MASTER THE RULES OF AMERICAN ROULETTE: LEARN HOW TO PLAY AMERICAN ROULETTE

American roulette is one of the most popular games in the world. It may be surprising to hear that about a game revolving around watching a ball spin around a roulette wheel, but if you’ve ever played roulette games, you’ll understand what the hype is about.

If you’ve never played at a roulette table before, get comfy. This guide will take you through the ins and outs of American roulette, from its basics to advanced strategies, so you can confidently step up to the table and make your bets like a pro. Without further ado, let’s dive into the world of American roulette and uncover everything you need to know to become a master of this classic casino game.

Basics of American Roulette

American Roulette is a game played on a wheel divided into 38 numbered pockets, numbered 1 to 36, with alternating red and black colours, and two green pockets marked 0 and 00. The numbers on the wheel are arranged in a specific order to balance odd and even, high and low, and red and black groups of numbers.

Players place bets on where they think the ball will land once the wheel is spun. The objective is to predict the winning number accurately and make winning bets accordingly.

The American Roulette Table Explained

The American Roulette table complements the wheel and provides an area for players to place their bets. The table layout consists of various betting options, including Inside and Outside bets.

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of adjacent numbers, while Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, such as red or black, odd or even, and high or low numbers. Each type of bet has its own odds and payout, allowing players to choose their risk level and potential rewards.

Demystifying the American Roulette Wheel

The American Roulette wheel is a key component of the game. It has a slightly different design compared to its European counterpart. The presence of both 0 and 00 pockets gives the American wheel 38 pockets in total, while the European wheel has 37 pockets with only one 0.

The additional 00 pocket in American Roulette increases the house edge (the casino’s advantage), making it slightly less favourable for players compared to European Roulette.

This difference affects the odds and potential winnings of various bets, so it’s crucial to understand the wheel’s layout and its impact on the game.

Understanding Losing Bets in American Roulette

Before diving into how to play and win at American Roulette, it’s essential to grasp the concept of loser bets. In American Roulette, when the ball lands on 0 or 00, all Outside bets (for example, a Red/Black bet, Odd/Even bet or a High/Low bet) lose, and the house takes the entire Outside bet.

However, some bets allow players to recover a portion of their wager when the ball lands on the green pockets.

One such bet is the “Surrender” rule, which is commonly available in some American Roulette games, and it reduces the house edge on even-money bets.

How to Play American Variants of Roulette

Playing American Roulette is relatively straightforward. Once you’re at the table, follow these steps to get started:

• Buy Chips: Exchange your money for chips from the dealer. Each player gets chips of a unique colour to avoid confusion.
• Place Your Bets: Study the roulette table layout and choose the type of bet you want to make. You can place multiple bets on different numbers and combinations. Make sure to select the correct area of the betting layout when placing your bet(s).
• Spin the Wheel: After all your bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and rolls the ball in the opposite direction.
• Wait for the Outcome: As the ball slows down, everyone will anticipate the ball landing on the pockets they bet on. The winning number and colour are determined at this point.
• Collect Winnings: If your bet(s) match the outcome, you’ll be paid winning chips based on the bet type and the odds associated with it.
• Prepare for the next round: Before kickstarting the next spin, the dealer will give you enough time to prepare for the next round of roulette bets. Choose the specific bet selection of your choice and prepare for the upcoming round!

Mastering American Roulette Rules

Mastering the basic rules of roulette is essential to enhance your gameplay experience. Here are some tips to help you start playing roulette efficiently:

• Know Your Bets: Familiarise yourself with the different types of bets and their odds, including the minimum and maximum bets. Inside bets offer higher payouts but are riskier, while Outside bets offer better odds but lower payouts.
• Start Small: If you’re new to American Roulette, start with conservative bets until you’re more comfortable with the game and its dynamics.
• Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget before playing roulette and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and know when to walk away, or else risk other losing bets and see your bankroll tank even further.
• Practise: Many online casinos offer free play or demo modes for American roulette. Take advantage of these opportunities to practice and refine your strategies.
• Stay Calm: Roulette is a game of chance, and outcomes are unpredictable. Stay composed and avoid making impulsive decisions based on emotions.

Exploring Bet Types in American Roulette

American roulette tables provide many betting options to suit players with various risk tolerances. Here are some of the most common bet types you’ll encounter:

• Straight Bet: Also known as a single number bet, this involves betting on a single number by placing the chip directly on that number’s square on the roulette table layout. This bet has the highest payout but the lowest odds of winning.
• Split Bets: Placing a chip on the line between two adjacent numbers to bet on both numbers. If either of the two numbers wins, you’ll receive a payout.
• Street Bet: Betting on a row of three numbers by placing the chip on the edge of the row. If any of the three numbers win, you’ll be paid.
• Corner Bet: To place a Corner bet, place a chip on the intersection of four numbers to bet on all four. If any of these numbers win, you’ll receive a payout.
• Five Bet: Available only in American Roulette, this wager covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. It has the worst odds among all bet types.
• Line Bet: Betting on two rows of numbers by placing the chip on the edge where the two rows meet.
• Column Bet: Placing a bet on one of the three columns of numbers on the table layout.
• Dozen Bet: Betting on a group of twelve numbers: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36.
• Even-Money Bet: Betting on options with nearly 50% probability, such as Red or Black, Odd or Even, or High or Low.
• Snake bet: Betting on a specific sequence of numbers: 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, and 34.
• Four-number bet: Placing a single chip covering four adjacent numbers on the betting layout.
• Three-number bet: Placing on a single chip covering three consecutive numbers on the layout.
• Square bet: Placing a single chip covering four numbers arranged in a square shape on the layout.

Tips and Strategies for Success in American Roulette

While roulette games are ultimately games of chance, there are several tips and strategies that can help improve your odds and overall experience:

• Choose the Right Variation: If you have the option, play European roulette instead of American roulette to benefit from the lower house edge.
• Play Within Your Means: Set a budget and stick to it. Avoid betting more than you can afford to lose.
• Combine Bets Strategically: Mix Inside and Outside bets to create a balanced betting strategy with varying levels of risk.
• Avoid the Five Bet: As mentioned earlier, the Five Bet has the highest house edge, so it’s best to steer clear of it.
• Practise with Free Games: If you’re new to the game or trying out a new strategy, practice with free online versions of American roulette to gain confidence. You can play roulette online at any online casino, including HotSlots!

American Roulette vs. Other Variations

One common question among players is why they should choose American roulette over other variations or vice versa.

Although American and European roulette are the most popular roulette tables out there, there are other variants worth knowing about. Here are some points to consider:

• European Roulette: As mentioned before, European roulette has better odds for players due to the absence of the double zero (00). If given the choice, the European roulette table is generally more favourable.
• French Roulette: Similar to European Roulette, French Roulette also lacks the double zero pocket, but it offers some special rules like the “La Partage” and “En Prison” rule, which can reduce the house edge even further on even-money bets. French roulette is a great single-zero game to consider.
• Mini Roulette: Mini Roulette is a simplified version with only 13 numbered pockets (0 to 12). While it may seem attractive due to its simplicity, the odds are even worse than American roulette.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in American Roulette

Even experienced players can fall into certain traps when playing American Roulette. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Chasing Losses: Trying to recover lost bets by doubling down or increasing bet sizes can lead to further losses and financial strain.
• Ignoring Odds and Payouts: Not understanding the odds and potential payouts of different bets can result in poor betting choices.
• Betting Without a Strategy: Placing random bets without a well-thought-out strategy can be detrimental to your bankroll.
• Relying on Betting Systems: Betting systems like the Martingale may seem appealing, but they don’t guarantee success and can lead to significant losses.

Maximising Wins in American Roulette

While American roulette is a game of chance, certain approaches can enhance your winning potential, or at the very least, limit losses.

• Bet Responsibly: Manage your bets wisely and avoid reckless gambling. Keep your roulette bets within your predetermined budget. Don’t hesitate to try different bets, but stick to your betting limits and try to opt for bets with a high probability of paying.
• Leverage Combination Bets: Mix Outside and Inside bets to balance risk and reward. Do not bet large portions of your bankroll on a single bet.
• Cash Out Your Winnings: When you’re ahead, consider cashing out some of your winnings rather than betting everything back.
• Play Smart: Choose bets with better odds to improve your chances of winning.

American Roulette Odds and Payouts

Understanding the odds and payouts is crucial for making informed bets. Here are some common bets and their respective odds:

• Straight Bet: 35:1 (pays 35 times the bet amount)
• Split Bet: 17:1
• Street Bet: 11:1
• Corner Bet: 8:1
• Five Bet: 6:1
• Line Bet: 5:1
• Column Bet: 2:1
• Dozen Bet: 2:1
• Even-Money Bet: 1:1 (for example, Red/Black, High/Low, Even/Odd numbers)

Betting Systems in American Roulette

Various betting systems have been devised over the years with the goal of beating the odds in roulette. However, it’s essential to understand that no system can guarantee consistent wins on a roulette wheel.

The first system we’ll mention is one of the most popular: the Martingale system. This system involves doubling your bet after each loss, aiming to recover previous losses and make a profit when you eventually win.

The Labouchere System is also quite popular. In this case, players create a sequence of numbers and bet the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence. If the bet wins, the first and last numbers are removed, and the process continues.

Another one worth mentioning is the D’Alembert system. In this system, players increase their bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win. Lastly, in the Fibonacci System, players follow the Fibonacci sequence, where each bet is the sum of the previous two bets.

While these systems can be entertaining to try, they don’t change the fundamental nature of the roulette game. Outcomes at roulette tables are always random, and the house edge remains the same regardless of the betting system used.

Live American Roulette Experiences

With the rise of online casinos, players can now enjoy American roulette from the comfort of their homes with live dealer versions. Live American roulette brings the excitement of a real casino directly to your screen, with a live human dealer spinning the wheel and interacting with players in real-time.

Don’t worry, the rules of roulette remain the same, but it is still handy to check out the game rules before placing any bets. The spinning roulette wheel mechanics are just the same as land-based casino roulette as well.