Play American Roulette Online
Spin the wheel and let the ball choose the winning number in American roulette, one of the most recognizable casino games in the world that you can enjoy online here at PokerStars Casino.
While this roulette variant looks very similar to its European 'cousin', the American roulette wheel comes with its own set of special features and strategic considerations to keep in mind before you decide to place a bet.
Log in to your PokerStars Casino account to play online American roulette games for real money, or continue reading to learn what makes this version unique, how to play it, and how its special wheel layout impacts the game's odds.
What Is American Roulette?
To an untrained eye, a game of American roulette may look nearly identical to many of the other roulette variants you see here on PokerStars.
After all, all the key elements are there. There's the usual wheel with its range of numbered and coloured pockets, there's a spinning wheel, a small white ball, and a table layout with various betting options.
The secret, however, is in the second green pocket on the roulette wheel – a tiny detail that changes the game in a lot of ways.
The American roulette wheel layout includes both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00), giving it 38 pockets compared to the 37 you'd find on a European wheel. The extra zero in the roulette wheel has significant implications for your odds and potential returns, since the additional double-zero pocket increases the house edge to 5.26%.
This increase is particularly remarkable when we compare American roulette to European roulette, where the house edge sits at 2.7%. Despite this mathematical disadvantage, many players love to play American roulette both for its historical significance and the authentic Vegas experience it offers to all players.
How to Play American Roulette
To play American roulette online, you only need to place a bet where you think the ball will land. As soon as you do that, the dealer spins the wheel and drops the ball. If you win, you get paid based on your type of bet.
When you sit down at an American roulette table or open an online game, you'll see the betting layout that shows the numbers and other betting options.
Here's how to jump in:
- Pick your chip denominations.
- Place your chips on the board to make your bets.
- Wait for the dealer to spin the wheel and drop the ball (or hit "Spin" if you play online).
- If your number hits, you get paid based on your bet's odds.
American Roulette Bet Types and Payouts
The bets in American roulette are split into "inside bets" and "outside bets." All bets have their own odds and payouts.
Inside Bets
These are the bets that are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the betting layout. They are called 'inside bets' because they effectively happen 'inside' the main area of the roulette table.
- Straight Up: Bet on a single number, including 0 or 00. Payout: 35 to 1.
- Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers. Payout: 17 to 1.
- Street: Bet on three numbers in a row. Payout: 11 to 1.
- Corner: Bet on four numbers that make a square. Payout: 8 to 1.
- Five-Number: Bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Payout: 6 to 1 (This bet has the highest house edge at 7.89%).
- Line: Bet on six numbers (two adjacent rows). Payout: 5 to 1.
Outside Bets
These cover larger groups of numbers and usually have better chances of winning, but with lower payouts. The name comes from the fact that these bets are located 'outside' the main area of the roulette table.
- Dozen: Bet on 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36). Payout: 2 to 1.
- Column: Bet on 12 numbers in a vertical line. Payout: 2 to 1.
- Red/Black: Bet on all red or all black numbers. Payout: 1 to 1.
- Odd/Even: Bet on all odd or all even numbers. Payout: 1 to 1.
- High/Low: Bet on numbers 1-18 or 19-36. Payout: 1 to 1.
Keep in mind that outside bets do not include the 0 nor the 00. If the ball lands on these two numbers, outside bets always lose.
American Roulette Strategy: What Works?
Let's face it: no strategy can beat the house edge in American roulette. It's a game of chance, and each spin is independent, so you should approach it to have fun and not play it trying to find a way to beat the house.
That said, there are some systems you can use to manage your bankroll and maybe make your experience a little better. At the end of the day, the most important strategy when it comes to American roulette is to know how to manage your bankroll. Decide how much you're willing to spend before you start and stick to that limit, no matter what. This will help you enjoy your games even more than any of the other systems available.
Quick Payout Reference
| Bet Type | Payout | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 35:1 | Single number |
| Split | 17:1 | Two numbers |
| Street | 11:1 | Three numbers |
| Red/Black | 1:1 | 18 numbers |
| Dozen | 2:1 | 12 numbers |
See all bet types and detailed explanations in the sections above.
American vs. European Roulette: The Key Differences
If you're stuck choosing between American and European roulette online, here are the main differences you should consider before you make your pick:
- Number of pockets: 38 (1-36, 0, 00) vs. 37 (1-36, 0)
- House edge: 5.26% vs. 2.7%
- Five-number bet: Available vs. Not available
- "En Prison" rule: Not typically used vs. Sometimes available