How to Play American Roulette

How to Play American Roulette

Among the different types of roulette, American Roulette stands out for its added challenge and the distinctive double zero. You can play it at the casino or online, with simple rules that are easy to learn but offer plenty of room for strategy. This guide explains how to play, what sets American Roulette apart, and gives practical tips to get started.

Learn the Basic Rules for Playing American Roulette

The main goal of American Roulette is simple: predict where the ball will land after the wheel is spun. Players place bets on a roulette table layout, choosing numbers, colors, or combinations. If the ball lands on your selected outcome, you win according to the odds of your bet.

The American roulette wheel

How to Play American Roulette

The American Roulette wheel has 38 numbered pockets: numbers 1 through 36, plus 0 and 00. 

The numbers alternate in red and black, except for the 0 and 00, which are green

The inclusion of the double zero (00) is what sets American Roulette apart from its European counterpart, which only has one zero. This gives the house a slightly higher edge in American Roulette.

Types of Bets in American Roulette

When playing American Roulette, there are two main categories of bets. Each offers different levels of risk and reward, giving players flexibility in how they want to play.

Inside bets

These are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers, generally offering higher payouts but with lower odds of winning:

  • Straight-up: betting on a single number for the highest payout.
  • Split: a bet on two adjacent numbers, covering both.
  • Street: betting on three numbers in a horizontal row.
  • Corner: covers four numbers that meet at one corner.
  • Six Line: a bet on two adjacent rows, covering six numbers in total.

Outside bets

These cover larger sections of the table and have higher chances of winning but pay out less:

  • Red or Black: wagering on the colour of the winning number.
  • Odd or Even: choosing whether the winning number will be odd or even.

  • 1–18 or 19–36: predicting if the winning number falls in the lower or higher half of the number range.
  • Dozens: selecting one of three groups of twelve numbers (1–12, 13–24, 25–36).
  • Columns: betting on all numbers in one of the three vertical columns on the table.

👉 In American Roulette, each bet type has different odds and payouts. Inside bets usually offer higher payouts but are riskier, while outside bets are safer with lower returns.

Actions and Rounds in American Roulette Games

When you play American Roulette, the gameplay typically follows this sequence:

  • To start, choose your chip size and place your bets on the table.
  • Once all bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel.
  • When the ball lands in a pocket, the winning number is announced and any winning bets are paid out.
  • A new round then begins, and players can place their bets again for the next spin.
When playing American Roulette online, the main flow is similar, but there are some differences:
  • Bets are placed by clicking on the virtual table instead of using physical chips.
  • The wheel spin and ball landing are simulated by software or sometimes handled by a live dealer in real time via video stream. 
  • Online games may also offer faster rounds, game stats, and extra betting options not always available in traditional casinos.

The Best Strategies to Play American Roulette 

Playing in a land-based casino or an online casino, no strategy guarantees a win, but using a structured approach can help you manage your bankroll and improve your overall experience. So, it’s useful to know some strategies you can use for American Roulette games:

The Martingale System The Martingale strategy is a classic approach that involves doubling your bet after every loss. This way, when you eventually win, you recover all previous losses plus a profit equal to your original stake.
The Reverse Martingale Also known as the Paroli system, this method has you increase your bet after a win, aiming to make the most of winning streaks while minimising losses during losing runs.
The D’Alembert Strategy A more balanced approach where you increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win, helping to manage risk. Find detailed information on the D’Alembert Betting System here.

Tips for Winning at American Roulette Online

Winning at any of the popular roulette variations starts with smart choices and good habits. When playing American Roulette online, keep these tips in mind to help you stay in control and enjoy the game:

  1. Start by placing outside bets because they have nearly 50/50 odds, making them ideal for beginners.
  2. Always set a budget before you play, so you know your limits and can stick to them.
  3. If you are playing online, use demo mode to practise for free and get comfortable before playing with real money.
  4. Stay disciplined throughout your session, avoiding chasing losses or making bets based on emotion.
Ready to try your luck? 

Head over to HighBet now and enjoy American Roulette with a variety of online roulette tables and live dealer games available!

OUR AUTHOR
Dejan Iliev

Casino & Betting Expert

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Dejan Iliev is a master of marketing, specializing in the iGaming field. His passion for sports and digital technologies made him Highbet’s premier content writer