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American Roulette: An Exciting Casino Classic
American Roulette stands as one of the most beloved casino games globally, delivering an electrifying mix of suspense and excitement. Known for its iconic spinning wheel and bouncing ball, this fast-paced game draws players in with its unpredictable outcomes and the chance to score big wins.
The Origins of American Roulette
American Roulette traces its roots back to the late 18th century when French immigrants fleeing the turmoil of the French Revolution settled in Louisiana. They brought the game of roulette with them, and New Orleans soon became the gambling hotspot of the southern United States.
Initially, American roulette didn’t take off immediately. Casino operators weren’t fond of the low house edge that European roulette offered, so they modified the game by adding a second zero pocket — creating the now-famous 0 and 00 slots. Early American wheels had only numbers 1 through 28, featuring an American eagle icon. If the ball landed on the eagle, 0, or 00, bets on those slots won, while the house kept the rest. This version gave casinos a hefty 12.9% house edge.
Over time, the wheel expanded to 38 slots, including numbers 1 through 36 plus 0 and 00, bringing the house edge down to a more standard 5.26% found in most casinos today.
From Louisiana, American Roulette spread across the U.S. and eventually worldwide, becoming a staple at many casinos. Curious why it remains popular? Try out a demo version to see the thrill for yourself.
How to Play American Roulette
Whether you’re playing live with a dealer or enjoying a virtual version with computer-generated graphics, the basic setup stays consistent. Below the spinning wheel, you’ll find a betting mat where you place your chips on the bets you want to make.
The layout includes numbers 1 to 36 arranged in ascending order. At one end, the 0 and 00 pockets are clearly marked in green, while at the other end, you’ll see column bets and dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36). You’ll also find bets on red or black, odd or even, and high (19-36) or low (1-18) numbers.
While the look may vary slightly by casino, the overall design and betting options remain the same wherever you play American Roulette.
Types of Bets in American Roulette
One of the reasons roulette appeals to so many is the variety of betting options. These fall into two main categories:
Outside Bets
These are the simplest bets, often based on nearly 50/50 chances. Examples include betting on red or black, odd or even, or high or low numbers. These bets pay even money (1:1) and offer roughly a 46.37% chance of winning.
Other outside bets include the dozens bets (1–12, 13–24, 25–36) which pay 2:1 and have about a 31.58% chance of hitting. Though the payout isn’t huge, these bets offer a better chance of winning than many inside bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets offer higher payouts but are more challenging to win. Here are the main types with their payouts and odds:
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Single Number: Pays 35:1, Odds ~2.63%
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Two-Number Split: Pays 17:1, Odds ~5.26%
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Three-Number Street: Pays 11:1, Odds ~7.89%
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Four-Number Corner: Pays 8:1, Odds ~10.53%
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Six-Number Line: Pays 5:1, Odds ~15.79%
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Five-Number Bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3): Pays 6:1, Odds ~13.16%
Playing American Roulette for Real Money
Today, hundreds of online casinos offer American Roulette, but not all are trustworthy. When selecting a casino, consider the following:
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The operator’s reputation and licensing
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A wide game selection and attractive bonuses
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Supported payment methods for easy deposits and withdrawals
For your convenience, here are some of the top recommended casinos offering American Roulette:
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Betvictor Casino
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888 Casino
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PlayAmo Casino
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Party Casino
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King Billy Casino
Try American Roulette for Free
Most online casinos provide free demo versions of roulette games. If you’re new to the game or want to practice strategies without risking money, these demos are perfect. They allow you to familiarize yourself with the gameplay, betting types, and pace before playing for real stakes.
Tips for Playing American Roulette
While no strategy can guarantee wins, playing smartly can help you maximize your enjoyment and potentially improve your odds:
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Choose roulette games with higher RTP
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Opt for single-zero (European) roulette versions when available
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Place safer even-money outside bets
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Only play at licensed, reputable casinos
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Take advantage of bonuses and promotions
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Practice with free demo versions before betting real money
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Verify the fairness and randomness of the game before playing
Final Thoughts
American Roulette remains a timeless casino classic that continues to captivate players around the world. Thanks to modern technology, you can enjoy it anytime on your laptop or smartphone without visiting a physical casino.
Remember, you don’t have to wager real money right away—many casinos offer generous bonuses and demo modes to help you get started. So, why not give American Roulette a spin and see if lady luck is on your side?
