American Roulette
American Roulette Guide Intro
Roulette is one of the most popular and widespread casino games. As all gamblers know, it is a table game that has several variants. It was introduced in American casinos during the 18th century by a wave of immigrants who were fleeing the French Revolution. They brought the French version of the game with them, but it was not welcomed with open arms by Americans, who considered it too advantageous for the player. Thus, they changed the game several times until they came up with the American version that is played today. Hence, three major forms of the game are recognized—American, French, and European.
The American variation of the game is the most popular in American and Asian casinos. It has the same basic rules—the croupier spins the wheel until the rolling ball drops into one of the numbered pockets. Correctly guessing where the white ball will land earns the player a payout. The payout is calculated according to the specific bet and the house edge.
The present article aims to provide roulette fans with a detailed overview of the American variation of the game and to compare it with the hugely popular European version. Additionally, we will cover the inside and outside bets players can place.
American Roulette Odds and Payout: A Closer Look
Ever wondered why American roulette remains a staple in the casino gaming world despite its slightly higher house edge? It’s all about the thrill and the chance to win big. What sets American roulette apart is its unique wheel sequence, featuring not just a single zero (0) but a double zero (00) as well. This little twist increases the house edge but doesn’t dampen the spirits of avid roulette players.
Now, let’s break down the odds and payouts, shall we? Understanding these is crucial for strategizing your bets and maximizing your chances of walking away as a winner. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- The House Edge: This percentage represents the casino’s advantage over you. In American roulette, the addition of the 00 pocket nearly doubles the house edge, making it tougher for players to win.
- Your Odds and Payouts: Each bet in roulette has different odds of winning and payouts that reflect this risk-to-reward ratio, so knowing your odds is key to making informed decisions.
Without further ado, let’s take a peek at the main bets you will encounter on the roulette layout:
Bet Type | Player Odds | Payout |
---|---|---|
Straight (single number) | 2.6% | 35 to 1 |
Split (two numbers) | 5.3% | 17 to 1 |
Street (three numbers) | 7.9% | 11 to 1 |
Corner (four numbers) | 10.5% | 8 to 1 |
Column | 31.6% | 2 to 1 |
Dozen | 31.6% | 2 to 1 |
Red/Black | 47.4% | 1 to 1 |
Even/Odd | 47.4% | 1 to 1 |
Low/High | 47.4% | 1 to 1 |
So, what’s the takeaway here? While the house might have the upper hand with the additional 00, the variety of bets and their respective payouts can accommodate numerous strategies to test your luck. Whether you’re aiming for the big 35-to-1 payout with a straight-up bet or playing it safe with bets on colors or parity, American roulette promises a thrilling experience with every spin of the wheel.
American vs European Roulette Style
The first and most decisive difference is that American roulette has 38 numbered pockets, which makes it harder for the player to guess correctly. The American wheel offers numbers from 1 to 36, a zero, and a double-zero pocket. The colors associated with the game are red and black, while the zero pockets are colored green. The numbers are arranged in a specific way—two consecutive numbers are positioned opposite one another (number 1 is opposite number 2, and so on).
The difference in the house edge arises from this extra pocket. If the ball lands in any of the zeroes, all bets except those on the zeroes are lost. This doubles the chance of losing and gives the casino a larger edge. Unlike the European wheel, which carries a 2.7% house edge, the American version has a 5.26% edge. It is, in fact, the advantage of the casino, determined by the payout and the amount won. A few casinos have adopted the “surrender” or La Partage rule, according to which a player with an even-money bet may keep half of it if the winning number is any of the zeros. However, this rule applies only in French and some European casinos. The bets to which this rule can be applied include red/black, even/odd, and high/low.
Interestingly enough, the surrender rule has been available in most brick-and-mortar casinos across the USA for decades, and currently, it can be found in a number of roulette variants that are available over the Internet, as well as in some land-based casinos in Europe. As mentioned already, while playing roulette, gambling enthusiasts will lose the staked amount whenever the white ball lands on 0 or 00.
In American roulette, there are 38 pockets in which the ball can fall, and players will be paid at the rate of 35:1 when they place a winning straight bet. With even-money roulette bets, on the other hand, if players have wagered $5 and win the bet, they will be paid $5. Considering that the house edge is 5.26%, this means that the house will collect $5.26 for every $100 gambling enthusiasts have staked during their betting session.
This surrender rule benefits players because the house advantage is reduced from 5.26% to 2.63%, thereby lowering expected losses. Players will get to benefit from a lower house edge, and therefore, the casino will collect a smaller amount than it normally would. In other words, the hit of the casino on the bankroll of players while betting on a double-zero roulette variant will be smaller, given that the surrender rule is available.
As for single-zero roulette versions, on some occasions, players will get to benefit from the En Prison rule, which also reduces the house advantage when the ball lands on 0. Thus, the house edge will decrease from 2.7% down to 1.35%, which turns such games into instant attention-grabbers. What players should bear in mind is that while being in a land-based casino, their bets will be locked on the table, and instead of collecting the money, the dealer will leave it on the table for the next round.
As far as the colors of the wheel are concerned, they alternate between red and black, where black numbers are opposite red ones. The double-zero pocket is placed between two red ones, while the one-zero pocket is between two black numbers.
The table layout is the betting section where you put your chips. The main difference between the European and the American one is that the American has one more betting box, which covers the double-zero pocket. One more thing is that the French layout also provides bets on an entire section of the wheel, while the American one lacks this option.
Another feature distinguishing American roulette is the chips that are used to bet. Players buy roulette chips directly at the table, and each receives a different color, which makes distinguishing between gamblers’ bets much easier. Another slight difference is that the croupier in American roulette handles the chips with his hands, whereas a special stick is used for that purpose in European roulette.
Types of Bets in American Roulette
After you receive your chips, you can start placing bets. The betting limits define the minimum and maximum amount that can be wagered. These limits differ for each table, and you can find them posted at the table’s edge. There are no limits to how many bets a player may make at the same time, as long as they do not exceed the maximum table limit. Make your bet by placing your chips on the roulette table. Even after the croupier has spun the wheel, you may change your bet until it is announced that the bets are stopped. Once the roulette ball lands in a numbered pocket, the croupier marks the winning number and removes all losing bets. The winnings are then paid, and you may place new bets while the next round is prepared.
Inside Bets
The name “inside bets” is quite literal, since these bets are made on the inner part of the betting layout. This area is made up of small boxes that include all the numbers on the wheel. These bets offer a lower chance of winning but a higher payout. Here are the different types of inside bets:
Straight Bet
It is placed on a single number by setting your chips in the middle of its square on the betting area. The chances of winning are slim, since you need to predict one particular number out of 38 possible ones. But if there is no risk, there is no reward. That is why the payout is 35:1.
Split Bet
It is placed on two adjoining numbers on the betting layout by setting the chips on the line in between the numbers. It doubles your chance of winning but also halves the payout. This type of bet can be made on both horizontal and vertical numbers. The payout is 17:1.
Street Bet
It is placed on three numbers in a row by setting the chips on the edge line at the end of the row, or at the intersection of 0-1-2 or 0-2-3. The payout is 11:1.
Corner Bet
It is placed on four adjoining numbers by setting the chips on the intersection point of the four numbers. For example, you place chips in the middle of the square formed by the numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5. The payout is 8:1.
Five Bet
It is placed on numbers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3 by setting the chips on the intersection part of the two rows. These are the only numbers on which you can place a Five Bet. However, this wager carries the highest house edge of all, so it is generally best avoided. The payout is 6:1.
Sixline Bet
It is placed on six numbers on two adjacent lines. You place your chips on the intersecting point between the two lines. For example, if you play with the numbers from 1 to 6, you need to place your chips on the left edge of 1 and 4. The payout is 5:1.
The payout ratio, aka payout, is the amount of money that will be paid to the winner relative to the initial bet. For example, with a payout of 5:1, a $10 bet will yield a $50 profit and a total payout of $60.
Outside Bets
Here, the bets are made on the peripheral section of the betting layout. The different types include:
Column Bet
It is placed on all the numbers from one of the three columns by setting the chips on the box at the end of the column. If the “lucky” number falls in your column, you win. The payout is 2:1.
Dozen/ Group Bet
It is placed on all numbers included in the first (1-12), second (13-24) or third (25-36) dozen of numbers by setting the chips on the dozen bet box. The payout is 2:1.
Black/ Red Bet
It is placed on black or red to win by setting the chips on the color bet box. The payout is 1:1.
Odd/ Even Bet
It is placed on the winning number to be odd or even by setting the chips on the odd or even box. The payout is 1:1.
High/ Low Bet
It is placed on the winning number to be low (1-18) or high (19-36) by setting the chips on the low or high box. The payout is 1:1.
Winning Strategies
As mentioned above, the American wheel has one more “zero-pocket” than the European one. This reduces your chances of winning. So, if you have the option, it’s better to choose the European wheel. Every seasoned gambler knows that the second zero pocket is disadvantageous because it increases the likelihood that the ball will land in a losing pocket.
Outside bets improve a player’s chances of winning because they cover many numbers instead of just one. Whatever strategy you use, keep in mind that roulette is a game of chance. You need knowledge, but also a pinch of luck.
FAQ: How to Play American Roulette
American Roulette features an additional double-zero (00) pocket, increasing the total number of pockets to 38. This addition increases the house edge to 5.26%, making it tougher for players to win compared to European Roulette, which yields a lower house edge (2.70%) as it has a wheel with 37 numbers only.
Betting on zero or double-zero straight up can result in high rewards as winning wagers on single numbers pay 35:1. However, like most inside bets in roulette, this one is riskier due to its low probability of winning (2.63%).
Yes, the “surrender” rule, when available, allows you to recoup half of your even-money bets if the ball lands on zero or double-zero. This effectively reduces the house edge on those bets, making them less costly over time.
Outside bets, such as red/black, odd/even, and high/low, are considered more beginner-friendly due to their higher probability of winning. These bets have nearly a 50% chance of winning, making them a safer choice for new players looking to extend their gaming sessions.
The betting layout in American Roulette, with its additional double-zero, influences strategy by requiring players to factor in the higher house edge. Focusing on bets that offer better long-term returns, and leveraging rules like “surrender” when available, can help mitigate some of the risks associated with the double-zero layout.