Understanding the American Roulette Wheel Layout
The American roulette wheel is instantly recognizable to casino enthusiasts. If you're new to the game, the easiest way to identify it is by looking for the two green pockets: the single zero (0) and the double zero (00). This is the primary feature that distinguishes it from European roulette, which only has a single zero.
The American wheel has 38 pockets in total, including numbers 1 through 36, a 0, and a 00. The presence of the double zero is the key reason for the game's higher house edge, a crucial factor for any player to consider.
The zero (0) and double zero (00) pockets are distinctively colored green, setting them apart from the alternating red and black numbers.
Another subtle difference is the sequence of numbers on the wheel. The clockwise layout from the zero is 0, 28, 9, 26, 30, 11, 7, 20, 32, 17, 5, 22, 34, 15, 3, 24, 36, 13, 1, and then continues from the double zero with 00, 27, 10, 25, 29, 12, 8, 19, 31, 18, 6, 21, 33, 16, 4, 23, 35, 14, 2. While this sequence seems random, it's designed to distribute high, low, odd, and even numbers as evenly as possible. Ultimately, the ball has an equal chance of landing in any pocket on any given spin.
The American Roulette Betting Table Explained
Once you understand the wheel, the betting table is straightforward. The layout is very similar to other roulette versions, with the main addition being a betting spot for the double zero. Bets are categorized into two main groups: inside and outside bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. They offer higher payouts but have lower odds of winning.
- Straight Up: A bet on a single number, including 0 or 00. Payout is 35 to 1.
- Split: A bet on two adjacent numbers on the table. Payout is 17 to 1.
- Street: A bet on a row of three numbers. Payout is 11 to 1.
- Corner: A bet on a block of four numbers that form a square. Payout is 8 to 1.
- Five-Number Bet: A unique bet in American roulette that covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. It's often called a 'basket bet' and has a payout of 6 to 1. Note: This is generally considered the worst bet due to a higher house edge of 7.89%.
- Line Bet: A bet on two adjacent rows of three numbers each (six numbers total). Payout is 5 to 1.
Outside Bets
Outside bets are less risky, covering large sections of the wheel. They have higher winning probabilities but offer smaller payouts. These are ideal for beginners learning the roulette rules.
- Columns: A bet on one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers. Payout is 2 to 1.
- Dozens: A bet on one of three groups of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36). Payout is 2 to 1.
- Red/Black: A bet on whether the winning number will be red or black. Payout is 1 to 1.
- Odd/Even: A bet that the ball will land on an odd or even number. Payout is 1 to 1.
- Low/High: A bet on whether the number will be in the low range (1-18) or high range (19-36). Payout is 1 to 1.
It's important to know that if the ball lands on 0 or 00, all outside bets lose.
American Roulette House Edge and Payouts
The topic of the roulette house edge is unavoidable when discussing the American version. The extra double zero pocket significantly impacts the casino's advantage.
The house edge for the American roulette wheel is 5.26%, nearly double the 2.7% edge found in European roulette.
This higher edge means that, on average, the casino expects to keep 5.26% of all money wagered over the long term. While both versions have the same 35 to 1 payout for a single number bet, the odds of winning are lower in the American game (1 in 38) compared to the European game (1 in 37). Here is a breakdown of the payouts and probabilities:
| Type of Bet | Bet Payout | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| High/Low | 1 to 1 | 47.4% |
| Odd/Even | 1 to 1 | 47.4% |
| Red/Black | 1 to 1 | 47.4% |
| Dozens | 2 to 1 | 31.6% |
| Columns | 2 to 1 | 31.6% |
| Six Line | 5 to 1 | 15.8% |
| Five-Number Bet | 6 to 1 | 13.2% |
| Corner | 8 to 1 | 10.5% |
| Street | 11 to 1 | 7.9% |
| Split | 17 to 1 | 5.3% |
| Straight Up | 35 to 1 | 2.6% |
How to Play a Round of American Roulette
Playing the game is simple. In most casinos, each player gets chips of a unique color to avoid disputes. The round unfolds in a few easy steps:
- Players place their chips on the desired bets on the table.
- The dealer spins the wheel in one direction and launches the ball in the opposite direction.
- You can continue placing or changing bets until the dealer announces, "no more bets."
- Once the ball settles into a numbered pocket, the dealer places a marker on the winning number on the table.
- The dealer then clears all losing bets and pays out the winners. A new round begins once the marker is removed.
Should You Play American Roulette?
American roulette is a game of pure chance, and no strategy can guarantee a win. However, understanding the bets and odds can help you manage your bankroll effectively. The main decision is whether the higher house edge is a dealbreaker for you.
If you're in a casino where it's the primary option and you enjoy the fast-paced excitement, American roulette is a fantastic choice. However, if your goal is to play with the best possible odds, seeking out a European roulette table is the strategically sound decision.
