If you're familiar with the game of roulette or have tried your luck at it a few times, you might be aware of its different variations. Today, we will explore American Roulette, how it differs from other variants, and how to have more success in the game in general.
What is American Roulette?
American Roulette is one of the two popular roulette variations, along with European Roulette. It is distinguished by its unique wheel layout featuring two zero pockets, a zero (0) and the double zero (00). This sets it apart from the European variant, which only has one. The difference is small but significant when it comes to odds and strategies, so keep reading to find out more.
How many numbers are there in an American roulette wheel?
An American Roulette wheel contains 38 pockets in total, consisting of the two green zeros and 36 red and black numbers (1 to 36). By comparison, the European Roulette only has 37 pockets, with higher odds of winning.
You might wonder why some players prefer American Roulette, even with its slightly worse odds. The answer lies in accessibility and betting preferences. American Roulette is often the more common variant in North American land-based casinos and is the variant players have gotten accustomed to. Some American Roulette tables also offer lower minimum bets, making it an appealing choice for players with smaller bankrolls.
Today, online casinos like MrWest have made it possible to enjoy both American and European Roulette variants in engaging live dealer games.
How to Play American Roulette
Playing American Roulette is straightforward. It involves placing bets on the roulette table, in the various betting sections available. Once all bets are set, the croupier spins the American Roulette wheel in one direction and releases a ball in the opposite direction. As the wheel slows down, the ball eventually lands in one of the wheel's numbered pockets, determining the game's outcome. The winning number and color are then announced and the payout is calculated. American Roulette payouts are, therefore, determined by the bets placed and the wheel's outcome. You can make numerous bets in roulette, divided into two categories: inside and outside bets. Let’s take a look at both.
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or groups of numbers within the number grid on the roulette table, offering potentially higher payouts but lower odds of winning. The inside bets are:
- Straight Bet: Betting on a single number. (pays 35 to 1)
- Split Bet: Betting on two adjacent numbers. (pays 17 to 1)
- Street Bet: Betting on a row of three numbers. (pays 11 to 1)
- Corner Bet: Betting on a block of four numbers. (pays 8 to 1)
- Basket Bet: Betting on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. This bet is unique to American Roulette. (pays 6 to 1)
- Six-line or Avenue Bet: Betting on two rows of three numbers (pays 5 to 1)
Outside bets are placed on broader categories, such as colors, odd or even numbers, or groups of numbers. They offer lower payouts but better odds. They are:
- Red or Black: Betting on all red or all black numbers. (pays 1 to 1)
- Odd or Even: Betting on all odd or all even numbers. (pays 1 to 1)
- High or Low: Betting on high numbers (19-36) or low numbers (1-18). (pays 1 to 1)
- Dozen Bet: Betting on one of three sets of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36). (pays 2 to 1)
- Column Bet: Betting on one of three vertical columns of numbers. (pays 2 to 1)
How to Win American Roulette
To determine your odds of winning in American Roulette, you must understand house edge. This concept represents the casino's advantage over the long term. Due to the double zero (00) present in American roulette wheels, the house edge for American roulette is around 5.26%. This means that, on average, the casino expects to retain about $5.26 as profit for every $100 wagered by players in the long run. Conversely, European Roulette boasts more favorable odds, featuring a lower house edge of roughly 2.70%.
Smart betting is, therefore, even more important in American Roulette. Among the available bets, outside bets (like red or black, odd or even numbers, or high or low numbers) are more favorable, with an approximately 47.37% probability of winning. This means fewer expected losses over time than compared to the riskier inside bets.
Many players also employ betting systems to gain an edge in American Roulette. While it's important to note that no system guarantees consistent wins, these systems offer structured approaches to managing bets. Two notable systems are:
The Labouchere System: Also known as the cancellation system, it involves creating a sequence of numbers. You start by betting the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence. If you win, these numbers are crossed off the list. If you lose, you add the amount of your loss to the end of the sequence. The goal is to cross off all numbers, which results in a profit.
The Reverse Martingale System: This strategy involves doubling your bet after each win instead of after each loss. The idea is to ride winning streaks and maximize profits while on a roll. However, setting profit goals and being prepared to walk away when you reach them is crucial, as a single loss can wipe out your accumulated winnings.
For more fun and unique betting system breakdowns, visit:
Effective bankroll management in American Roulette is also essential. You should spread your bankroll over a larger number of bets. Doing so can minimize the risk of depleting your funds quickly and prolong your time at the table. A standard guideline is to allocate your bankroll so that each bet represents no more than 1-2% of your total funds. This approach allows you to participate in multiple rounds, adapt to fluctuations in luck, and to avoid the temptation to chase losses while maintaining a smooth gaming session.
American vs European Roulette: Recap
Layout: In European Roulette, you'll find a single zero (0) pocket on the wheel, while American Roulette includes both a zero (0) and a double zero (00) pocket.
Odds: European Roulette boasts better odds with a lower house edge (approximately 2.70%), whereas American Roulette, due to the additional double zero (00), offers less favorable odds for players with a higher house edge.
Bets: European Roulette offers diverse wagering options, including special bets like Voisins du Zero, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins. On the other hand, American Roulette introduces a unique Basket bet that covers both zeros and the first row of numbers.
Rules: European Roulette provides advantages through special rules like La Partage and En Prison, which can result in returning half of the bet if the ball lands on zero (0). American Roulette typically lacks these special rules.
Accessibility: American Roulette is more readily available in North American casinos, making it the preferred choice for players in this region. Additionally, North American casinos often offer lower betting limits for American Roulette, catering to a wider range of players.
Next steps
If you want a more in-depth analysis and discussion on roulette strategies, how-to-play, and the difference between American and European roulette, read our article on how to play online roulette. Until then, may the wheel turn in your favor!
Responsible gaming advisory:
Please note that the strategies and recommendations offered in our blog articles do not guarantee success or winnings. Gambling is inherently risky and should be undertaken with player discretion. MrWest holds no responsibility for any losses incurred by players while using these strategies and tips.
At MrWest, we are dedicated to endorsing responsible gaming as an integral part of our customer care and ethos. We aim for you to enjoy your casino experience while fully aware of the risks of problem gambling. If you or someone you know is struggling with addictive gambling behaviors, please reach out:
- Gambling Therapy: https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/
- Gamblers Anonymous: >http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
- Responsible Gaming: http://www.responsiblegambling.org/
Resources:
- Bǎrboianu, C. (2008). Roulette odds and lirofits: The Mathematics of Comlilex Bets. Infrarom.
- CEG Dealer School. (2023). [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. httlis://www.youtube.com/@CEGDealerSchool