In American Roulette, the addition of a double-zero pocket sets it apart from other versions, raising the house edge and creating distinct betting dynamics. Popular in the United States and online casinos, American Roulette follows similar rules to European versions but with key differences in odds and payout potential. This article covers the essential components of American Roulette, including betting systems, rules, and a comparison with other variants to help players make informed choices.
Brief History of American Roulette
Originally developed in 18th-century France, roulette made its way to the United States in the 19th century. As it gained popularity, American casinos adopted a unique variation by adding an additional double-zero (‘00’) pocket. This increased the total pockets on the wheel from 37 to 38, raising the house edge and differentiating American Roulette from the single-zero European version. Today, the double-zero American Roulette format is a staple in U.S. casinos, though European casinos largely retain the single-zero design.
Table Layout and Components
The American Roulette table is designed for simplicity and speed, supporting the game’s quick pace. 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
In American Roulette, chips have a distinctive function compared to other casino games. Each player receives a set of color-coded chips upon buying in, helping both the players and the croupier differentiate individual stakes on the table. These color-coded chips are essential in this high-paced game environment and function as follows:
- Value Assignment: When a player buys in, they decide the value of each chip within the betting limits, which makes the game adaptable for different budgets. Unlike standard casino chips, these roulette chips only hold value at the specific table where they are purchased.
- Chip Management: Since each player uses uniquely colored chips, they must exchange them for regular casino chips (or cash) when they leave the table. This ensures the smooth management of wagers and payouts, as each color represents a specific player.
- Simplified Betting Process: The color-coded chips make it easy for players to manage and identify their stakes on the table, which speeds up gameplay, especially when placing multiple wagers. The croupier also benefits, as they can quickly recognize each player’s bets without confusion.
The specific use of color-coded chips in American Roulette aligns with the game’s faster pace and efficiency, setting it apart from other roulette versions where chips might not carry unique values per player.
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.
Basic Rules and Flow of the Game
American Roulette is relatively simple in structure and involves these core steps:
- Players Place Bets: 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 bets, outside bets, and a few unique options specific to the double-zero layout. Each wager type comes with distinct odds, payouts, and risk levels. Understanding these betting options is essential to approaching the game strategically.
Inside Bets Explained
Inside bets are wagers placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the main grid of the roulette table. These bets 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 Explained
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, highlighting the varied options available to players:
| Bet 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.
Strategies and Betting Systems in American Roulette
American Roulette, with its higher house edge due to the double-zero, offers players various betting systems that aim to maximize chances of returns while balancing risk. It’s important to remember that, as with all casino games, no strategy can fully eliminate the inherent house advantage, but some systems can help players manage their stakes more strategically.
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 bets). However, the house edge is higher in American Roulette, impacting the overall likelihood of winning.