Whether you are a seasoned player or a complete novice, American Roulette is a thrilling game that combines strategy, excitement, and a bit of luck. This guide will walk you through the specifics of how to play Roulette, delve into potential strategies, and offer tips to help you enjoy your time at the Shaftesbury Casino American Roulette tables.
Basic American Roulette Rules
Unfamiliar with the gameplay rules of American Roulette? Let’s run through the basics of how to play roulette…
How to Get Chips
To play American Roulette, you first need to exchange your money for chips. Simply approach the dealer at the table and hand them your cash. In return, you will receive chips in a colour unique to you, allowing you to easily distinguish your bets from those of other players.
How to Determine the Value of the Chips
Each chip colour represents a different value, which you can set when you purchase them. The dealer will mark your chosen value on a small card on the edge of the table. Make sure to remember the value of your chips as you place your bets!
When to Bet
Bets are placed before the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball. The dealer will announce “place your bets” signalling it is time to make your wagers. Once the ball begins to slow down, the dealer will call “no more bets” indicating that betting is closed for that round.
How to Place Your Bets in American Roulette
Place your chips on the roulette table corresponding to your chosen bet. In American Roulette, the layout includes numbers 0-36, as well as a double zero (00), and various other betting options such as red/black, odd/even, and high/low.
When You Must Stop Betting
You must stop betting when the dealer announces “no more bets.” At this point, the ball is slowing down, and no additional wagers are allowed.
How to Handle Other Players at Your Table
Respect the space and bets of other players. Avoid touching other players’ chips and be courteous in your interactions. Sharing the excitement and wins (or losses) is part of the fun, and enjoying gambling safely and courteously is key to this.
What Happens if You Win
If you win, the dealer will place your winnings next to your original bet. You can either collect your winnings or leave them to place another bet.
What Happens if You Lose
If you lose, the dealer will collect your chips from the table. You can then place new bets for the next round.
When to Start Betting All Over Again
Once the dealer clears the table of losing bets and pays out the winners, the next round begins, and the dealer will announce “place your bets.” This is your cue to start betting again.
The Layout Of the American Roulette Table & Wheel
The American Roulette table consists of two main parts: the betting layout and the roulette wheel. The betting layout is where you place your chips, featuring numbers 0-36, and importantly, a double zero (00), alongside various other betting options such as red/black, odd/even, and high/low.
The American Roulette wheel has 38 numbered pockets corresponding to the numbers on the table: 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). This is a key difference from European Roulette, which only has a single zero. The wheel is spun by the dealer, and a small ball is released in the opposite direction. Wherever the ball lands determines the winning number and colour.
What Are Inside and Outside Bets in American Roulette?
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the inside part of the betting layout. Here are the inside bets you can make in American Roulette:
Inside Bets in American Roulette
- The Straight Up: A bet on a single number. Place your chip directly on the number (including 0 or 00). This bet pays 35 to 1.
- The Split Bet: A bet on two adjacent numbers. Place your chip on the line between the two numbers. This bet pays 17 to 1.
- The Street Bet: A bet on three numbers in a row. Place your chip on the line at the end of the row. This bet pays 11 to 1.
- The Corner: A bet on four numbers that form a square. Place your chip at the intersection of the four numbers. This bet pays 8 to 1.
- The Five Number Bet: Available only in American Roulette, this bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Place your chip on the line at the corner of 0 and 1. This bet pays 6 to 1.
- The Line Bet: A bet on six numbers, forming two adjacent rows of three. Place your chip on the intersection of the two rows. This bet pays 5 to 1.
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and are placed on the outside part of the betting layout – here are some of the outside bets you can make during classic American Roulette:
Outside Bets in American Roulette
- The Column Bet: A bet on one of the three vertical columns of numbers. Place your chip in the box at the end of the column. This bet pays 2 to 1.
- The Dozen Bet: A bet on one of the three groups of twelve numbers: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Place your chip in the corresponding box. This bet pays 2 to 1.
- The Odd or Even Bet: A bet on all odd or even numbers. Place your chip in the corresponding box. This bet pays 1 to 1. Note that 0 and 00 are neither odd nor even.
- The High or Low Bet: A bet on low numbers (1-18) or high numbers (19-36). Place your chip in the corresponding box. Note that 0 and 00 are neither low nor high.
- The Red or Black Bet: A bet on either all red numbers or all black numbers. Place your chip in the corresponding box. Note that 0 and 00 are green and do not count towards red or black bets.
American Roulette Strategy Tips
Looking to hone your American Roulette strategy? While no strategy can guarantee wins due to the inherent house edge, understanding the game and employing certain approaches can enhance your playing experience.
The House Edge in American Roulette
Understanding the house edge is crucial for any American Roulette player. The house edge represents the mathematical advantage the casino holds over the player.
As mentioned earlier, the American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets, including numbers 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). The addition of the double zero significantly increases the house edge to 5.26%. This higher edge makes American Roulette statistically less favourable for players compared to European Roulette, which has a house edge of 2.7%.
Understanding the house edge helps players make informed decisions about which version of roulette to play and develop realistic expectations regarding their chances of winning in American Roulette.
Betting Strategies for American Roulette
While the core betting strategies like the Martingale, Fibonacci, and D’Alembert systems can be applied to American Roulette, it’s important to understand their implications given the higher house edge.
- The Martingale System in American Roulette: Doubling your bet after each loss can lead to significant wagers quickly, and the presence of both 0 and 00 slightly increases the chances of longer losing streaks.
- The Fibonacci System in American Roulette: Similar to the Martingale, this system can also lead to escalating bets, and the higher house edge means it might take longer to recover losses.
- The D’Alembert System in American Roulette: This more conservative approach might be less prone to rapid increases in bet size, but the fundamental house edge still applies.
Best American Roulette Strategy
Instead of focusing on guaranteed winning systems (which don’t exist), the best American Roulette strategy often revolves around smart bankroll management and understanding the odds:
- Understand the Odds: Be aware of the payout ratios and the probability of winning for each type of bet in American Roulette. For example, a Straight Up bet has a low probability but a high payout.
- Focus on Outside Bets: Outside bets like Red/Black, Odd/Even, and High/Low have higher probabilities of winning (though the payout is lower). These can be a more consistent way to play, although the house edge still applies.
- Manage Your Bankroll Wisely: Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses, which can lead to bigger financial setbacks. Decide on a maximum you’re willing to lose and walk away once you reach that limit.
- Consider the House Edge: Be mindful of the higher house edge in American Roulette. If you’re looking for better odds, you might consider playing European Roulette if it’s available.
- Avoid the Five Number Bet: The Five Number Bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) in American Roulette has one of the highest house edges (around 7.89%), making it generally a poor choice for players.
How to Win American Roulette in Casino
It’s important to understand that there’s no guaranteed method to consistently win American Roulette in a casino. The game is designed with a house edge that favours the casino over the long run. However, by understanding the rules, employing smart strategies like bankroll management, and being aware of the odds, you can make informed decisions and potentially increase your enjoyment and time at the table. Focusing on having fun and playing responsibly is key.
Roulette Table Etiquette
Before you take your seat at the American Roulette table, here are some roulette table rules to consider…
- Wait for the right time to place your bets: Only place your bets when the dealer announces “Place your bets.”
- Respect the dealer and other players: Be polite and courteous.
- Avoid touching other players’ chips: Only handle your own chips.
- Understand the rules and payouts: Familiarise yourself with the game to avoid confusion.
- Tip the dealer: If you have a good run or enjoy the game, tipping the dealer is a nice gesture.
Explore The Thrill Of American Roulette At Shaftesbury Casino
Planning on honing your American Roulette skills? Come to Shaftesbury Casino Dudley or West Bromwich to put your learnings into practice! We offer classic American Roulette tables for an authentic casino experience.
Have any questions about how to play American Roulette? Get in touch below!
