American Roulette
The beautiful game of roulette has its humble beginnings in 18th century Europe, and since then, has travelled the globe, capturing hearts and gaining followers. Watching the spinning roulette wheel land on the magic number can be a life-changing experience. Over the years, roulette has become more universal, with different versions of the game starting to appear.
The main difference between American and European versions is the addition of another zero in the former. American roulette can be more accessible to comprehend, as the numbers on the wheel are placed in pairs, opposite one another, while with European and French roulette, the numbers are set randomly.
Playing American Roulette: Basics and How-To
Roulette is relatively easy to play, which contributes to its appeal. Yet there are strategies one can apply to win in the long run. The roulette wheel has black and red pockets where the wheel lands after a spin. There are also numbers beside the pockets, starting from 0 to 36, including a double 00, making up a total of 38.
The betting table is straightforward to use, as bets can be placed on numbers and colours, inside or outside. Inside bets are more varied than outside ones.
Players can bet on a single number, or a combination of numbers by placing the chip on the lines separating the chosen numbers. Outside bets are more straightforward and pay out less, but cover more substantial portions of the wheel. The stakes can be even, or odd, black or red, columns, dozens, or spaces 1 to 18, and 19 to 36.
Understanding American Roulette: Rules, Layout, and Odds
Players can place as many bets as they like, or perhaps choose to run with a single number or number combinations with a single bet. Players place bets on the large table beside the wheel, and multiple players can partake in the game.
Despite the edge being slightly better for European roulette, the American version is widespread across North and South America and the Caribbean. As the numbers are placed in pairs, it is somewhat easier to work out betting options.
The rules of roulette are pretty straightforward. The croupier throws the ball around the wheel, which then lands on a number and colour pocket. The players place the bets on the table and await the outcome of the spin.
With American roulette, the house advantage is slightly higher due to the additional zero, standing at 5.26%, compared to 2.7% for the European variant. Nevertheless, American roulette offers unparalleled excitement and entertainment, with more comfortable wagering.
Types of Bets in American Roulette: Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or combinations of numbers on the inner part of the roulette table. They generally offer higher payouts but have lower odds of winning. In In American Roulette, there is an additional bet called the 'Basket Bet,' which combines the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. This is also known as the '5 Bet.' For more information, check out our guide on the Buket Bet.
- Straight (Single number): Betting on a single number. The chip is placed directly on the number.
- Split (Two numbers): Betting on two adjacent numbers. The chip is placed on the line between the two numbers.
- Street (Three numbers): Betting on three consecutive numbers in a horizontal line. The chip is placed on the edge of the line at the end of the row.
- Square (Four numbers): Betting on four numbers that form a square. The chip is placed at the central intersection of the four numbers.
- Six Line (Six numbers): Betting on two adjacent streets, covering six numbers. The chip is placed at the intersection of the two streets.
- Basket (American Roulette): Betting on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. The chip is placed at the intersection that includes the 0, 00, and the first row (1, 2, 3).
Types of Bets in American Roulette: Outside Bets
Outside bets are placed on various groupings of numbers, colors, or whether the numbers are odd or even. These bets are typically found on the outer part of the roulette table and offer lower payouts but higher odds of winning.
- Dozen (12 numbers): Betting on one of the three dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36).
- Column (12 numbers): Betting on one of the three columns of numbers. The chip is placed at the bottom of the column.
- Red/Black (18 numbers): Betting on either all red numbers or all black numbers.
- Even/Odd (18 numbers): Betting on either all even numbers or all odd numbers.
- Low/High (1-18 or 19-36): Betting on either the low group of numbers (1-18) or the high group of numbers (19-36).
American Roulette Payouts: Strategies and Odds
There is a fundamental strategy that one can follow, which will increase the game expectations. Starting with even money bets paying out 1 to 1, rather than inside bets, which can be more complicated.
Once players get used to the game, they can move on to the more lucrative inside bets. Outside bets pay out as follows; Dozen and Column bets using 12 numbers wins a 2:1 payout. Red/black, even/odd, and high/low, with 18 figures, pays out evens, 1:1.
Inside betting is more rewarding with payouts increasing substantially. The highest payout is a straight up number, with 35:1. Two spilt numbers pay 17:1. Three digits, a street, pays out 11:1, four corners, 8:1, 5 number pays 6:1, and a 6 line pays 5:1.
The amount of the win is calculated by multiplying the amount of the bet by the set payout for that specific stake, with the original bet refunded to the player along with the win. Players can, of course, place several bets at once, with increased chances of a winning payout.
American Roulette Payout Chart: Detailed Breakdown
| Bet Type | Payout | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| Straight (Single number) | 35:1 | 2.63% |
| Split (Two numbers) | 17:1 | 5.26% |
| Street (Three numbers) | 11:1 | 7.89% |
| Square (Four numbers) | 8:1 | 10.53% |
| Basket (Five numbers) | 6:1 | 13.16% |
| Six Line (Six numbers) | 5:1 | 15.79% |
| Dozen (12 numbers) | 2:1 | 31.58% |
| Column (12 numbers) | 2:1 | 31.58% |
| Red/Black (18 numbers) | 1:1 | 47.37% |
| Even/Odd (18 numbers) | 1:1 | 47.37% |
| Low/High (1-18 or 19-36) | 1:1 | 47.37% |
Faq
What Types of Bets Are There in American Roulette?
In American Roulette, there are two main categories of bets: Inside Bets and Outside Bets. Inside Bets include betting on specific numbers or combinations, such as Straight (single number), Split (two numbers), Street (three numbers), Square (four numbers), Six Line (six numbers), and the unique Basket Bet (0, 00, 1, 2, and 3). Outside Bets cover larger groups of numbers and include Dozen, Column, Red/Black, Even/Odd, and Low/High (1-18 or 19-36).
What is a Basket Bet?
A Basket Bet in American Roulette is a unique wager that covers five numbers: 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. This bet is placed at the intersection that includes the 0, 00, and the first row (1, 2, 3). It's also known as the '5 Bet' and offers different odds compared to other bet types.
What Are the Payouts for Each Bet?
The payouts in American Roulette vary based on the type of bet. For Inside Bets, the payouts are as follows: Straight (35:1), Split (17:1), Street (11:1), Square (8:1), Basket (6:1), and Six Line (5:1). For Outside Bets, the payouts are: Dozen and Column (2:1), and Red/Black, Even/Odd, Low/High (1:1).