The American roulette table is considered one of the most famous versions of roulette because it has historically been strongly associated with casinos, especially in the American market. It also offers a fast and easy-to-understand experience, even for those who do not have much experience with table games. Its popularity has increased due to the presence of the 00 pocket, which gave it a distinctive character and affected the way players evaluate it. In this article, we present a comprehensive guide to this iconic version of American roulette
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What is American roulette?
It is one of the most famous casino games, consisting of a numbered wheel, a small ball, and a betting layout. This game includes the numbers 1 to 36, in addition to the 0 and 00 pockets, which is what directly distinguishes it from some other versions of roulette
What makes American roulette different from other versions?
A roulette wheel usually includes the numbers 1 to 36 with only a single 0 pocket, while the American roulette wheel includes the same numbers but with two additional pockets, 0 and 00. This difference may seem simple, but it changes the nature of the game significantly because it increases the number of outcomes not linked to traditional bets such as red and black or odd and even
How does the double zero affect the style of play?
The double zero 00 affects the style of play because the presence of an additional pocket increases the house edge, as it raises the probability of losing. This means the player must approach American roulette with greater caution, whether in terms of bet size or bet type. In other words, it is not enough here to simply understand the names of the bets, but it is also necessary to realize that the American version is more difficult from a mathematical standpoint
How to play American roulette online
Below is how to play American roulette step by step with a detailed explanation
First: Choosing the chips
Start by selecting the chip value you want to use before placing any bet. You can choose the chip you want simply by clicking on it. It is better to select a value that suits your budget and the table limits before the round begins
Second: Placing your bet on the betting layout
After choosing the chip value, place your bet on the slot or group you want to bet on within the roulette layout. You can bet on a single number, more than one number, or on outside bets such as red and black or odd and even. Make sure to check your bet before the betting phase closes, because any change after that will not be available
Third: Spinning the wheel
As soon as the betting period ends, the round begins automatically, as the dealer spins the wheel and launches the ball in live roulette, while in virtual RNG roulette games the round begins by pressing the Spin button or digitally through the system. At this stage, all bets have been locked and no new bets can be added
Fourth: The result
The round ends when the ball lands on the winning number or when the system displays the final result. After that, the winnings or losses are calculated automatically according to the bet you placed. If you picked the correct number or group, the winnings are added to your balance, and then you can move on to the next round
Types of bets on the American roulette table
It is well known that betting on the American roulette table online involves choosing either specific numbers or wider groups of numbers. Bets here are divided into two main types: inside bets, which are placed within the number grid and offer higher payouts in exchange for lower probabilities, and outside bets, which are placed on the options surrounding the layout and cover a wider range of the table but with lower payouts. On the American roulette table in particular, there is an additional distinctive feature because of the presence of 0 and 00, and this is reflected in some of the available betting options
Inside bets
These are bets placed directly on the numbers or on the dividing lines between them within the layout. This type is suitable for a player looking for higher payouts because it focuses on a narrow range of outcomes, but the chances of winning are lower than with outside bets
| Bet type | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Single number (Straight Up) | A bet on only one number | 35:1 |
| Two numbers (Split) | A bet on two adjacent numbers | 17:1 |
| Three numbers (Street) | A bet on a horizontal row of three numbers | 11:1 |
| Four numbers (Corner) | A bet on four adjacent numbers | 8:1 |
| Five numbers (Five Bet) | A special American roulette bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 | 6:1 |
| Six numbers (Six Line) | A bet on two adjacent rows for a total of six numbers | 5:1 |
Outside bets
These are bets placed outside the number grid, or it can be said around its perimeter as shown in the image, and they focus on general characteristics such as color, whether the number is odd or even, or a complete number group. This type is usually simpler for beginners because it covers a larger number of outcomes, but the payout is lower compared to inside bets
| Bet type | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Red / Black | A bet on the color of the winning number | 1:1 |
| Odd / Even | A bet on whether the number is odd or even | 1:1 |
| Low / High | A bet on 1–18 or 19–36 | 1:1 |
| First / Second / Third Dozen | A bet on a group of 12 numbers | 2:1 |
| First / Second / Third Column | A bet on one of the three columns on the layout | 2:1 |
Key American roulette terms
- Double zero (00): An additional pocket on the wheel and the layout, which is the most important element that distinguishes American roulette from other versions.
- Even-money bets: These include red/black, odd/even, and low/high, and they usually pay 1:1.
- Five Bet / First Five: A special bet in American roulette that covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, and it is one of the terms specifically associated with this version.
- House Edge: The mathematical percentage that gives the casino an advantage over the player; in American roulette, it is 5.26% on most traditional bets, while it rises to 7.89% on the Five Bet
The most popular American roulette games in online casinos
American roulette games in online casinos differ in terms of how they operate, the speed of the rounds, and the nature of interaction with the table. Some offer a live experience with a real dealer, while others rely on an automated wheel. In the following paragraphs, we review the most prominent versions so it becomes easier to understand the differences between them and choose the most suitable one
Live American Roulette
This table from Evolution is considered the world-leading version of this type of roulette, as it was designed to deliver the real Las Vegas experience directly through the screen. Below are its main features and advantages:
- Five Bet: A unique feature in American roulette that allows you to bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 with a single click, with a payout of 6:1.
- Advanced statistics: The game displays the results of the last 500 rounds, with numbers classified as Hot and Cold to help with decision-making.
- Saving favorite bets: You can save up to 15 custom bets with names of your choice for faster execution in quick rounds.
- Live chat: Full interaction with dealers who are known for their high professionalism.
- Betting limits: Very flexible, usually starting from $0.20 (or its equivalent) and reaching very large amounts suitable for high rollers.
- Return to Player (RTP): It stands at 94.74%, with a house edge of up to 5.26%.
Auto Roulette
This version is the ideal choice for players who prefer speed and efficiency over the social atmosphere, as it combines traditional American roulette rules with automated operation without the need for a live dealer. Below are the أبرز features of this version:
- Fully automated wheel: The American roulette wheel is spun and the ball is launched by a high-precision compressed air system, ensuring completely random results.
- Number of pockets: 38 pockets, including the numbers 1 to 36 in addition to zero (0) and double zero (00).
- No live dealer: There is no game presenter, which reduces waiting time between rounds and makes the focus entirely on the betting table.
- High speed: This version is designed to be very fast, with between 60 and 80 rounds played per hour, which is a much faster pace than tables hosted by human dealers.
- RTP: 94.74%
- House Edge: Up to 5.26%
First Person American Roulette
This version is considered a blend of high-quality 3D graphics and the option to switch to live play at any moment. This game was designed for players who prefer an individual experience based on a Random Number Generator (RNG), but with a distinctive visual design.
- It relies on Random Number Generators, unlike live versions, as the result of each round is determined by specific algorithms rather than a real American roulette wheel. This means the player controls the pace, as the wheel does not spin until they press the “Spin” button.
- Go Live button: An exclusive feature in the “First Person” series. At any time, the player can click this button to be transferred instantly to a live American roulette table with a real human dealer.
- Distinctive 3D graphics: The game uses advanced animation to simulate a luxurious casino environment, providing a first-person perspective as if you were standing directly in front of the table.
- Speed control: Since there is no live dealer or other players, the game can be played at the speed that suits the player. This makes it ideal for testing strategies or completing wagering requirements quickly.
- RTP: 94.74%
- House Edge: Up to 5.26%
American roulette rules and strategies
We must know that American roulette rules and strategies do not eliminate the house edge, but only help organize bets and manage rounds. These strategies vary between systems based on doubling the bet, such as the Martingale strategy, and others based on progression or bet distribution, such as Paroli, so choosing one depends on the player’s budget and the level of risk that suits them.
- Martingale: It is based on doubling the bet after every loss, with the aim of recovering previous losses and achieving a small profit at the first win. It is the most famous strategy in roulette in general.
- Paroli or Reverse Martingale: It is based on increasing the bet after a win instead of a loss, in an attempt to take advantage of a series of positive results without directly chasing losses.
- D’Alembert: It is based on increasing the bet by one unit after a loss, then reducing it by one unit after a win, so it is considered less aggressive than Martingale.
- Fibonacci: It is based on the Fibonacci sequence in raising the bet after a loss, then moving back in the sequence after a win. It is a calmer attempt than full doubling, but it still remains a loss-chasing system.
Quick tips for American roulette online
- Keep in mind that American roulette has 0 and 00, so the house edge is higher than in European roulette.
- Avoid the Five Bet, because it is one of the worst bets in American roulette.
- Reduce your reliance on doubling strategies such as Martingale, because they will not deliver the results you imagine in the long run.
- The result of the last round has no connection to the results of the previous or next round. Every round is completely independent, so avoid betting based on the result of the previous round.
- Set a clear budget, acceptable loss limits, and a playing time before you start.
- Treat American roulette as a form of entertainment, not as a guaranteed way to make profit.
- If you are playing live roulette, pay attention to the time available for betting before bets close.
FAQs about American roulette
What is American roulette?
It is a version of the roulette game based on a wheel that includes the numbers 1 to 36, in addition to 0 and 00, which is what distinguishes it from some other versions of the game.
What is the difference between American roulette and European roulette?
The main difference is that European roulette contains only one 0, while the American version contains 0 and 00, and therefore the house edge in the American version is higher.
What is the Five Bet in American roulette?
Five Bet is a special bet found only in this version, and it covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 in a single bet
What is the house edge in American roulette?
The house edge is 5.26% on most bets, while it rises to 7.89% on the Five Bet.
Is American roulette available in live and RNG formats?
Yes, it is available in multiple formats, including the live version with a real dealer, as well as digital or automated versions such as Auto Roulette and First Person American Roulette.
Is American roulette suitable for beginners?
A beginner can understand the game easily in terms of the rules and how it is played, but it is important to know that the presence of 00 makes it less favorable to the player than the European version from a mathematical point of view
