pocket in American Roulette increases the total number of pockets from 37 to 38, shifting the odds slightly in favor of the casino.
What is the best wager for beginners?
Outside bets like Red/Black or Even/Odd are generally recommended for beginners, as they offer higher chances of winning with even-money payouts. These wagers are easier to understand and have a higher probability of success.
How can I identify an American Roulette table in a casino?
An American Roulette table is easily recognizable by its double-zero (00) pocket, which is absent in European and French versions. The table layout may also be slightly smaller and designed for a faster pace of play.
How do payouts in American Roulette compare to other versions?
The payouts in American Roulette are the same as European and French versions for corresponding wagers (e.g., 35:1 for single number wagers). However, the house edge is higher in American Roulette, impacting the overall likelihood of winning.