American Roulette
American Roulette, easy to understand play, is one of the most popular online table games.
American roulette is one of the most popular table games out there. It’s easy to understand and even easier to play. That makes it extremely accessible for new and experienced casino bettors alike. And that’s especially true when playing American roulette online. It’s a simple process to jump in and play from the comfort of your living room. You’ll never have to worry about overcrowded tables or wandering elbows, which can make it tough to get your roulette bets in at a traditional brick-and-mortar casino. With online American roulette the whole board is yours and bets are sorted in an instant. Sure beats waiting around for hundreds of chips to get sorted out after every spin.
Gambling.com only recommends legal, regulated online roulette casinos. You can rest assured our list of top online sites for American roulette only features licensed and legitimate operators. Offshore online casinos can be risky and worrisome. All of the algorithms for our recommended online casino games have been vetted and inspected by state regulatory agencies. You know you’re getting a fair game. That’s not always the case with offshore online casinos. Who knows where they’re getting their algorithm that ultimately decides whether the roulette ball lands on red or black. And payment issues can be tricky, especially if you’re looking to withdraw funds in a timely fashion.
We’ve used all of our recommended American roulette sites so you know your online roulette games are totally legal, safe and fair.
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What to Consider When Choosing the Best Online Roulette Site
You already know the American roulette sites we recommend are legal and safe. Now it’s about choosing the right roulette casino for you. Ask yourself a few questions first. How much money would you like to deposit? What is your typical roulette bet size? Do you want to place a bet on other table games?
The best online roulette casino will vary based on the answer to those questions. These sites offer different bet minimums and maximums. Some offer more games than others, including blackjack, slots, poker, baccarat and three-card poker.
You also need to make sure you like the layout of the online casino. The buttons should be easy to use, including setting the bet amount and choosing to repeat the same wager. There’s no live dealer to smooth things over if you hit the wrong button and wager more than you want.
Check out our list of recommended online roulette casino sites and experiment with a few. Ultimately, you’ll settle on one that best fits your preferences, bankroll and playing style.
How We Pick the Best American Roulette Sites
The easy answer is we use them ourselves. Gambling.com has tested all of our recommended online roulette casino sites from the sign-up process to withdrawing funds. These are legal, regulated sites that can be used safely with the knowledge we’ve tested them to ensure a rewarding – and hopefully profitable – user experience.
Bonus Offers
Most of the top online casino sites offer a significant bonus or promotion for first-time signups. Don’t leave these on the table. Some will match deposits up to $500, meaning you’ll double your funds with $1,000 in the account to start playing American roulette online. Check out a few different sites to make sure you get the best bonus offer possible. Keep in mind that not all bonus offers are created equal. Check out the wagering requirements carefully. Some will only count 20% of your roulette action towards satisfying that requirement while others might count a higher percentage of your play. Read the terms and conditions.
Mobile Experience
This is how the majority of online casino players get action. An American roulette site could work perfectly on a PC or laptop. That doesn’t mean you’ll love the mobile layout. Play around with different sites, especially if you plan on visiting online casino sites from your cell phone. The mobile layout and effectiveness should be as strong if not better than the website.
Game Variety
Most online casino sites offering American roulette will provide several other table games as well. If you’re interested, see what’s out there on various roulette betting sites. Some might be limited to a few slots and blackjack while others offer a rich variety of classic casino table games. Make sure the online casino you choose has all the options you want.
Payments
Depositing money shouldn’t be a hassle. Luckily, online casinos generally have a lot of options. Common payment methods include PayPal, Play+, debit/credit cards and bank transfers. Take a look around to see which roulette sites offer the best payment and deposit options.
Licensing and Legislation
You should always look for the best online casino sites when playing American roulette as these will be legal and regulated. We’ve taken the guesswork out with our list of recommended sites. They’re all legal, with none of the hassles of offshore online casinos.
Is American Roulette Much Different than European Roulette?
There’s one main difference between American version of roulette and European roulette. A European roulette wheel has 37 pockets with one zero and the rest numbered 1-36. An American roulette wheel has 38 pockets with one zero and one double zero. That means the house has a bigger edge in American roulette (5.26% to 2.70%) because there are two zeros.
If the roulette ball lands on zero or double zero, all bets on red or black and even or odd lose. The European roulette wheel only has one such possible outcome, increasing your odds of winning by more than 2%. There are additional variants of roulette rules that offer a sort of insurance or second chance on some bets. They are known as “En Prison Variants.”
En Prison Variants
Berlin
Under these rules a player has a chance to recoup their bets when the roulette ball lands on zero. If a player bet on the ball to land on an even number and it lands on zero, the bet essentially carries over to the next spin. If the roulette wheel comes up even on the next spin, the player gets their initial bet back. If it comes up odd, the bet still loses.
Holland
Essentially the same as Berlin, but allowing another chance if the roulette ball lands on zero for two consecutive spins. Your bet would stay ‘En Prison’ for those two spins, and it would take two consecutive winning spins to get the bet back.
La Partage
Another amendment is the ‘La Partage’ rule. Should the roulette ball land on zero, all even bets are then cut in half. The house keeps half and the other half is returned to the player.
RELATED: The Differences Between American and European Roulette
Benefits of Playing American Roulette Online
The house edge with American roulette is always the same. It’s 5.26% whether you’re playing in a casino or with an online roulette betting site. So in-person betting offers no financial advantage. When you consider the bonus offers and promotions, liked matched deposits, it’s actually smarter to play online roulette from a profit standpoint.
The convenience factor is a big one. Playing roulette at a casino can be fun, but the table tends to get crowded and it can be hard to place a bet. That’s especially true on a weekend or during busy hours. Playing American roulette online allows players to relax in the comfort of their own homes without having to fight for elbow room while placing bets.
It’s also a low-pressure situation. One can get caught up playing roulette bets at a casino, especially in a group setting, when it’s tough to walk away or adhere to your betting strategy. Playing online means you can just close the app whenever you’re done. No peer pressure, no emotion.
American Roulette Bet Types
There are two basic types of American roulette bets – outside and inside. Outside bets are mostly 50/50 bets not taking the house edge into account, while inside bets are low risk/high reward.
Outside Bets
Red/Black: The most romanticized of all roulette bets with the best odds of winning, simply wager whether the roulette ball will land on a black slot or a red slot. Winning bets pay out 1 to 1.
Even/Odd: Pretty straightforward. You can bet that the roulette ball will land on an even or odd number, doubling your bet if you wager correctly.
High/Low: There are 36 numbers on an American roulette wheel, not including the zero. Low bets win if the ball lands on numbers 1-18, high bets win if the ball lands on numbers 19-36.
Column Bet: Column bets divide the table into three sections of 12 numbers. You can bet on any of the three columns – 1-12, 13-24 or 25-36 – with a winning payout of 2 to 1.
Inside Bets
Straight Up: American roulette players can place a straight up bet on any of the 36 numbers. If they wager on the winning number, the payout is a juicy 35 to 1.
Split Bet Instead of betting on one winning number, you can straddle your bet so that it includes two numbers. If either of those numbers hits the payout is 17 to 1.
Corner Bet: Same idea as a split bet, but this time you place your bet on a corner straddling four numbers. If any of those four numbers hits, the payout is 8 to 1.
CHECK OUT: Roulette Odds and Payouts Explained
Signing Up to Play American Roulette Online? Here’s What to Do
The first thing you need to do is choose an American roulette betting site you like best. Then you’ll need to register with the online casino and provide some personal information. This will include your full name, birth date, home address and at least the last four digits of your Social Security number. Some sites may require your full SSN. Don’t worry – the sites we recommend are totally safe and secure, and this information is used to authenticate your identity.
Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email. Further verification might be necessary to establish your address and identity, including a US passport of state driver’s license, and/or a utility bill with your address.
Once you’re signed up it’s time to deposit funds. Choose whichever payment option is the easiest for you, but we’ll explain some of the more popular payment methods in a moment. Once the money is in your account you’re free to start making legal bets on your favorite online roulette games.
How to Fund & Withdraw From Your American Roulette Account
Once you’ve signed up with an online casino, claim your welcome bonus and decide how much you’re going to put in for your initial deposit. There should be at least one if not several options that work for you. Pick whichever is most comfortable and get to playing. Among the choices you should see:
Play+: The prepaid card was created for exactly this purpose. Typically, you can sign up for the card right after you register, directly from the casino site. The card can be funded via credit card, debit card or directly from your bank account. Among the benefits of the card: It can be used at multiple online casinos, winnings can be withdrawn at an ATM and it works flawlessly.
PayPal: The popular e-wallet allows you to fund your account directly from your account, and casinos that accept PayPal allows you to withdraw winnings back into that same account. Other e-wallets include Neteller and Skrill, though they are not as popular.
PayNearMe: Deposits can be made in cash into your casino account in person at participating CVS, Family Dollar and 7-Elevens.
Bank transfer/ACH: Method popular with high rollers due to its higher limits, it allows a transfer of funds either directly from your bank account (via a wire transfer) or through the Automated ClearingHouse.
Credit Cards/debit cards: The most popular method, but also one still plagued by the most issues. Casinos that accept Visa or Mastercard are extremely popular, but some financial institutions continue to block gambling transactions even though they are completely legal. Check with your bank first.
Bonus Offers for American Roulette
If you’re signing up with an online casino for the first time, Gambling.com is the place for you. We evaluate offers from different roulette sites to find the best bonus offers. Many sites have lucrative first-time bonuses or promotions like matched deposits up to a certain number. This is essentially a way to double your money before you even start playing roulette, so it’d be foolish not to take advantage. Among the offers you might see:
First-time Deposit Bonus Match: A casino will match up to 100% on a new player’s first deposit, and the range can be anywhere from $25 to $1,000. To access the bonus funds, you must bet your deposit a certain amount of times – known as a playthrough requirement. It could be as high as 40x, but remember this is free cash. Also keep in mind that some casinos will only count 10-20% of your roulette play toward that wagering requirement.
No Deposit Bonus: The online casino simply gives you a small amount of cash to bet with, no deposit needed. Typically it is a low amount, around $10 to $25. Whatever you win with that money will be subject to a wagering requirement. Say you win $25 on a $10 no-deposit bonus but there is a 10x playthrough. You will need to gamble $250 in order to withdraw that $10.
Reload Bonus: Offered to regular customers, reload bonuses are smaller than welcome bonuses. Often the casino will match between 25-100% up to a certain amount and you will have a few days to clear the requirements.
CHECK OUT: A Beginner’s Guide to Playing Roulette Odds
American Roulette Software Providers
There are plenty of options when it comes to online American roulette. Here’s the most popular software providers:
IGT
One of the most popular software providers out there, IGT is an industry leader and provides a wide array of roulette, slots and classic casino games. Learn more about IGT here.
NetEnt
Provides the nuts and bolts for a host of online casino partners with a host of roulette options, ranging from French and European, to the American version and live dealer roulette. Learn more about NetEnt here.
Microgaming
Microgaming has been around since 1994 and offers an extremely robust selection of slots and casino games. Learn more about Microgaming here.
Playtech
Playtech serves a large number of top online casinos with strong roulette offerings, as well as plenty of slot games. Learn more about Playtech here.
Betsoft
Betsoft’s software is used in more than 500 online casinos worldwide, particularly in the U.S., with American roulette offerings and more at top sites in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and beyond. Learn more about Betsoft here.
NextGen Gaming
NextGen Gaming expanded its reach by merging with NYX Interactive in 2011 and is an annual presence at the EGR B2B Awards. Learn more about NextGen here.
Barcrest
Barcrest has been a gaming staple since its 1968 inception in Manchester, England. The company scored a massive hit with the Rainbow Riches slot in 2006 and offers dozens of options including roulette and many slots. Learn more about Barcrest here.
Can I Play American Roulette on Mobile Apps?
Yes, almost every top online casino now offers an app for mobile betting. This is the most popular way to play online casinos in part because you can take the games with you wherever you go. Find the online casino that works best for you and download the app. Then you just need to register and make your initial deposit. Don’t forget to check for a bonus or promotion.
American Roulette Strategy – Tips to Help You Win
As with any table game, there are a few popular roulette systems aimed at upping your chances of winning. While blackjack and other games involve decision-based strategies once the game starts, roulette strategies are more about bankroll management and bet pattern. That’s the main difference.
Martingale Strategy
The Martingale strategy is pretty simple once you place your initial wager on an outside bet like red/black, odd/even or high/low. If you lose the bet, wager double that amount on the next turn. Repeat the process until you win and recoup all your losses. If you win and want to keep playing, set aside all profits and repeat the process with your initial bet size.
Reverse Martingale Strategy
Same concept, different execution. Instead of doubling your outside bets after losses, you double them after wins to ride the wave on hot streaks. The key here is setting a time to walk away, otherwise you’ll eventually squander all your winnings on a single losing turn.
James Bond Strategy
This is an easy one for beginners, but it requires $200 at the onset. Bettors begin by placing three specific wagers: $140 on the high numbers (19-36), $50 on numbers 13-18 and $10 on zero. This leads to better odds for profit as long as the roulette ball doesn’t land on numbers 1-12.
If the high bet hits, you win $80. If the 13-18 hits, you win $100. If the zero hits, you win $160. This is a simple strategy for online American roulette if you have the bankroll to pull it off.
CHECK OUT: Should You Ignore or Enjoy the Biggest Roulette Superstitions?
American Roulette FAQ
How old do I need to be to play American roulette online?
Most states set 21 as the minimum age for playing American roulette online, though it can vary – the minimum age for online casinos is 18 in some states.
Do I need to download software before I play online?
Some online casinos require software, which is easy to download, though others can be accessed directly from the website. And mobile online casinos just require a basic download like any other iOS or Android app.
Do I have to pay taxes on my American roulette winnings?
Yes. All online casino winnings must be reported under the “other income” field on a 1040 form while filling your taxes. Individual states tax at different rates – both New Jersey and Pennsylvania are at about 3% -- and online casinos will withhold 24% federal tax if your winnings exceed a certain threshold and file a W2-G to the IRS.
Can I play live dealer American roulette online?
New Jersey is the only state in the U.S. where it’s currently possible to play live casino American roulette online, though Pennsylvania should be following suit soon and other states might as well as they consider online gambling legislation.
What is the best bet in American roulette?
Strategies like the James Bond bet or Reverse Martingale are a few of the popular ones, but any winning bet is a great one.
How many numbers should you bet in roulette?
As many or as few as you want. You don’t even have to bet numbers – red/black might be the most popular bet of all.
Is American roulette rigged?
No. All of our recommended American roulette sites are legal, licensed and regulated to make sure everything is on the up-and-up and all bets are decided fairly. Sites are regularly audited by regulatory bodies.
What is the house advantage in American roulette?
The house has a 5.26% advantage in American roulette.
American Roulette Casino Tips
