What Is American Roulette? Definition & Rules
American Roulette is a casino table game using a wheel with 38 pockets numbered 1-36, plus 0 and 00, where players bet on where a ball will land after the wheel spins. The extra 00 pocket distinguishes it from European Roulette, increasing the house edge to 5.26%. Available in licensed online casinos accessible to Australian players, it offers various inside and outside bets. Understanding this variant helps players compare options and assess game fairness.
Wheel Layout and Key Features
The American Roulette wheel alternates red and black numbers from 1 to 36, with green 0 and 00 pockets. This double zero creates 38 equally likely outcomes, unlike single-zero wheels. Bets include straight-up on single numbers paying 35:1, or even-money options like red/black at 1:1. The layout supports inside bets on specific numbers and outside bets covering larger groups.
House Edge and Player Implications
The house edge of 5.26% applies to most bets due to the 00 pocket, higher than European Roulette’s 2.7%. This means long-term player losses average 5.26% of wagers. In Australia, players access this game via offshore licensed operators, where random number generators ensure fairness in digital versions. Awareness of odds supports responsible bankroll decisions.
| Bet Type | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 35:1 | 5.26% |
| Red/Black | 1:1 | 5.26% |
| Odd/Even | 1:1 | 5.26% |
| Dozen | 2:1 | 5.26% |
| Column | 2:1 | 5.26% |
