American Roulette - partycasino

American Roulette

Table of Contents:

Understanding American Roulette

American Roulette Wheel - partycasino

American Roulette is the second most popular variation of roulette. In this version of the game, there are a total of 36 different numbers, alongside two different zeros, making a total of 38 different outcomes. While some players prefer to bet on numbers, the outcomes are also split between the colours red and black. This applies to all numbers from 1 to 36, while both of the zero pockets are represented by the colour green. 

In order for players to be awarded with any potential winnings, they must predict where the ball will land. This can be done by placing a bet on a colour, an individual number, or a group of numbers. Of course, these outcomes have different payouts, depending on the likelihood of each. 

Before the round begins, adequate time will be allowed for players to place their bets. This is done on a board featured below the wheel itself. After the betting period is over, the wheel will be spun, and the ball will later be dropped into play. The ball can land in any of the 38 different pockets, with bets on the winning number and colour then being awarded by the dealer. 

The other main type of roulette is the European variant. In many ways, it's identical to American Roulette. However, the European version only has 1 zero. This is why many people opt to play European Roulette, as the additional zero increases the house edge, albeit slightly.

Types of Bets in American Roulette

Types Of Bets In American Roulette - partycasino

In American Roulette, there are two main types of bets that can be placed, known as inside and outside bets. Inside bets are placed on smaller groups of numbers or outright numbers. These tend to have higher potential winnings but have a lower chance of being successful. Outright bets are the opposite and involve covering a large variety of outcomes with a single bet.

Here are the different types of each bet:

Inside Bets

Before touching on the different types of inside bets, it's important to know that these have a larger house edge than outside bets. However, due to this, the odds and potential winnings are higher.

Straight Up Bet

Straight Up Bet - partycasino

A straight up bet is placed on a single number. This bet will only be successful if the chosen number is selected on the wheel, not any of the others on the same line. Straight up bets are paid out at 35 to 1, or 36x the total stake size. This makes them the bet with the highest potential winnings, but also the least likely to occur.

Split Bet

Split Bet - partycasino

Next up is a split bet, which covers a line that separates two numbers. Both of these numbers will be covered, and should the ball land in the corresponding pocket, players will be awarded at 17 to 1, or 18x. As two numbers are covered, this bet offers a greater chance of winning than a straight up alternative.

Street Bet

Street Bet - partycasino

For a street bet, chips are placed at the end of a row, covering three different numbers as a result. If the roulette ball lands on any of these three numbers, players will be awarded at the rate of 11 to 1, or 12x their stake size for the round.

Corner Bet

Corner Bet - partycasino

Corner bets involve laying chips on the board where four numbers meet. Like with the other types of inside bets, all of these numbers will be covered. If the bet is successful, players will be awarded at 8 to 1, or 9x their initial wager.

Five Number Bet

Five Number Bet - partycasino

Last but not least is a five number bet, also known as a 'basket bet' or 'first five'. As the name suggests, this bet covers a total of 5 numbers, with these being the two zeros, 1, 2, and 3. The potential winnings for this bet sit at 6 to 1, or 7x the stake.

Outside Bets

Outside bets have less of a house advantage but offer lower odds than inside counterparts. The reason for this is that they cover more numbers, giving players an increased chance of a winning spin.

Column Bet

Column Bet - partycasino

An American roulette board features three different columns, all of which contain 12 numbers. Should players bet on a column, all of these numbers will be covered, with the potential winnings sitting at 2 to 1, or 3x.

Dozen Bet

Dozen Bet - partycasino

A dozen bet also covers 12 numbers, either from 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36, depending on where the bet is placed. Should any of these numbers be a winner, players will be awarded with 3x their stake size, or at the rate of 2 to 1.

Red or Black Bet

Red Or Black Bet - partycasino

As previously mentioned, the different numbers on an American roulette table are also represented by a colour. Players can bet accordingly on whether the chosen number will be red or black, with potential winnings sitting at 1 to 1, or 2x the wager. Remember that if the ball lands on a zero, however, the bet will be lost.

Even or Odd Bet

Even Or Odd Bet - partycasino

This bet is similar to red or black but revolves around whether the selected number is even or odd. Should this bet be successful, players will be awarded at 1 to 1, or 2x their stake size. Again, if the ball lands on either of the two zero pockets, this bet will be marked as a loss.

How to Play American Roulette?

In terms of gameplay, American Roulette is relatively straightforward. Players simply place their bets, the dealer spins the wheel, and the game is determined by where the ball lands. However, because of the higher house edge, the game may not be as favourable for players as other variations of roulette, such as European Roulette.

Here is our step-by-step guide on how to play American Roulette:

Step 1 - Set your bet

Before starting to play the game, decide on the amount you would like to bet.

Step 2 - Familiarise yourself with the rules

American Roulette has subtle differences from European Roulette, especially with the presence of the double zero. Make sure you understand the rules of the game before playing.

Step 3 - Choose your chip

Select a chip from the available options, usually ranging from £0.20 to £10000. In the American Roulette game by Win Studios – available for players to enjoy at PartyCasino, the minimum bet for one position is typically £0.20, and the maximum is £4500. The bet limits may vary depending on where you're playing.

Step 4 - Position your bet

Place your bet on the numbered layout on the table. The potential credits won will depend on the location of the bet and the ratio to the bet.

Step 5 - Use the 'Clear' and 'Spin' buttons

In the centre of the screen, there are two buttons: 'Clear' and 'Spin'. 'Clear' can be used to remove any bets that are no longer wanted on the table, while 'Spin' sets the ball rolling. Once the ball stops, the 'Spin' button will transform into a 'Repeat' button, which can be used to place the chips in the same place as before.

Step 6 - Understand the terminology

Familiarise yourself with some of the common terms used in American Roulette to help you understand the game better. It's good to know the terms to understand the options you have to bet and how the payouts work. This will help you to make informed decisions on where to place your bets, and how to manage your bankroll. 

Once you understand the gameplay, you’ll see that the added excitement of the double zero pocket, as well as the additional betting options makes the game much more interesting and diverse for players, compared to the other variations of roulette.

To conclude this article, remember that winning in American Roulette is never guaranteed, regardless of the strategy used. Setting limits and gambling responsibly is crucially important, as there is always the risk of losing your funds.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette

What is the difference between American Roulette and European Roulette?

The standout difference between the two variations is the addition of another zero in American Roulette. The American variant includes a zero pocket and a double zero pocket, with a total of 38 potential outcomes. European Roulette only features one zero and, as a result, has a total of 37 different outcomes.

What is the house edge in American Roulette?

When it comes to American Roulette, the average house edge sits at approximately 5.26%. However, this can change with different variations. The house edge for European Roulette is roughly 2.7%, which is perhaps why this variant is more popular.

Are the betting options in American Roulette different from other variations of roulette?

Yes, different betting options can be found in American Roulette. Players can choose to lay chips on the 'Five Number Bet', which is only made possible due to the additional 0 pocket on the roulette wheel.

Are the odds for the player better in American Roulette or European Roulette?

European Roulette offers better odds, as there is only one 0 in play. When the ball lands in the 0 pocket, it tends to be favourable for the house. In total, there is roughly a 2.5% difference in house edge between the two variations.

What is the minimum and maximum bet for American Roulette?

With most online casinos, the minimum bet size per round is $1, while some tables may require a stake of $5. For the maximum bet, most games will accept no more than $10,000. However, VIP tables can offer a higher upper limit.

Is there any strategy to increase the chances of winning in American Roulette?

It's important to remember that the outcome of the roulette wheel relies entirely on luck. With this being said, there are various strategies that many players implement while at the table. One of these is the martingale strategy, which involves raising the bet size until a win occurs. There is also the Paroli system, which is perhaps best suited to beginners, and the Fibonacci system, amongst others.