American Roulette

American roulette is (as the name suggests) the most popular form of roulette in the States. It’s known for its double-zero layout, which sets it apart from European and French versions. This version of the game offers some unique betting options, and the house edge is slightly higher  than other types of roulette thanks to the double zero pockets.

In this article we’ll explore the key features of American roulette compared to other variations, so that you can decide which one suits you best.

Key Features of American Roulette

American roulette has a few unique aspects, most notably its double zero layout. Let’s take a look at how this affects the roulette game in the sections below.

Double-Zero Wheel

• Overview: American roulette uses a double-zero (0 and 00) wheel, giving the game a total of 38 pockets (1-36, plus 0 and 00).
• Significance: The double-zero setup increases the house edge to 5.26%, making it higher than European or French roulette, which only have one zero pocket. This means that the casino has a slight advantage in American roulette.
• Pros and Cons:
• Pros: The American wheel layout offers unique betting options due to the two zero pockets.
• Cons: American roulette has a higher house edge compared to European and French variants, which means lower odds for players to win.

Betting Options

• Overview: American roulette offers a range of inside and outside bets, with unique options like the “Top Line” or “Basket” bet (sometimes also called the “five number bet.”)
• Types of Bets: Standard bets like straight-up, split, and corner bets, are available, plus the top line or basket bet (placed on numbers 1, 2, 3, 0, and 00).
• Pros and Cons:
• Pros: American roulette offers a variety of betting options, some involving the double zero. This adds a fun twist to the game.
• Cons: The top line or basket bet has a particularly high house edge, which can be risky.

Unique Rules in American Roulette

There are a few rules that are specific to American roulette which affect the way that the game is played. Let’s take a look at them below:

No La Partage or En Prison Rules

• Overview: Unlike French roulette (and some European roulette games), American roulette does not typically offer player-friendly rules like La Partage or En Prison.
• Significance: The absence of these rules keeps the house edge higher, especially on even-money bets. This means that your odds of winning are lower.
• Pros and Cons:
• Pros: American roulette has straightforward rules, which make it easy to understand and play.
• Cons: The higher house edge on even-money bets is a disadvantage for the player, and there is no way to reduce losses on zero or double zero.

Five-Number Bet

• Overview: This is a unique American roulette bet that is sometimes known as a “top line” or “basket” bet, covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 and with a payout of 6:1.
• Significance: Known for its high house edge, this bet is specific to the American variant and has the worst odds for players compared to other roulette bets.
• Pros and Cons:
• Pros: This bet covers multiple numbers in a single bet, and it can be attractive to players with a high appetite for risk.
• Cons: It has the highest house edge of any bet in roulette (7.89%), making it very risky.

Pros and Cons of Playing American Roulette

American roulette has a few differences from the French and European versions of the game. We suggest trying all of them to see which suits you best, but here’s a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages of playing American roulette.

• Pros:
• American roulette offers unique betting options like the five-number bet.
• This variation is widely available in casinos in North America and online.
• Cons:
• The American version of the game has a higher house edge due to the double-zero pocket, which lowers the odds of players winning.
• There are no La Partage or En Prison rules to reduce losses on even-money bets.

Common Misconceptions about American Roulette

If you’re new to American roulette, you might have heard a few myths about the game. In this section we explore some common misconceptions, and explain how the game really works.

Misconception 1 - Higher Risk Means Higher Rewards

Some players believe that the higher house edge in American roulette means that there is the potential for bigger wins than in other variants. 

However, the truth is that the house edge only affects the player’s chances of winning, and not the payout values. It’s important to understand that the house edge is the mathematical advantage that the casino has over players, so that you can set realistic expectations and play within your means.

Misconception 2 - The Five-Number Bet Offers a Good Chance to Win

At first glance, the five-number bet may seem like a good option, since it covers multiple numbers. But in reality, this bet has the highest house edge (7.89%) of any bet in roulette. This means that the player has a low probability of winning, and most players avoid this bet.

Remember to check the odds of each bet type before you place any bets, so that you can make informed choices and avoid high-risk options.

Misconception 3 - American Roulette Is More Exciting than European Roulette

There is a common misconception that American roulette is more exciting than European or French roulette. This myth is likely to stem from the double-zero, making the odds lower for the player. The additional betting options can also seem more exciting at first.

However, excitement is subjective and it depends what kind of game you like. In fact, many players find European or French roulette more exciting due to their lower house edge, which increases the chances of winning for the player. 

You should always choose a roulette variant that you enjoy, which also aligns with your appetite for risk.

Why American Roulette Remains Popular

American roulette is the most popular variation of the game in North America, and thanks to online live casinos like Genting Casino it can also be enjoyed around the world. Its double-zero layout and unique betting options offer a fun gaming experience that is perfect for roulette fans looking for something new to try.

Some players love the increased risk and challenges that come with American roulette’s higher house edge, while others are happy with lower-risk variants.

Play American Roulette at Genting Casino

American roulette gives players an opportunity to play a higher-risk game with some unique betting options. While its double-zero layout increases the house edge, this fun roulette variant remains popular both in North America and around the world via online casinos.

Play American roulette today at Genting Casino for a classic casino experience with a twist.