American Roulette Wheel (Everything You Need to Know)

American Roulette is most popular casino games after Blackjack in the United States.

The game revolves around a spinning wheel, known as the American Roulette wheel, which is divided into numbered slots.

In this article, we will cover what is American Roulette, its history, winning strategies, rules, and various aspects of this iconic wheel.

What is American Roulette?

American Roulette is a popular casino game. It’s played with a special wheel that has numbered pockets.

It has 38 pockets, which includes the numbers 1 to 36, 0, and 00. The numbers on this wheel always face outwards, and they’re in a different order than the European version.

The American roulette wheel is a bit different because it has an extra pocket called the double zero, which the European version doesn’t have.

This extra pocket gives the casino a bigger advantage, and it makes the game a bit harder for players.

In fact, it increases the house edge to 5.26%, which means the casino has a better chance of winning.

The main goal of the game is to guess which pocket the ball will land in on the wheel. American roulette is a good choice if you’re new to roulette.

The American roulette wheel is almost the same as the European one, but it has that extra pocket, the double zero.

In both versions of the game, you bet on which pocket the ball will land in, and if you are right, you get 35 times your bet as a prize.

However, in American roulette, your chances of winning are a bit lower because of that extra pocket.

This means the casino has a better advantage, and the players’ return on their bets is lower at 94.74%.

Overview of American Roulette
Total Number of Pockets	38 pockets in total: 36 numbered pockets, 0, and 00 (double zero).
Colors on the Wheel	Red and black numbers for the majority, with green for 0 and 00.
House Edge	The casino’s advantage is 5.26% due to the presence of the double zero.
Number Sequence	Numbers on the American wheel are arranged differently than on the European wheel.
Bet Types	Players can place various bets, including single number, color, and combination bets.
Randomness and Fairness	Each spin of the wheel is random and independent, and the wheel is designed to be fair.
Popular Gambling Destination	American Roulette gained prominence in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Betting Strategies	Players often employ strategies like the Martingale and D’Alembert systems.
Entertainment and Cultural Significance	The game is featured in movies, TV shows, and literature, symbolizing the excitement of gambling.
RTP (Return to Player)	American Roulette offers an RTP of 94.74%, making it a game of chance with a casino advantage.

The History of American Roulette

It is believed that American Roulette originated in France during the 18th century. However, the game as we know it today was adapted and popularized in America.

The American Roulette wheel differs from its European counterpart by having an additional double-zero slot.

This alteration gives the casino a slightly higher edge, making it a more challenging game for players.

Despite this, American Roulette quickly gained popularity throughout the country.

American Roulette underwent a significant transformation during the early 20th century when it started making appearances in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

These gambling meccas became synonymous with the game, making the American Roulette wheel a staple in casinos nationwide.

Its allure lies in the thrill of placing bets and the anticipation of where the ball will land.

Las Vegas, often referred to as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” played a crucial role in the rise of American Roulette.

In the 1940s, as the city began to establish itself as a gambling destination, American Roulette became one of the most popular games in the casinos.

The bright lights, extravagant shows, and luxurious hotels created an atmosphere of excitement and glamour that attracted players from all over the world.

Atlantic City, on the other hand, emerged as a gambling hotspot in the late 1970s.

The introduction of legal casino gambling in the city revitalized the economy and made it a prime destination for gamblers.

American Roulette, with its iconic double-zero wheel, became a symbol of the city’s transformation.

The boardwalk, lined with casinos and hotels, buzzed with energy as players eagerly placed their bets, hoping for a big win.

As American Roulette gained popularity, various strategies and betting systems were developed to try and beat the odds.

One of the most famous strategies is the Martingale system, where players double their bets after every loss in an attempt to recoup their losses.

While this strategy may seem promising, it is important to remember that Roulette is ultimately a game of chance, and no strategy can guarantee a win.

Over the years, American Roulette has become more than just a casino game. It has become a cultural icon, featured in movies, television shows, and even literature.

The spinning wheel, the sound of the ball bouncing, and the anticipation of the outcome have become ingrained in popular culture, representing the thrill and excitement of gambling.

Today, American Roulette continues to be a popular choice for players in both land-based and online casinos.

With advancements in technology, players can now enjoy the game from the comfort of their own homes, with realistic graphics and immersive gameplay.

Whether in a physical casino or on a virtual platform, American Roulette continues to attract players of all ages.

Understanding the Basics of American Roulette

It is crucial to have a solid understanding of the American Roulette wheel and its components.

In total, 38 numbered slots make up the wheel, including the numbers 1-36, the single digit 0 and the double digit 00.

The slots alternate between red and black, and the zeros are usually green.

When the ball lands in a numbered slot, the corresponding number is called out by the croupier, and players either celebrate their win or eagerly await the next spin.

It is this unpredictability that keeps players coming back for more.

The Rules of American Roulette

Understanding the rules of American Roulette is essential for any player. The game begins with players placing their bets on the numbered slots on the table.

Following the wheel spin, the croupier releases a small ball in the opposite direction. Players must predict where the ball will land, and if their prediction is correct, they win.

In addition to single number bets, players can also place bets on groups of numbers, colors, or combinations. The payouts vary depending on the likelihood of winning each bet.

Roulette Table Layout

The roulette table layout is an essential part of the game, and it is important to understand the different types of bets and their corresponding payouts. Here is a breakdown of the roulette table layout:

Roulette tables have cloth-covered betting areas known as layouts.
The American and European roulette tables have different layouts, but the principles of the game remain the same.
The American roulette table is comprised of 38 pockets, featuring numbers 1 through 36, as well as the additional spaces for 0 and 00. In contrast, the European roulette table consists of 37 pockets, which include numbers 1 to 36 and a single 0.
On the roulette table, the numbers are arranged in three columns of 12 numbers each. The zero or double zero pockets are located at the top of the columns.
The inside bets are placed on the numbers themselves or on a combination of numbers. The outside bets are placed on the areas outside of the numbers, such as red or black, odd or even, high or low, and columns.
The roulette table layout is designed to be simple and easy to understand, so even novice players can enjoy the game.

The following table highlights the different types of inside and outside bets and their corresponding payouts:

Inside Bets	Outside Bets
Straight up: 35:1Split: 17:1Street: 11:1Corner: 8:1Five number: 6:1 (only in American roulette)Six line: 5:1	Red or black: 1:1Odd or even: 1:1High or low: 1:1Dozen: 2:1Column: 2:1

There are also special bets that can be placed on the roulette table, such as the Orphans bet and the Voisins du Zero bet.

Strategies for Winning at American Roulette

The Martingale System

When you play Roulette, it’s mostly luck, but you can boost your chances with a plan. One common plan is the Martingale system.

This system suggests doubling your bet after losing. But you need to be careful with it, as it can lead to big losses if not done right.

The idea behind the Martingale system is that after a series of losses, you’ll eventually win.

By doubling your bet after each loss, the thought is that when you finally win, it will cover all the losses and leave you with a profit.

However, it’s important to have a lot of money to cover potential losses, and you should be aware of the casino’s maximum betting limit.

The D’Alembert System

Another strategy is the D’Alembert system. It recommends changing your bet by one unit after a win or loss. This method aims for a balanced outcome over time.

The D’Alembert system is a safer approach compared to the Martingale system. It’s based on the idea that wins and losses will even out, resulting in a small profit.

By adjusting your bet size by one unit, you aim to minimize losses during losing streaks and maximize gains when you’re winning.

But remember, the house always has an advantage in Roulette, so there’s no sure way to win every time.

Understanding Different Bets

It is important to understand that there are different types of bets in American Roulette.

You have inside bets, which are bets on single numbers, and outside bets, like betting on red or black, odd or even, or high or low numbers.

Each type of bet has its own odds and payout, so it’s important to know them to make good choices.

Managing Your Money

When you gamble, managing your money is really important.

Setting a budget and sticking to it can help you avoid big losses and make sure you’re playing within your limits.

It’s also a good idea to set limits for how much you’re willing to win and lose, so you know when to stop playing.

Knowing the Odds

Understanding the odds and probabilities in the game can help you make smarter decisions.

American Roulette has a higher house edge because of the double zero (00) pocket.

This extra pocket gives the casino an advantage. By being aware of the odds, you can make better choices when you place your bets.

The Secrets Behind the American Roulette Wheel

The American Roulette wheel might look simple, but it’s designed very carefully to be fair. The wheel’s balance, the weight of the ball, and how the pockets are made all make it random.

Some people think there are tricks to winning at Roulette, but it’s important to know that each spin is separate and not influenced by what happened before.

The American Roulette wheel is always fair and fairly decides who wins.

American Roulette VS European Roulette Wheel

The American roulette wheel is not the same as the European one. Here’s how they’re different:

Number of Pockets: The American wheel has 38 pockets, while the European one has 37. The extra pocket in American roulette is marked “00,” in addition to the usual numbers 0 to 36.
Number Direction: On the American wheel, the numbers always face outwards, but on the European wheel, they face inwards.
Number Sequence: The order of numbers on the American wheel is different. Starting from the green 0 pocket and going clockwise, it goes like this: 28, 9, 26, 30, 11, 7, 20, 32, 17, 5, 22, 34, 15, 3, 24, 36, 13, 1. Then, there’s the 00 pocket in green. After that, it continues: 27, 10, 25, 29, 12, 8, 19, 31, 18, 6, 21, 33, 16, 4, 23, 35, 14, 2. The numbers seem random to prevent players from noticing any patterns.
Extra Pocket: The American wheel has an extra pocket called the double zero, which the European wheel doesn’t have. This gives the casino a bigger advantage, making the house edge 5.26%.
Color Scheme: In American roulette, there are 18 red pockets, 18 black pockets, and 2 green pockets (0 and 00). In the European version, there are 18 red pockets, 18 black pockets, and 1 green pocket (0).
Random Design: The American wheel is deliberately designed to be random, making it very difficult for casual players to detect any bias or pattern.

Frequently Asked Question

Is American roulette a fair game?

Many people argue about whether the American roulette wheel is fair. This wheel is supposed to be random, and it’s very hard for regular players to see any unfairness.

But, no casino game is completely fair because the casino always has an advantage. In American roulette, the casino has a 5.26% advantage, so they usually win over time.

How many slots are in American roulette?

In American roulette, there are 38 slots on the wheel. These include numbers 1 to 36, as well as 0 and 00.

The numbers on the wheel aren’t in order based on their value. Instead, they are arranged in pairs of odd and even numbers.

This setup is designed to create an equal number of red and black pockets and an even distribution of odd and even numbers on the wheel.

What is the minimum bet on American roulette?

Usually, you’ll find a minimum bet that sets the betting amount for American Roulette.

For instance, it is $5, which means you have to wager at least $5 for each spin of the wheel.

What RTP does American roulette have?

American roulette offers a 94.74% Return to Player (RTP).

This is decent compared to many other casino games, but it’s not as good as European roulette, which has a higher RTP of 97.3%.

Conclusion

A fascinating and iconic casino game, American Roulette stands out among its peers.

Its history, from its French origins to its transformation in the United States, has made it a symbol of gambling excitement.

While the American Roulette wheel introduces an extra challenge with the double zero pocket, it still offers the thrill of predicting where the ball will land.

Understanding the rules, table layout, and various betting strategies can enhance one’s experience, but it’s crucial to remember that Roulette is ultimately a game of chance.

Each spin of the wheel is independent, and the house always maintains a slight advantage.

So, as players, we should savor the excitement, embrace uncertainty, and enjoy the moments of triumph that this timeless game provides.