What You Need to Know About Playing American Roulette: Rules, Strategy, and More

Eddie Griffin

Written by: Eddie Griffin

Last Updated: Sun Dec 15, 2024, 11:44 AM

Read Time: 9 minutes

American roulette is a popular and exciting casino game that draws players due to its straightforward mechanics, numerous betting options, and the potential for big payouts.

The game’s unique appeal comes from the thrilling anticipation of where the ball will land. Although it is primarily a game of chance, there are strategies players can employ to manage risks and improve their odds.

This American roulette guide delves deep into the rules, layout, betting strategies, and tips for playing American roulette at both the best online casinos and land-based establishments.

American Roulette Basics: Rules and Layout

American Roulette Wheel and Table Layout

In American roulette, the game is played using a wheel consisting of 38 numbered pockets: 1 to 36, plus the 0 and the 00.

The numbers 1 to 36 alternate between red and black, while the 0 and 00 are green. This dual-zero feature makes the American roulette distinct from European roulette, which only has one zero.

The American roulette table consists of a betting layout where players place their wagers on various sections of the wheel. This grid contains boxes representing:

  • Individual numbers (1-36)
  • Groupings of numbers (rows, columns, or dozens)
  • Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, and high/low)

The mechanics of American roulette are relatively simple. This is the case whether you are playing at a brick-and-mortar casino, a virtual game at one of the best roulette sites, or a live dealer version available at sites like Wild Casino or DuckyLuck Casino.

In roulette games with a real croupier, the croupier spins the wheel and throws a ball in the opposite direction. Players then place their bets on where they believe the ball will land. Once the ball settles in one of the numbered pockets, the outcome is determined, and winning bets are paid out accordingly.

In virtual roulette games, players make their bets, then the virtual wheel spins to determine the outcome of any bets.

The House Edge in American Roulette

The addition of the 00 pocket increases the house edge to 5.26% in American roulette. That percentage makes it less favorable than European roulette, which has a house edge of only 2.7%.

This is important for players to understand because the house edge represents the casino’s advantage over the long term.

For instance, even-money bets (such as red/black or odd/even) will pay out at 1:1. But with the 00 included, there are slightly reduced odds of winning these bets.

Betting Types in American Roulette

The betting options in American roulette are divided into two primary categories: inside bets and outside bets.

What are inside bets and outside bets?

Inside Bets in American Roulette

Inside bets are wagers placed on specific numbers or small groupings of numbers. These bets offer higher payouts but have lower odds of winning.

Here are the main types of inside bets in American roulette:

  • Straight Up Bet: A wager on a single number. This is the most direct way to bet, but it also carries a significant risk. It pays 35:1, so if you bet on a single number and it hits, you win 35 times your bet.
  • Split Bet: A bet placed on two adjacent numbers on the table. Split bets pay 17:1.
  • Street Bet: A bet on a row of three consecutive numbers. Street bets pay 11:1.
  • Corner Bet: A bet placed on four numbers that form a square. A corner bet pays 8:1.
  • Five-Number Bet: The five-number bet is unique to American roulette. These bets cover the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Fine-number bets offer a 6:1 payout but have the highest house edge. That is due to the inclusion of both 0 and 00.

Outside Bets in American Roulette

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers or other attributes of the wheel.

These bets are safer, as they have a higher probability of winning. However, the payouts are lower than with inside bets.

What are types of outside bets you may find when playing American roulette games at DuckyLuck Casino or HighRoller Casino?

  • Red or Black: A bet on whether the ball will land on a red or black number. It offers a payout of 1:1.
  • Odd or Even: A bet on whether the ball will land on an odd or even number. Odd or even bets also offer a 1:1 payout.
  • High or Low: A bet on whether the ball will land on a number between 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). As with red or black bets and odd or even bets, high or low bets pay 1:1.
  • Dozen Bet: A bet placed on one of three dozen groups (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36). A winning dozen bet pays 2:1.
  • Column Bet: A bet placed on one of the three vertical columns of numbers. It also offers a payout of 2:1.

Strategies for American Roulette

Roulette is a game of chance, but there are several strategies players use to manage their bets and potentially improve their chances to win.

These strategies are based on statistical analysis, and they can help players make more informed betting decisions.

Basic Strategies in American Roulette

  1. Stick to Even-Money Bets: For beginners, placing bets on red/black, odd/even, or high/low is the safest way to start. The house edge will still affect long-term outcomes, but these bets give you nearly a 50% chance of winning.
  2. The Martingale System: This is a well-known betting strategy where players double their bet after each loss. This is done with the aim of recovering their losses with a single win. Using the Martingale system in American roulette can be effective in the short term, but it requires a large bankroll and can be risky if you experience a long losing streak.
  3. Fibonacci System: Based on the famous Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc.), this strategy involves increasing your bet according to the sequence after each loss. This is done with the aim of minimizing losses by gradually recovering them over a series of wins.
  4. Labouchère System: This strategy involves creating a betting sequence based on your desired profit. After a win, you cross off the numbers in your sequence. After a loss, you add more numbers to it. The goal is to complete the sequence and achieve the target profit.

Advanced Strategies in American Roulette

  1. The Reverse Martingale: Also known as the Paroli system, this strategy involves increasing your bet after each win instead of after each loss. This strategy aims to capitalize on winning streaks and minimize the risks associated with losing streaks.
  2. The D’Alembert System: This is a more conservative strategy than others listed. When using the D’Alembert system, you increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win. This system is easier on the bankroll and reduces the intensity of betting compared to the Martingale system.
  3. Avoid the Five-Number Bet: Five-number bets have a much higher house edge than any other inside bet and should generally be avoided, even though payouts for five-number bets are high.

Understanding Odds and Payouts in American Roulette

The odds in American roulette are heavily influenced by the presence of the 0 and 00.

Here’s a breakdown of the key American roulette bets and their odds:

  • Straight Up: The odds of winning are 1 in 38 (2.63%), with a payout of 35:1.
  • Split Bet: The odds are 2 in 38 (5.26%), with a payout of 17:1.
  • Street Bet: The odds are 3 in 38 (7.89%), with a payout of 11:1.
  • Even-Money Bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even): The odds of winning are 18 in 38 (47.37%), with a payout of 1:1.

Players must understand that while the payouts for these bets remain the same as in European roulette, the odds of winning are lower due to the additional 00 pocket. This increases the house edge and makes American roulette less favorable for players than European roulette.

Tips for Playing American Roulette

Practice First

Many real money online casinos also offer free-play modes, allowing you to practice before betting real money. This is especially useful for beginners who need to familiarize themselves with the layout and betting options.

Manage Your Bankroll

Set a budget before logging in and stick to that budget. Know when to walk away, whether you’re ahead or behind.

Choose the Right Casino

For online roulette, it’s crucial to select a reputable casino with fair play practices, especially when playing live dealer games. Ensure the casino is licensed and uses RNG (Random Number Generator) software for online games.

Avoid the Five-Number Bet

As mentioned, this bet carries the highest house edge. As such, it should be avoided unless you’re feeling particularly adventurous. Even then, tread with caution and do not expect

Watch for Patterns

While roulette is a game of chance, some players prefer to track numbers or observe patterns. However, it is important to remember that each spin is independent, and the wheel has no memory.

Conclusion

American roulette remains a popular game, especially at U.S. online casinos such as HighRoller Casino and Super Slots Casino. It offers thrilling gameplay and numerous betting options.

While it is primarily a game of chance, understanding the rules, betting strategies, and odds can help players make more informed decisions and manage their risks when playing American roulette.

Whether you are playing in a land-based casino or at an online casino, always remember that the house has an edge, and no strategy can guarantee a win. However, by managing your bankroll well, employing solid strategy, and getting a bit of luck, you can enjoy the excitement of American roulette while minimizing your losses.

Ultimately, like any casino game, the most important aspect of playing American roulette is simple: Have fun, gamble responsibly, and know when to walk away.

Learn About the Best Online Casinos

Other Casino Content

In addition to our catalog of sports betting guides, we now have a collection of casino content that covers the basics of casino gambling, including this guide to American roulette.

If you would like to learn more about everything from online casino terminology, to how to play popular table games such as baccarat, to tips for responsible gambling, we have you covered.

Also, if you are looking for a new site to play casino games, check out our reviews of the best online casinos for U.S. players and the best real money online casinos., as well as our rundown of top crypto casinos.

American Roulette FAQ

What is the difference between American roulette and European roulette?
The main difference is that American roulette has 38 pockets on the wheel (numbers 1-36, 0, and 00), whereas European roulette has only 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 and a single 0). This difference increases the house edge in American roulette to 5.26%, compared to the 2.7% house edge in European roulette.
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What are the best strategies for American roulette?
The safest strategies involve sticking to outside bets like red/black, odd/even, or high/low, as these bets offer nearly a 50% chance of winning. More advanced strategies, like the Martingale or Fibonacci systems, can help manage risk but come with their own set of challenges
How can I improve my chances of winning at American roulette?
While roulette is largely a game of chance, employing strategies like bankroll management, avoiding the five-number bet, and choosing outside bets can help improve your chances. Practicing online without real money can also help you get familiar with the game
What is the house edge in American roulette?
The house edge in American roulette is 5.26% due to the inclusion of both a 0 and 00 on the wheel. This gives the casino a larger advantage compared to European roulette, which has only one zero and a house edge of 2.7%.
Can I play American roulette online?
Yes, American roulette is available to play at most online casinos, often with live dealer options. When playing online, make sure to choose a reputable casino that offers RNG software for fair play.