This guide explains how the American roulette wheel works, how to navigate the betting board, and how to manage a bankroll on regulated Irish platforms like Betmaster.
The American Roulette Wheel Layout (Wheel Numbers and Sequence)
The American roulette wheel is identified by its 38 numbered pockets: 1–36, plus 0 and 00. The numbers follow a specific sequence that alternates between high/low and red/black, ensuring that the results are random.
The specific clockwise sequence is: 0, 28, 9, 26, 30, 11, 7, 20, 32, 17, 5, 22, 34, 15, 3, 24, 36, 13, 1, 00, 27, 10, 25, 29, 12, 8, 19, 31, 18, 6, 21, 33, 16, 4, 23, 35, 14, 2.
For a beginner, the visual cue is the green pockets. While numbers 1–36 alternate red and black, both the 0 and 00 are green. These represent the house advantage. If a player bets on “Red” or “Black,” the ball landing in a green pocket results in an immediate loss. The American wheel has two such “danger zones” compared to just one on a European wheel.
To explore fair online roulette, choose licensed sites such as Betmaster, where new players can receive a 100% welcome bonus up to €500 on roulette games. T&Cs apply.
Understanding the wheel is the first step toward becoming a savvy player. To see how these wheel mechanics fit into the flow of a standard casino session, refer to your complete guide to playing roulette, which walks you through the game from the first ‘place your bets’ to the final payout.
American Roulette Table Layout and Bets
The betting table is a grid for placing chips on specific numbers or general categories. Effective play requires understanding the trade-off between “Inside Bets” (high volatility, high payout) and “Outside Bets” (low volatility, lower payout).
Inside Bets: These involve placing chips directly on numbers within the grid.
- Single Number (Straight Up): A bet that the ball will land exactly in one pocket. Pays significantly (35 to 1) but occurs rarely (once every 38 spins).
- Split: A chip placed on the line between two numbers. Returns a payout if either hits, but the return is halved.
- Risk: These bets are volatile; losing streaks are common before hitting a result.
Outside Bets: These are placed on the boxes surrounding the grid and cover large groups.
- Red/Black or Odd/Even: These bets cover 18 of the 38 pockets.
- Payout: Pays 1 to 1 (doubling the stake) with a winning probability of 47.4%.
- Strategy: For a €20 budget, sticking to outside bets allows for extended playtime and less rapid balance fluctuation.
The Five Number Bet (Top Line)
While the “Five Number Bet” (covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3) is often avoided by strategists due to its 7.89% house edge, it remains a popular choice for newcomers due to its sheer simplicity. It allows a player to cover the entire top section of the board with a single chip, removing the need to manage multiple wagers.
Furthermore, many experienced players still prefer the American layout because its predictable structure is ideal for testing specific progressive betting systems, and it often features higher table limits and more frequent promotional incentives in online environments.
Because the American wheel features both a single and a double zero, the house edge is slightly higher than that of its European counterpart. To counteract this and manage your bankroll effectively, it is vital to apply the best roulette strategy in 2026, which we’ve updated to include the latest tactical trends in Irish casinos.
European Roulette Wheel vs American
The main difference between the European roulette wheel and the American tables is the zero count. The American wheel includes a double zero (00) for 38 total outcomes, whereas the European wheel has only a single zero (0) for 37 outcomes.
This physical difference creates a financial gap. On an American wheel, the player faces 38 pockets rather than 37, raising the “House Edge” from 2.70% to 5.26%.
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
| Total Pockets | 37 | 38 |
| Zero Configuration | Single Zero (0) | Single (0) and Double Zero (00) |
| House Edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Cost per €100 Wagered | ~€2.70 | ~€5.26 |
| Five Number Bet | No | Yes (Simpler play) |
| Main Advantage | High Efficiency | High Accessibility |
How to Play American Roulette
Playing American Roulette online involves a simple cycle. Regulated Irish betting apps automate this process, but the sequence remains standard.
- Select Chip Size: Choose a denomination (e.g., €0.50, €1) that fits the total budget.
- Place Chips: Tap the betting grid. Remember: Outside boxes cover more numbers and hit more frequently.
- Confirm/Spin: Press the spin button or confirm before the live timer expires.
- Outcome: The ball lands; returns are paid instantly to the balance.
- Repeat: Select “Rebet” to place the same wager again.
Odds and Payouts
“Payout” is the return on a winning bet; “probability” is the frequency of that win. American roulette payouts are standard, but the 38 pockets lower the probability compared to European tables.
New players should balance potential returns with the reality that high-payout bets usually result in multiple losses.
- Straight Up (1 number): Pays 35 to 1. (Probability: 2.63%)
- Split (2 numbers): Pays 17 to 1. (Probability: 5.26%)
- Street (3 numbers): Pays 11 to 1. (Probability: 7.89%)
- Corner (4 numbers): Pays 8 to 1. (Probability: 10.53%)
- Five Number Bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3): Pays 6 to 1. (Probability: 13.16%)
- Six Line (6 numbers): Pays 5 to 1. (Probability: 15.79%)
- Columns / Dozens (12 numbers): Pays 2 to 1. (Probability: 31.58%)
- Red / Black / Odd / Even (18 numbers): Pays 1 to 1. (Probability: 47.37%)
Playing Online American Roulette Wheel
Online gambling in Ireland is regulated by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). When playing an American roulette wheel online, ensure the site holds a valid licence to guarantee fair play.
Payment Methods (Credit Card Ban) Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, credit cards are banned for deposits. Players must use debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) or e-wallets like PayPal or Skrill. This rule helps prevent debt accumulation.
Responsible Gambling Tools Regulated apps like Betmaster must provide spending controls. Before starting, check the “Responsible Gambling” section to set a deposit limit. If the limit is set to €50 for the month, the app prevents further deposits, ensuring betting remains within budget.
Tips and Strategies for American Roulette
Wise decisions can extend the session and protect the bankroll. The best approach is to minimise risk and avoid bad-value bets.
- Avoid the Five Number Bet: With a casino edge of nearly 8%, this wager simply depletes funds faster than any other option.
- Caution with “Martingale”: Doubling bets after losses is ill-advised on an American wheel. The two green zeros increase the frequency of losses on Red/Black bets, and streaks can quickly hit table limits.
- Stick to Outside Bets: Betting on Red/Black or Odd/Even covers nearly half the wheel. This results in more frequent small returns, keeping the session active longer than high-risk number chasing.
For a trustworthy roulette experience, play at licensed casinos like Betmaster, which offers a 100% bonus up to €500 for roulette games. T&Cs apply.
FAQ
What is the difference between American and British roulette?
“British roulette” typically refers to European roulette. The main difference is the layout: American roulette has 38 pockets, including a double zero (00), while British/European roulette has 37 pockets, with only a single zero (0), giving the British version better odds.
What is the difference between American and European roulette wheels?
The American wheel has an extra green pocket marked “00,” totalling 38 pockets. The European wheel has only one green zero, “0”, in 37 pockets. The additional pocket on the American wheel lowers the winning probability.
How do you play the American Roulette wheel?
Place chips on the grid to predict where the ball will land. Bet on specific numbers for higher payouts, or on categories like Red/Black for lower payouts. If the ball lands on the selected number, the payout is determined by the odds.
Is there a strategy to American Roulette?
While you cannot change the underlying odds, you can certainly manage your risk to enjoy a longer session. A great strategy for newcomers is to focus on “Outside Bets” like Red or Black; these provide frequent wins that help extend your bankroll. Additionally, while the “Five Number Bet” is often skipped by those seeking the highest mathematical efficiency, many players appreciate it for its simpler play, as it allows you to cover the entire top of the layout with just one chip.
