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American Roulette: Rules, Bets & Winning Strategies

Zane | February 22, 2023 | Updated on: April 15th, 2025

Online American Roulette is one of the most popular roulette variants, especially in Las Vegas casinos and online casinos. This version has a double zero (00). This makes it riskier than European or French Roulette. However, it also offers higher payouts for some bets.

In this guide, we’ll break down:
The unique rules of American Roulette.
How the double zero (00) affects your odds.
Smart betting strategies to play American Roulette effectively.

💡 Want to explore other roulette games? Check out our Roulette Variants guide.
🎯 Looking for expert betting techniques? Read our Roulette Strategy guide.

Our casino experts playing american roulette in las vegas

🎲 How American Roulette Works: The Basics

American Roulette follows the standard roulette format, but with a key difference—the double zero (00). This extra pocket increases the house edge, making American Roulette less favorable for players than European Roulette.

📌 Key Features of American Roulette

38-number wheel (0, 00, 1-36).
Higher house edge (5.26%) due to the extra “00”.
Fast-paced gameplay, popular in land-based and online casinos.

💡 Want better odds? Check out Roulette Variants to compare different versions.


🎡 American Roulette Table Layout & Betting Options

Bet TypePayoutHouse EdgeBest For
Straight Up (Single Number)35:15.26%High-risk, high-reward play
Split (Two Numbers)17:15.26%Medium risk, covers two numbers
Street (Three Numbers)11:15.26%Balanced risk, good coverage
Corner (Four Numbers)8:15.26%Covers more spots with moderate risk
Column/Dozen (12 Numbers)2:15.26%Covers 1/3 of the table
Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low1:15.26%Best for low-risk players

🚀 Want to maximize your bets? Learn the best techniques in our Roulette Strategy guide.


📝 American Roulette Rules: How to Play

1️⃣ Place Your Bets

  • Choose your bet type: inside bets (numbers) or outside bets (groups of numbers, colors, or odd/even).
  • The dealer (or online game software) spins the wheel and releases the ball.

2️⃣ The Wheel Spins

  • The ball travels in the opposite direction of the wheel’s spin.
  • It eventually lands in one of the 38 pockets (0, 00, or 1-36).

3️⃣ Payouts & Next Round

  • If the ball lands on your chosen bet, you win according to the payout table.
  • The dealer clears the losing bets, and the next round begins.

🔎 Want to master the best bets? Read our Roulette Strategy guide for expert insights.


🎯 Winning Strategies for American Roulette

Since American Roulette has a higher house edge (5.26%), using a smart betting system can help you extend playtime and increase potential winnings.

1️⃣ The Martingale Strategy – Double Your Bets After Losses

Best for: Players with large bankrolls who want quick recovery.

How It Works:

  • Bet on even-money options (Red/Black, Odd/Even).
  • If you lose, double your bet on the same option.
  • Keep doubling until you win, then reset to the original bet.

Pros: Can recover losses quickly.
Cons: Requires big bankrolls, and table limits can block progress.

💡 Want safer strategies? Check our Roulette Strategy guide.


2️⃣ The Fibonacci Strategy – A Slow & Steady Betting System

Best for: Players who prefer low-risk, structured betting.

How It Works:

  • Use the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc.) for bet progression.
  • Increase bets based on the sequence after each loss.
  • Reset after a win.

Pros: Safer than Martingale, helps recover losses gradually.
Cons: Slow profit growth, requires patience.

🚀 Looking for a mix of strategy and luck? Try different methods from our Roulette Strategy guide.


3️⃣ The James Bond Strategy – Flat Betting for Big Payouts

Best for: Players looking for moderate risk with higher payouts.

How It Works:

  • Bet $140 total across different bets:
    • $50 on 1-12
    • $50 on 19-36
    • $40 on 0 (insurance bet)

Pros: Covers most of the table, increasing winning chances.
Cons: Needs a larger bankroll for sustained play.

🎡 Want to compare these strategies? Read our expert Roulette Strategy guide.


⚡ Should You Play American Roulette or Another Variant?

American Roulette is faster and riskier than other versions, but it appeals to thrill-seekers who love high-energy gameplay.

Roulette VariantBest ForHouse EdgeUnique Feature
European RouletteStrategic Players2.7%Better odds, single zero (0)
American RouletteHigh-Risk Players5.26%Extra “00” increases volatility
French RouletteSmart Bankroll Management1.35% (La Partage)Best odds for real money play

🔎 Want to explore different roulette games? Read our Roulette Variants guide!


💡 Tips for Playing American Roulette at Online Casinos

🎯 1. Choose Casinos with the Best Payouts

  • Online casinos offer different payout rates, so check the table limits and odds before playing.

🎯 2. Take Advantage of Casino Bonuses

  • Many online casinos offer real money bonuses for roulette players.
  • Use them to extend your bankroll and increase bet sizes.

🎯 3. Stick to Even-Money Bets for Consistency

  • Betting on Red/Black, Odd/Even, or High/Low offers nearly 50% win rates.

📌 Want to improve your chances? Read our Roulette Tips for expert advice.


🚀 Start Winning with Smart American Roulette Strategies!

Learn quick tips to boost your game in our Roulette Strategy guide.
Explore other versions for better odds in our Roulette Variants section.
Use the right strategy & start making smarter bets today!

🎡 Now that you know the rules and strategies, it’s time to play smarter! Apply these expert tips to increase your winning potential in Online American Roulette. 💰🔥

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