Game Info
5.26%
Beginner
Roulette
Introduction and History of American Roulette
American Roulette is perhaps the most iconic symbol of the modern casino floor. From the glittering lights of Las Vegas to the premier gaming halls in Niagara Falls and Montreal, the sight of the spinning mahogany wheel and the sound of the ivory ball rattling against the frets is unmistakable. While Roulette has its roots in 18th-century France—invented accidentally by physicist Blaise Pascal—it underwent a significant transformation when it crossed the Atlantic.
As the game migrated to the United States and Canada in the 19th century, casino operators sought to increase the house advantage. This led to the introduction of the ‘double zero’ (00) pocket. While European versions of the game typically feature only a single zero, the American version boasts 38 pockets in total. This small change fundamentally altered the mathematical landscape of the game, making American Roulette a high-stakes, high-excitement variant that remains the standard in North American brick-and-mortar casinos and popular online platforms like those regulated by iGaming Ontario.
Game Setup and Components
Before placing your first bet, it is essential to understand the physical components that make up an American Roulette game. For Canadian players walking into a venue like the Casino de Montréal or Woodbine, the setup will look remarkably consistent.
The American Wheel
The wheel is the heart of the game. Unlike the European wheel, the American wheel contains 38 numbered pockets: 1 through 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). The numbers are not arranged in chronological order but are strategically placed to balance high and low, and odd and even numbers. The 0 and 00 pockets are coloured green, while the numbers 1-36 alternate between red and black.
The Layout (The Table)
The betting area is covered in felt and features a grid containing all the numbers present on the wheel. This is divided into two main sections: the ‘Inside’ and the ‘Outside.’ The inside contains the individual numbers, while the outside contains larger betting boxes for categories like ‘Red or Black,’ ‘Even or Odd,’ and ‘Dozens.’
The Chips and the Marker (The Dolly)
In a live casino setting, Roulette is unique because players use distinctively coloured chips. Each player is assigned a specific colour so the dealer (croupier) can keep track of whose bets are whose. When a winning number is determined, the dealer places a plastic marker, known as a ‘Dolly,’ on the winning number on the felt layout. No new bets can be placed, and no winnings can be collected until the Dolly is removed.
Step-by-Step Rules: How to Play
Playing American Roulette is deceptively simple, but the nuances of the betting phases are where the strategy lies. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of a standard round.
Step 1: Buy-In
At a physical table, you exchange cash or standard casino chips for roulette-specific coloured chips. You must specify the value you want each chip to represent (e.g., $5, $10, or $25) based on the table’s minimums.
Step 2: Placing Bets
Players place their chips on the table layout. You can bet on a single number, a group of numbers, or specific characteristics (like colour). You can continue placing bets even after the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
Step 3: The ‘No More Bets’ Call
As the ball begins to slow down and descend toward the pockets, the dealer will wave their hand over the table and announce, “No more bets.” At this point, any chips placed on the table are void.
Step 4: The Result
The ball eventually comes to rest in one of the 38 pockets. The dealer announces the winning number and its colour, then places the Dolly on the corresponding spot on the layout.
Step 5: Payouts
The dealer first clears away all losing bets. They then calculate and pay out the winners. Once the table is cleared and the Dolly is removed, the next round begins immediately.
Understanding the Betting Options and Payouts
In American Roulette, bets are categorized into two types, each with different odds and payout structures.
Inside Bets
- Straight Up: Betting on a single number. Payout: 35 to 1.
- Split: Betting on two adjacent numbers by placing the chip on the line between them. Payout: 17 to 1.
- Street: Betting on a row of three numbers. Payout: 11 to 1.
- Corner: Betting on four numbers that meet at a corner. Payout: 8 to 1.
- Five-Number Bet (The Basket): Unique to American Roulette, covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Payout: 6 to 1. (Warning: This bet has the highest house edge at 7.89%).
- Six Line: Betting on two adjacent rows (six numbers). Payout: 5 to 1.
Outside Bets
- Red or Black: Betting on the colour of the winning number. Payout: 1 to 1.
- Even or Odd: Betting on whether the number is even or odd. Payout: 1 to 1.
- Low or High: Betting on 1-18 or 19-36. Payout: 1 to 1.
- Dozens: Betting on the first, second, or third set of 12 numbers. Payout: 2 to 1.
- Columns: Betting on one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers. Payout: 2 to 1.
Advanced Strategies and Winning Tips
While Roulette is a game of pure chance, experienced Canadian players often employ betting systems to manage their bankroll and maximize their time at the table.
The Martingale System
This is the most common strategy. You double your bet after every loss on an even-money bet (like Red/Black). The theory is that your first win will recover all previous losses plus a small profit. However, be wary of table limits and long losing streaks that can deplete your funds quickly.
The D’Alembert System
A safer alternative to the Martingale, this involves increasing your bet by one unit after a loss and decreasing it by one unit after a win. It is designed for players who want to minimize risk while still using a structured approach.
The Fibonacci Strategy
Based on the mathematical sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc.), you move one step forward in the sequence after a loss and two steps back after a win. This is a moderate-risk strategy that requires discipline.
Bankroll Management
The most important ‘strategy’ is setting a strict budget. Given the 5.26% house edge of American Roulette, the house will always have the advantage in the long run. Only bet what you can afford to lose and never ‘chase’ losses by betting more than your pre-set limit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the Double Zero: Many beginners don’t realize that the ’00’ significantly increases the house edge compared to European Roulette (2.7% vs 5.26%). If you have the choice, European is mathematically better, but American is often the only option in local Canadian casinos.
- The Five-Number Bet: As mentioned, the ‘Basket’ bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) is the worst bet in the game. Avoid it at all costs.
- Believing in ‘Hot’ or ‘Cold’ Numbers: Each spin of the wheel is an independent event. Just because red has won five times in a row doesn’t mean black is ‘due’ to win next. The wheel has no memory.
- Drinking Too Much: Casinos often offer complimentary drinks. Alcohol impairs judgment, leading to reckless betting. Stay sharp to enjoy the game responsibly.
Conclusion
American Roulette remains a staple of the Canadian gaming experience because of its perfect blend of simplicity and excitement. Whether you are placing a small bet on ‘Black’ or trying your luck with a ‘Straight Up’ bet on your lucky number, the game offers a thrill that few other table games can match. By understanding the rules, acknowledging the house edge, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can approach the wheel with confidence. Remember, the goal of American Roulette is entertainment—play responsibly and enjoy the ride!
Summary of Game Indicators
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| House Edge | 5.26% |
| RTF (Return to Player) | 94.74% |
| Volatility | Variable (Low for Outside, High for Inside) |
| Hit Frequency | 47.37% (for Even-Money bets) |
| Max Win | 35:1 |
| Skill Factor | Low (Game of Chance) |
| Bonus Frequency | N/A |
Disclaimer: Before you start playing, it is essential to understand the risks involved. This guide is for educational purposes only.
Please read our full Responsible Gaming Guide and Terms & Conditions before placing any bets.
Never gamble more than you can afford to lose.