American Roulette is one of the most thrilling casino games, known for its fast-paced gameplay and exciting betting options. With its iconic double zero (00) wheel, this version of roulette offers unique challenges and rewards compared to its European counterpart.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about American Roulette, including the wheel layout, betting options, house edge, and winning strategies. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this blog will help you maximize your chances of winning big!
Understanding the American Roulette Wheel
The American Roulette wheel features 38 numbered pockets:
- Numbers 1-36 (red and black)
- 0 (single zero) and 00 (double zero) (green)
This additional 00 pocket increases the house edge, making American Roulette slightly more challenging than the European version. The numbers on the wheel are arranged in a specific pattern to ensure randomness, adding to the excitement of the game.
Key Differences Between American & European Roulette
| Feature | American Roulette | European Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Total Pockets | 38 (1-36, 0, 00) | 37 (1-36, 0) |
| House Edge | 5.26% | 2.7% |
| Extra Pocket | Yes (00) | No (Single Zero) |
| Odds of Winning | Slightly Lower | Slightly Higher |
How to Play American Roulette
Step 1: Place Your Bets
Before the wheel spins, players place their bets on the roulette table. You can choose between inside bets (specific numbers) or outside bets (groups of numbers, colors, or odd/even).
Step 2: The Dealer Spins the Wheel
Once bets are placed, the dealer (croupier) spins the wheel in one direction and launches the ball in the opposite direction.
Step 3: Ball Lands in a Pocket
When the ball stops in a numbered pocket, the dealer announces the winning number and color. Players who bet correctly receive payouts based on the odds.
Step 4: Collect Winnings & Start a New Round
Winning bets are paid out, losing bets are collected, and a new round begins.
Betting Options in American Roulette
Inside Bets (Higher Risk, Higher Payouts)
- Straight Up – Bet on a single number (Pays 35:1)
- Split Bet – Bet on two adjacent numbers (Pays 17:1)
- Street Bet – Bet on three numbers in a row (Pays 11:1)
- Corner Bet – Bet on four numbers in a square (Pays 8:1)
- Double Street Bet – Bet on six numbers in two rows (Pays 5:1)
Outside Bets (Lower Risk, Lower Payouts)
- Red or Black – Bet on all red or black numbers (Pays 1:1)
- Odd or Even – Bet on all odd or even numbers (Pays 1:1)
- High or Low – Bet on numbers 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high) (Pays 1:1)
- Dozens Bet – Bet on groups of 12 numbers (Pays 2:1)
- Column Bet – Bet on a vertical column of numbers (Pays 2:1)
House Edge in American Roulette
The house edge in American Roulette is 5.26%, due to the additional 00 pocket. This means that for every $100 wagered, the casino expects to keep $5.26 over time.
In comparison, European Roulette has a lower house edge of 2.7% because it only has one zero (0). While American Roulette is more challenging, its higher payouts and fast-paced action at Bitsky make it an exciting choice for players.