A Complete Guide to American Roulette Rules, Strategies, and Variations

American roulette text with wheel in background

Are you ready to experience the thrill of American roulette? This classic casino game has been a staple in the United States for centuries, and for good reason. With its fast-paced gameplay and the added excitement of the double zero pocket, American roulette offers players the chance to win big and have a great time doing it.

Don’t miss out on the excitement of American roulette. Visit your nearest casino and try your hand at this classic game. And remember, with the right approach, you too could be a winner.

Understanding the American Roulette Wheel

The American roulette wheel is slightly different from the European roulette wheel. The American wheel has an additional green slot labeled ‘00’, which increases the house edge. The wheel is divided into 38 slots in total – 36 numbers, one green ‘0’ and one green ‘00’. Each slot is colored either red or black, except for the green slots.

It’s important to understand that the additional green slot labeled ‘00’ increases the house edge, meaning that the casino has a slightly higher advantage over the players. This means that the odds of winning are slightly lower, and it’s important to keep this in mind when placing bets.

It’s also important to note that the numbers on the American roulette wheel are not placed in numerical order. They are placed in such a way that the numbers are spread out evenly, which makes it more difficult to predict where the ball will land.

Types of Bets in American Roulette

There are two main types of bets in American roulette: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets include straight-up bets, split bets, street bets, and corner bets. These bets are placed on specific numbers or combinations of numbers on the roulette table. Outside bets include bets on red or black, odd or even, and high or low numbers.

Here are a few types of bets that are easy for beginners to understand:

  • Straight-up bet: This is a bet on a single number. It offers the highest payout, but also the lowest probability of winning.
  • Split bet: This is a bet on two numbers that are next to each other on the roulette table. It offers a lower payout than a straight-up bet, but a slightly higher probability of winning.
  • Street bet: This is a bet on a row of three numbers on the roulette table. It offers a slightly lower payout than a split bet, but a higher probability of winning.
  • Corner bet: This is a bet on a group of four numbers that form a square on the roulette table. It offers a slightly lower payout than a street bet, but a higher probability of winning.
  • Red or Black bet: This is a bet on the color of the number that the ball will land on. It offers a lower payout than inside bets, but a higher probability of winning.
  • Odd or Even bet: This is a bet on whether the number that the ball will land on is odd or even. It offers the same payouts as the Red or Black bet, but with similar probability of winning.
  • Column or Dozen bet: This is a bet on a specific group of numbers, either the first, second or third group of 12 numbers. It offers a lower payout than inside bets, but a higher probability of winning

Strategies for Winning at American Roulette

First, it is important to understand the difference between inside and outside bets. Inside bets have a lower probability of winning but offer higher payouts, while outside bets have a higher probability of winning but offer lower payouts. A beginner can start by placing outside bets, such as betting on red or black, as they are less risky and still offer decent payouts.

Another strategy is to set a budget and stick to it. This means deciding how much you are willing to spend before you start playing, and not exceeding that amount. This will help you avoid chasing losses and keep your emotions in check.

It’s also helpful to observe the patterns of the spins and keep track of the numbers that have come up frequently. This can be used to make informed decisions on where to place your bets.

Finally, one of the most popular and easy to use strategies is the Martingale system, where you double your bet after each loss in order to eventually recoup your losses and make a profit. However, this strategy should be used with caution, and it’s important to remember that no system can guarantee a win.

In conclusion, by understanding the differences between inside and outside bets, setting a budget, observing patterns, and using a strategy like Martingale, you can increase your chances of winning at American roulette.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve identified several common mistakes that players should avoid in order to improve their chances of winning:

  1. Not understanding basic strategy: Basic strategy is the optimal way to play blackjack based on the cards in your hand and the dealer’s up card. Not following basic strategy can significantly decrease your chances of winning.
  2. Taking insurance: Insurance is a side bet offered when the dealer’s up card is an Ace. It is a poor bet for the player as the odds are heavily in favor of the house.
  3. Splitting pairs incorrectly: Splitting pairs is a powerful move in blackjack, but it should only be done according to basic strategy. For example, always split aces and 8s, but never split 10s.
  4. Playing hands with soft totals incorrectly: Soft totals are hands that contain an ace that can be counted as 11. It’s important to know when to hit and when to stand with soft totals.
  5. Chasing losses: It’s easy to get caught up in the emotions of the game and make impulsive decisions. Players should always have a set budget and stick to it, rather than chasing losses.
  6. Not managing your bankroll: Blackjack is a game of probability, and it’s important to have a sufficient bankroll to weather the ups and downs of the game.
  7. Not paying attention to the rules of the table: Each table may have different rules and it’s crucial to understand them in order to make informed decisions and playing accordingly.
  8. Not taking advantage of comps and bonuses: Many casinos offer comps and bonuses to players, such as free meals or free hotel stays. Players should take advantage of these offers to maximize their overall experience.

Understand The House Edge

The house edge is the mathematical advantage that the casino has over the players in a particular game. In roulette, the house edge can vary depending on the type of roulette you’re playing and the types of bets you’re placing. For example, in American roulette, the house edge is slightly higher because of the additional green slot labeled ’00’, while in European roulette the house edge is lower because there is only one green slot labeled ‘0’.

It’s important to understand that the house edge is not something that can be overcome by using a particular betting strategy or system. It’s a built-in advantage for the casino and it’s always present, no matter what you do. However, by understanding the house edge, you can make more informed decisions about the types of bets you place and the types of roulette you play.

Live vs Non-Live Version

In a live American roulette game, a real-life dealer operates the roulette wheel and ball in a studio, while players can place their bets remotely through their computer or mobile device. This allows for a more authentic and immersive experience, as players can see the wheel spinning and the ball landing in real-time, just as they would in a physical casino.

On the other hand, non-live versions of American roulette are operated by a computer program, rather than a real-life dealer. These games use a random number generator to determine the outcome of each spin, and while they may offer similar gameplay, they lack the realism and excitement of a live game.

One of the key advantages of Live American Roulette is that players can interact with the dealer and other players, which can make the game more social and engaging. In addition, Live American Roulette games often have a more polished, high-quality production value, and use professional dealers, which can make the experience more enjoyable overall.

Conclusion

American roulette is a fun and exciting game that offers players the chance to win big. By understanding the differences between the American and European roulette wheels, the types of bets available, and different strategies for increasing your chances of winning, players can make informed decisions and have a more enjoyable gaming experience.