American Roulette

The History of American Roulette 

The roulette wheel was initially invented by accident in the 1650s when French physicist and philosopher Blaise Pascal attempted to create a perpetual motion machine. Gradually, the game grew in popularity in illegal gambling houses in France and neighboring countries.

And the origins of American roulette can be traced back to the beginning of the 19th century, when European settlers in Louisiana introduced the game to the United States. 

The American casino industry rejected the standard European roulette wheel when it arrived in the USA. They believed the house edge was too thin, so they added a double zero to the wheel and an additional pocket adorned with an eagle symbol which they would later remove.

The house edge for the early American roulette wheel was close to 13%. And it’s no surprise that the game didn’t gain popularity in the States until the wheel was reconfigured to give the casino a reduced house edge of 5.26%.

American Roulette Wheel and Table Layout

Today, the American roulette wheel has a total of 38 pockets, one more than its European counterpart. It includes the numbers 1 to 36, 0, and 00. The single zero and double zero pockets are colored in green, and the remaining 36 numbers are alternately colored in black and red.

On the American wheel, black numbers are always opposite red numbers. The single-zero pocket is sandwiched between two black numbers, and the double-zero pocket is between two red numbers.

All 38 pockets are equally proportioned on the wheel, so the ball has an equal 1/38 chance to settle on each number.

The table layout is almost identical to the European version. However, players will find a single additional 00 betting box representing the wheel’s double-zero pocket. This extra box nearly doubles the house edge from 2.7% on a European wheel to 5.26% on an American wheel.

The 36 positive numbers on the table are lined up in three columns, each containing 12 numbers. And the rest of the table features an interesting myriad of bets.

How to Play American Roulette

In both versions of roulette, players exchange money for chips of different colors. These colors help dealers avoid confusion when making payouts after each spin.

Various betting options are available to players, including single or combination bets. There’s no limit to the number of bets a player can make for each spin. They can choose to make inside or outside bets, and the options are clearly visible on the betting table. 

Bets can be placed by moving chips into the appropriate spot. The dealer will spin the roulette wheel in one direction and the small ball in the opposite direction. Players can place, modify, and remove their bets after the wheel is spun, but no chips can be moved after the dealer calls out ”no more bets.”

The ball will drop into one of the 38 numbered pockets, and the dealer will announce the winning number before marking it on the table using a dolly.

Winning bets are paid out, and their original stake is also returned. Meanwhile, losing bets are swept off the table by the dealer, and players can then place their bets for the next round.

What Are the Main Differences Between European and American Roulette?

The most significant difference between the two roulette wheels is that the American version features an extra 00 pocket. European roulette features only one green pocket and therefore has only 37 pockets, one less than on the American roulette wheel.

This small and hardly noticeable distinction means the chances of the ball landing in a zero pocket are slightly higher. And the additional double-zero pocket has a significant effect on the house edge.

Double-zero wheels give the house a 5.26% advantage over the players, while single-zero wheels offer a much smaller 2.7% advantage.

Another difference between the two versions is that you can only make a ‘five-number bet’ when playing American roulette. Paying out at 6:1, this bet covers the numbers 1, 2, and 3, plus the green 0 and 00. However, this is the least profitable bet in American roulette because it comes with a house edge of 7.89%. Every other bet you can make offers a 5.26% house edge.

In American roulette, the wheel is always at the end of the table, while this is not always the case in European roulette.

The last major difference between the two popular casino games is the sequence of the numbers on the roulette wheel. They are totally different, and both wheels have random sequences, reinforcing the notion that roulette is based entirely on chance.

Types of Bets in American Roulette

When you’re betting on American Roulette, it’s essential to understand what type of bet you want to make. There are many options available for betting, such as what number the ball will land on, whether it will be odd or even, or whether it will be red or black. Players also have the option to bet on low or high numbers, columns, groups of numbers, and more. 

Ultimately, there are two categories of bets available, which are known as inside and outside bets. Note that every bet, except one, comes with a house edge of 5.26%.

Outside Bets

Outside bets offer players a higher chance of winning, and these types of bets are usually more popular with inexperienced players. An outside bet encompasses larger groups of numbers, and there are a few different types you can make.

Red/Black

These bets cover every number of the selected color, paying out at 1:1.

Odd/Even

These bets are very similar but cover either all the odd numbers or all the even, offering the same payout of 1:1.

1-18/19-36

These bets also offer the same 1:1 payout and cover all the numbers from 1-18, or all the numbers from 19-36.

Columns

Betting on a column means betting on one of three lines of 12 numbers, offering a higher payout of 2:1.

Dozens

These bets also offer a 2:1 payout and involve betting on the groups of numbers 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36.

Inside Bets

Often preferred by more experienced players, inside bets are placed on a single number, adjacent numbers, or a small group of numbers. They offer better payouts than outside bets, but players stand a lower chance of winning.

Single

These bets offer the highest payout at 35:1, covering a single number on the wheel.

Split

These bets cover two numbers positioned next to one another on the table layout. It pays out at 17:1.

Street

Offering payout odds of 11:1, players can bet on a row of three numbers on the table layout. For example, players can bet on the numbers 4, 5, and 6.

Corner

These bets cover a square of four numbers on the table layout, paying out at 8:1.

Six Line

Players can bet on six numbers in two adjacent rows of their choice. The payout odds are 6:1.

The Five-Number Bet

Also known as a basket or a top-line bet, this is the only bet exclusive to American roulette and covers the five numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 specifically. It pays 6:1, but experienced players are unlikely to make this bet because it offers a higher house edge of 7.89%.

American Roulette Tips

There are no tips that can guarantee success in roulette, but you can still do plenty to ensure you have a good session.

Decide Your Bankroll Before You Begin

Before placing your first bet, you should accurately determine how much money you’re willing to spend. It’s strongly recommended to decide your bankroll and stick to it because otherwise, you may lose control and gamble more than you can afford.

Understand the Rules and the House Edge

The best strategy for casino games is to place the bet with the lowest house edge, and that’s why it’s a good idea to understand the rules of American roulette.

It’s first important to accept that you’re always going to be up against a house edge. There’s no way to completely offset the casino’s advantage, but being aware of the house edge can help players make smarter bets, implement a suitable betting strategy and improve their chances in the long run.

In American roulette, you’ll put yourself in a stronger position if you’re aware that a five-number bet has a higher house edge than any other bet. It’s known as a sucker bet for a reason.

Take Breaks

Taking regular breaks is key to staying alert and focused. If you play for too long, be it online or in a casino, your concentration may suffer, and you may start making unwise decisions at the table.

Try Out Different Strategies

There are many roulette strategies, but you shouldn’t expect miracles when you’re up against a 5.26% house edge. In many casino games, players choose to employ the Martingale system, which begins with a small wager on an even money bet. The player doubles their bet after every loss, returning to the initial wager amount after a win.

Many other American roulette betting strategies exist, such as the D’Alembert and the Fibonacci methods. Each player may prefer something different, and there’s no right or wrong way to play. Because roulette is a game of luck, experienced players and beginners stand the same chance of success.

Play For Free

Try the free version of American roulette before wagering any money. It’s a risk-free alternative, and playing roulette for free is a great way to learn the rules and try out different strategies.

American Roulette FAQ’s

What Is The ‘House Edge’?

The house edge represents the casino’s mathematical advantage over gamblers and reflects the difference between the probability of winning and the casino’s actual payouts for winning bets. In American roulette, the house edge is 5.26%, almost double the house edge (2.7%) in European roulette.

What’s the Best American Roulette Strategy?

There’s no system that can guarantee you win at American roulette. Gamblers employ various strategies, and it’s a case of different strokes for different folks. Regardless of your strategy, you’ll always be up against a 5.26% house edge.

A significant number of people use the progressive Martingale system, and it’s been a topic of gambling debate for many generations. It can be profitable for many players. However, after nine losing bets starting at $1, the Martingale System player would find himself needing to wager $512 to win $1.

What’s the Best Bet in American Roulette?

While different bets offer different payouts, every bet except one comes with a house edge of 5.26%. The five-number bet has a house edge of 7.89%, and this is definitely the worst bet you can place. Every other bet offers players the same value, so there’s no ‘best bet’ in American roulette.

Can I Play American Roulette Without Betting Money?

Absolutely. Numerous online casinos offer free play games, allowing players to bet without consequences. You don’t need to risk your own money or make a real cash deposit to play American roulette.

What’s the Most You Can Win on a Single Bet in American Roulette?

In any one spin, the biggest payout you can win is 35X the maximum bet allowed at the table. This can only be done through betting on a single number, and payouts are always dependent on the size of the bet.