The American roulette wheel stands as one of the most recognized symbols in casino gaming. With its distinctive 38 pockets, including numbers 1-36, zero (0), and double zero (00), this variant offers unique gameplay opportunities. Whether you’re playing at a traditional casino or trying your luck online, understanding the American roulette wheel is essential for any player.
American vs European Roulette Wheels
The main difference between American and European wheels lies in their design:
- American wheel: 38 pockets (0, 00, 1-36)
- European wheel: 37 pockets (0, 1-36)
- Higher house edge in American roulette (5.26%)
- Different number sequences
- Varied betting options
Layout and Number Sequence
The American roulette wheel features a specific number arrangement:
- Zero sectors: 0 and 00 (green)
- Red numbers: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 32, 34, 36
- Black numbers: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, 33, 35
The numbers alternate between red and black, with zeros positioned opposite each other.
Types of Bets
American roulette offers various betting options:
Inside Bets
- Straight Up: Single number (35:1)
- Split: Two adjacent numbers (17:1)
- Street: Three numbers in a row (11:1)
- Corner: Four numbers forming a square (8:1)
- Five Number: 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 (6:1)
- Line: Six numbers in two rows (5:1)
Outside Bets
- Column: Twelve numbers (2:1)
- Dozen: Groups of 12 numbers (2:1)
- Red/Black: Color bets (1:1)
- Even/Odd: Number type (1:1)
- High/Low: 1-18 or 19-36 (1:1)
Click here to know more about Roulette Betting Types
House Edge and Odds
The American roulette wheel has a house edge of 5.26% on most bets. Notable exceptions:
- Standard bets: 5.26%
- Five-number bet: 7.89%
- Probability calculations for different bets
- Expected return rates
How to Play American Roulette
Placing Your Bets
Playing on the American roulette wheel starts with placing bets on the roulette table. Players can choose from a wide variety of betting options, including:
- Inside Bets: These are wagers placed on specific numbers or combinations of numbers. Examples include straight bets, split bets, and street bets.
- Outside Bets: These cover broader categories such as red or black, odd or even, and high (19–36) or low (1–18) numbers.
The Spin
After bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and rolls a small ball in the opposite direction. When the ball loses momentum, it settles into one of the 38 pockets, determining the winning number and color.
Playing Strategies
Popular betting systems for American roulette:
- Martingale System
This strategy involves doubling your bet after every loss, with the aim of recovering all losses with a single win. While it can be effective in theory, the high house edge of the American roulette wheel and table limits can make it risky.- Double bets after losses
- Reset after wins
- Best used on even-money bets
- D’Alembert System
The D’Alembert strategy is a more conservative approach. Players increase their bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win. This minimizes losses during losing streaks.- Increase bets by one unit after losses
- Decrease by one unit after wins
- More conservative approach
- Fibonacci System
This strategy is based on the Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. Bets are increased according to this sequence after a loss and reset to the starting bet after a win.- Based on famous number sequence
- Progressive betting pattern
- Moderate risk level
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Chasing losses
- Ignoring bankroll management
- Believing in “due” numbers
- Using progressive betting without limits
- Failing to understand odds
- Playing without a strategy
Online American Roulette: A Modern Twist
The rise of online casinos has made the American roulette wheel accessible to players worldwide. Virtual and live dealer games replicate the thrill of the casino floor, offering convenience and variety. Many online platforms also provide free versions of the game, allowing players to practice before wagering real money.
Online vs Live Casino Experience
Playing American roulette online offers unique advantages:
- Convenience and accessibility
- Lower minimum bets
- Practice mode options
- Multiple game variations
- Automated bet tracking
- Live dealer options
Why Play American Roulette?
Despite its higher house edge, the American roulette wheel remains popular for several reasons:
- Excitement and Variety: The inclusion of the double zero adds an extra layer of unpredictability.
- Cultural Significance: It’s a staple in many American casinos, offering a quintessential casino experience.
- Simplicity: The game is easy to understand, making it accessible to players of all skill levels.
Tips for Responsible Gaming
- Set a budget before playing
- Use time management
- Understand the odds
- Keep records of sessions
- Take regular breaks
- Never chase losses
- Use casino tools for self-control
