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Article Summary
American roulette is, of course, the most common version of the game in the US. However, it’s also a popular choice for many players in the UK and further afield, and it’s available to play at online casinos like Genting.
In this article we’ll tell you everything you need to know about American roulette, including:
- What Is American Roulette?
- American Roulette vs. European Roulette
- Back to Basics: American Roulette Rules
- The American Roulette Table: Wheel & Layout
- American Roulette Odds and Bet Types
- How to Play American Roulette
What Is American Roulette?
American roulette wheels have 38 pockets numbered 1 – 36, with two zero pockets numbered 0 and 00. The overall objective of the game is the same as other roulette games, as players try to predict which pocket the ball will land on. However, the wheel is laid out differently to European roulette and consecutive numbers are opposite each other.
Like in other roulette games, it’s possible to increase your chances of winning by betting on groups of numbers with similar characteristics – for example, reds or blacks.
American Roulette vs. European Roulette
On the face of it, American roulette and European roulette seem pretty similar. Both games involve predicting which pocket of the wheel the ball will land on, and there are different types of bets you can make.
However, one of the most important differences is the extra zero pocket in the American version of the game. This increases the house edge (which is the casino’s advantage) to 5.26%, compared to a house edge of 2.7% in European roulette. This essentially means that in American roulette the casino has a higher chance of winning.
Another significant difference is the inclusion of call bets in American roulette. This type of bet includes five-number bets and six-number bets, which enable you to choose multiple numbers to bet on. These bet types have a higher house edge than others, and it’s important to consider this before placing your bets.
Back to Basics: American Roulette Rules
American roulette has 38 pockets, with the numbers 1 to 36 plus two zero pockets. The aim of the game is to predict which number the ball will land on. Bets can be made on single numbers or groups of numbers, and different types of bets have different payouts.
Once all bets have been made, the dealer will spin the wheel. If you guess correctly, you will receive a payout.
The American Roulette Table
In most roulette games, you’ll see a roulette wheel and a ‘layout’, which is where bets are placed using chips. The layout is a representation of the bets available on the wheel, but you’ll notice that it is rectangular rather than round.
American Roulette Wheel
The American roulette wheel consists of 38 pockets in total: two ‘zero’ pockets and the rest numbered from 1 to 36.
Consecutive numbers are opposite each other on the wheel, and black numbers are always opposite red numbers. A black number always follows a red number, and the double zero pocket (00) sits between two red numbers. The zero pocket (0) is always positioned between two black numbers.
American Roulette Layout
The ’layout’ is the area on the game screen where you place your bets. In physical casinos it is usually covered with green cloth, and many online roulette games replicate this look.
The layout is divided into two sections, which represent the two main types of bets in roulette. Inside bets are placed in the inner part of the layout, and each of the 38 numbers on the reel has its own pocket.
Outside bets are placed in the outside section of the layout, and it has specific areas for odd/even bets, red/black, high/low, column and dozen bets.
American Roulette Odds and Bet Types
There are a few different types of bets you can place in American roulette games. They can be split into two categories: inside bets and outside bets.
Keep reading for a brief introduction to each bet type, plus some information on American roulette odds:
Inside Bets
Inside bets are those which are placed on specific numbers inside the area with the numbered boxes. They include bets like Straight Up, Corner, and more.
- Straight Up Bets
This is probably the simplest type of bet, and it’s when you bet on one specific number to win. The payout is 35 to 1.
- Split Bets
A split bet is when you bet on two adjacent numbers on the layout, in the hopes that one of them will win. The payout is 17 to 1.
- Street Bets
Street bets consist of a row of three numbers on the layout (for example, 13, 14, and 15). If you win, you’ll receive a payout of 11 to 1.
- Corner Bets
This type of bet covers four numbers on the layout which share the same corner - effectively, a 2x2 square. The payout is 8 to 1.
- Six-Line Bets
With this bet, you’re betting that one of six numbers in two adjacent rows will win. If one of your numbers wins, you’ll receive a payout of 6 to 1.
- Five-Number Bets / Basket Bets
This bet type is the only one that is exclusive to American roulette. It covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3, and it has a payout of 6 to 1. Bear in mind that this bet has a house edge of 7.89%, meaning that it is less likely that you’ll win it.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover wagers placed on the outside of the area with the numbered boxes on the table layout. Rather than betting on a specific number, outside bets are placed on a group of numbers - for example, red or black, odd or even, high or low, columns or dozens.
- Red or Black Bets
You can bet on whether the number the ball lands on will be black or red. The payout is 1 to 1.
- Odd or Even Bets
Similar to the above, but this time you’re trying betting on whether the winning number will be odd or even. The payout is the same as above.
- Low or High Bets
You can also bet on whether the number will be high or low. Low numbers are from 1 - 18, and high numbers are from 19 - 36.
- Column Bets
Column bets can be made on one of the three horizontal lines on the layout. The payout is 2 to 1, and you’re betting across 12 numbers.
How to Play American Roulette
Playing American roulette is simple. However, be sure to check the rules of the specific game you’re playing, as there are some variations of this live casino game.
- Choose a number or set of numbers you want to bet on. Inside bets offer lower odds but better payouts, whereas outside bets offer higher odds and smaller payouts.
- Decide how much money you want to bet.
- Place your bet on the number/numbers of your choice, using the layout.
- Wait for the live dealer (or the computer) to spin the wheel and reveal the winning number.
- If you’ve guessed the right number, you can collect your winnings.
- Place another bet and try again.
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