American Roulette: Complete Guide for 2024

What is American Roulette?

American roulette is one of the most popular versions of roulette, with its main distinguishing feature being the presence of a double zero (00) alongside the traditional zero (0). This difference gives the game a unique twist in terms of mechanics and impacts the odds and strategies players use.

How Does American Roulette Work?

The American roulette wheel consists of 38 slots: 18 red, 18 black, and 2 green, representing the two zeros (0 and 00). The wheel spins in one direction, while the ball spins in the opposite direction. Players place bets on the numbers and colors they think the ball will land on. When the ball stops, payouts are made to those who guessed correctly.

A major challenge for players is that the presence of the double zero lowers the odds of winning compared to other versions, like European roulette, which only has a single zero. This double zero increases the house edge, giving players a slightly lower chance of winning.

Types of Bets in American Roulette

In American roulette, players can place various types of bets, mainly divided into inside and outside bets.

• Inside Bets: These are bets placed on specific numbers within the betting table:
  • Straight Bet: A bet on a single number with a 35 to 1 payout.
  • Split Bet: A bet on two adjacent numbers, paying 17 to 1.
  • Street Bet: A bet on a row of three numbers, paying 11 to 1.
  • Corner Bet: A bet on four numbers forming a square, paying 8 to 1.
• Outside Bets: These are bets placed outside the number grid, based on general characteristics like color, parity, or ranges:
  • Red or Black: Bet on whether the ball will land on a red or black number, paying 1 to 1.
  • Odd or Even: Bet on whether the number will be odd or even, paying 1 to 1.
  • High or Low: Bet on whether the number will be between 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high), paying 1 to 1.
  • Dozens or Columns: Bet on a dozen (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) or a column of numbers, paying 2 to 1.

Differences from Other Versions of Roulette

A key difference between American roulette and other versions, like European roulette, is the number of slots on the wheel. The American version has 38 slots, while European roulette only has 37 (with a single zero). Though the difference may seem small, it significantly affects the game’s odds.

In European roulette, the house edge is around 2.7%, while in American roulette, it rises to 5.26% due to the double zero. This higher house edge is one reason many players prefer European roulette, though American roulette remains very popular, especially in U.S. casinos.

Strategies for Playing American Roulette

Although roulette is a game of chance, some strategies can help players maximize their chances of winning. A few popular ones include:

• Martingale Strategy: This strategy involves doubling your bet after each loss, hoping to recover losses when you eventually win. While popular, it can be risky as it requires a large bankroll and can lead to substantial losses if luck isn’t on your side.
• Fibonacci Strategy: Based on the Fibonacci sequence, this strategy increases bets according to the sequence after a loss, helping to recover losses gradually.
• Long-Term Bets: Some players focus on outside bets (like color or odd/even) for higher short-term chances of winning, although the payouts are lower and the risk is reduced.

Basic Rules of American Roulette

The goal of American roulette is to predict which number or group of numbers the ball will land on when the wheel stops spinning. The wheel consists of numbers from 0 to 36, with an additional double zero (00) unique to the American version. The numbers from 1 to 36 alternate in red and black, while the 0 and 00 are green.

Players place their bets on a board that reflects the wheel’s layout. Bets are categorized into inside and outside bets, with inside bets being on individual numbers or specific combinations, and outside bets on broader categories like red/black or odd/even.

The Role of the Double Zero (00)

The double zero (00) is a major difference between American and European roulette. It impacts the odds and the house edge. In European roulette, there is only one zero, giving players a slightly better chance to win. The addition of the 00 increases the house edge in American roulette by reducing the odds of winning.

For example, if a player bets on a single number (straight bet), the probability of winning in American roulette is 1 in 38 (about 2.63%), while in European roulette, it is 1 in 37 (about 2.70%). Though the difference is small, the double zero significantly increases the house edge over time.

Types of Bets in American Roulette

Bets in American roulette fall into two categories: inside and outside bets. Inside bets are more specific, with higher payouts but lower odds of winning, while outside bets are broader, with higher odds of winning but lower payouts.

• Inside Bets:
  • Straight Bet: A single number, paying 35 to 1.
  • Split Bet: Two adjacent numbers, paying 17 to 1.
  • Street Bet: Three numbers in a row, paying 11 to 1.
  • Corner Bet: Four numbers forming a square, paying 8 to 1.
  • Line Bet: Two rows of three numbers, paying 5 to 1.
• Outside Bets:
  • Red/Black: A bet on the color, paying 1 to 1.
  • Odd/Even: A bet on whether the number is odd or even, paying 1 to 1.
  • Low/High: A bet on low (1-18) or high (19-36), paying 1 to 1.
  • Dozens: A bet on one of the three dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36), paying 2 to 1.
  • Columns: A bet on one of the three columns, paying 2 to 1.

Odds and Payouts in American Roulette

American roulette has a wheel with 38 slots, and the odds vary depending on the type of bet placed. Inside bets generally have lower odds but offer higher payouts, while outside bets offer higher chances of winning but lower payouts.

For example, a straight bet has a 1 in 38 chance of winning, while bets like red/black or odd/even have a 18 in 38 chance. The payouts are higher for inside bets and lower for outside bets.

Best Casinos to Play American Roulette

American roulette is one of the most popular casino games worldwide. Choosing the right casino is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. Some top casinos for playing American roulette include:

Strategies to Win at American Roulette

While the double zero in American roulette makes it less favorable for players compared to European roulette, there are strategies that can improve chances of winning. The Martingale Strategy is one of the most well-known:

• Martingale Strategy: The idea is simple: after each loss, double your bet, hoping to recover losses when you eventually win. This is particularly effective for 50/50 bets like red/black or odd/even. However, it carries a significant risk and requires a large bankroll.

Example: Start with a $10 bet on red. If you lose, bet $20 on red. If you lose again, bet $40. When you eventually win, you will recover all losses plus a profit equal to your initial bet.

Este texto explica detalladamente varias estrategias de apuestas en la ruleta y compara las variantes de ruleta más populares, como la americana, francesa y europea. Aquí tienes un resumen más conciso con las ideas principales:

Estrategias de Apuestas en la Ruleta

1. Estrategia de Fibonacci

• Cómo Funciona: Esta estrategia sigue una secuencia matemática en la que cada número es la suma de los dos anteriores. Si pierdes, subes tu apuesta según la secuencia. Cuando ganas, retrocedes dos pasos.
• Ejemplo: Comienzas con una apuesta de $1. Si pierdes, apuestas $1 de nuevo, luego $2, $3, y así sucesivamente. Si ganas con $5, retrocedes dos pasos a $2.
• Riesgo: Aunque es menos arriesgada que la Martingala, puede generar pérdidas en una serie de derrotas.

2. Estrategia de Labouchere

• Cómo Funciona: El jugador crea una secuencia de números donde la suma de los dos números exteriores determina la apuesta. Si ganas, cancelas esos dos números; si pierdes, añades la cantidad apostada al final de la secuencia.
• Ejemplo: Para una secuencia 1-2-3-4 (objetivo 10 unidades), apuestas 5 (1+4). Si pierdes, la secuencia se convierte en 1-2-3-4-5.
• Riesgo: Es compleja y requiere paciencia y control.

Diferencias entre Versiones de Ruleta

1. Ruleta Francesa vs Ruleta Americana

• Ruleta Francesa: Tiene 37 casillas (números del 1 al 36 + 0). La ventaja de la casa es más baja debido a la regla “La Partage” o “En Prisión”, que permite recuperar la mitad de la apuesta si la bola cae en 0.
• Ruleta Americana: Tiene 38 casillas (números del 1 al 36 + 0 y 00). Esta versión presenta una mayor ventaja para el casino debido al doble cero.

2. Ruleta Europea vs Ruleta Americana

• Ruleta Europea: 37 casillas, ventaja de la casa del 2.7%.
• Ruleta Americana: 38 casillas, ventaja de la casa del 5.26%.
• La diferencia en la ventaja de la casa hace que la ruleta europea sea una opción más favorable.

Consejos para Jugar en Casinos en Línea

• Elige el Casino Correcto: Asegúrate de que esté licenciado y tenga buenas críticas.
• Gestiona tu Banca: Establece un presupuesto y divídelo en sesiones pequeñas.
• Conoce las Apuestas: Familiarízate con las probabilidades de las apuestas externas e internas.
• Aprovecha los Bonos: Algunos casinos ofrecen bonos de bienvenida o sin depósito para aumentar tu bankroll.

Ventajas y Desventajas de la Ruleta Americana

Ventajas:

• Dinamismo y variedad: Las apuestas se realizan rápidamente y hay más tipos de apuestas.
• Atractiva para jugadores de alto riesgo: Los pagos potenciales son mayores, lo que puede ser tentador para quienes buscan emoción.

Desventajas:

• Mayor ventaja para el casino: El doble cero eleva la ventaja de la casa al 5.26%.
• Menor probabilidad de ganar: Las apuestas tienen una probabilidad más baja de ganar en comparación con la ruleta europea.
• Completamente diferente a la ruleta europea: Los principiantes pueden encontrarla más difícil debido a las reglas adicionales y la complejidad de las apuestas.

Conclusión

La ruleta americana puede ser ideal para jugadores que disfrutan de un juego rápido y con diversas opciones de apuesta, pero tiene una mayor ventaja para el casino. Si prefieres mejores probabilidades, la ruleta europea o francesa son más favorables. Recuerda que la ruleta es un juego de azar, por lo que comprender las estrategias y las probabilidades puede ayudarte a tomar decisiones más informadas, pero nunca garantiza el éxito.

Preguntas Frecuente

• ¿Cuál es la diferencia entre la ruleta americana y la europea?
  • La ruleta americana tiene 38 casillas (incluyendo el doble cero), mientras que la europea solo tiene 37 (con un solo cero).
• ¿Puedo usar estrategias en la ruleta americana?
  • Sí, aunque las estrategias no garantizan el éxito, puedes probar sistemas como la Martingala o la Fibonacci.
• ¿Es segura la ruleta americana en línea?
  • Sí, siempre y cuando juegues en casinos licenciados y regulados.
• ¿Qué son las apuestas internas y externas?
  • Las apuestas internas son aquellas que se realizan sobre los números dentro de la mesa, mientras que las externas cubren categorías como rojo/negro o par/impar.
• ¿Cuáles son los pagos en la ruleta americana?
  • Las apuestas a un solo número pagan 35 a 1, mientras que las apuestas externas (rojo/negro) pagan 1 a 1.