What makes American roulette different from its European counterpart is the single double-zero pocket on the wheel. While it might seem like a small addition, it increases the house edge while not helping players at all, which is why most savvy gamblers tend to overlook this type of online roulette entirely.
However, American roulette’s pace and unique bet types can be quite exciting, so there are certainly reasons to give it a go and see how you feel about it. Let’s dive deeper and learn what makes this type of game stand out in several ways.
American roulette: wheel and table layout
The key differences between the American and European versions of the game are simple. American roulette has 38 numbered slots instead of 37 (1-36, plus 0 and 00). As a result, the house edge increases from 2.70% to 5.26%. While seemingly not a lot changes, the double zero wheel expands wagering options, which now include:
Inside bets:
- Single numbers (Straight Up)
- Two adjoining numbers (Split)
- Three numbers in a row (Street)
- Four numbers (Corner)
- First five numbers (Top Line)
Outside bets:
- Red, Black, Even, Odd, Low (1-18), High (19-36)
- Dozens – 1st 12, 2nd 12, 3rd 12
- Columns – 12 numbers in each vertical column
The double zero even enables a special ’00’ bet with a 35:1 payout but a tough 8:1 house edge. It is worth noting that the chances of winning any bet also decrease compared to European roulette. For instance, betting on red/black or odd/even offers a 47.4% chance to win, while European roulette provides a 48.6% chance.
Top tips for beating American roulette
- Leverage the Five Numbers bet’s 6:1 payout
- Place outside even money bets to start
- Learn to predict wheel bias over time
- Use the La Partage rule to protect even bets
- Practice for free first to hone strategy
Following these tips helps overcome the higher house edge in American roulette.
Where to play American roulette online
If you’re interested in playing American roulette using real money, the best options available to New Zealanders include:
- BetMGM (live dealer available)
- Caesars Casino
- Golden Nugget (plays like physical casino)
- BetRivers (great for slots too)
- DraftKings (fantastic mobile app)
Make sure to take advantage of generous signup bonuses before placing real cash bets.
Give American roulette a spin
While the extra pocket might scare away players looking for better odds, hitting a 0 or 00 bet can be quite an exciting experience for those who prioritize having fun, which is why this faster variation of a classic casino game might be worth trying.