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American style roulette (differences from European)
Roulette seems simple: put on a number/color - wait for the ball. But the American and European versions differ so that it changes the mathematics of the game and your chances. In the USA, the basic format is a wheel with two zeros (0 and 00), and in some places there is a triple zero (000). In Europe, the standard is single zero (0) and additional rules that reduce the advantage of casinos.
1) Wheel and table markings
American roulette (double-zero, "00"):- There are 38 pockets on the wheel: numbers 1-36 + 0 and 00.
- The order of the numbers on the wheel differs from the European one, the red/black balance is preserved, but the symmetry is different.
- There is a separate 00 field on the table layout. A unique "five-number" bet is available (see below).
- 37 pockets: 1-36 + 0.
- More often there is a "track" (racetrack) and "ringing" bets (voisins, tiers, orphelins), which in the USA are almost never found at ordinary tables.
- 39 pockets: 1-36 + 0, 00 and 000. It looks "fun," but the math becomes noticeably worse for the player.
2) The payments are the same - the math is different
Classic payments (35:1 for the full number, 2:1 for the columns/dozen, 1:1 for even/odd, red/black, high/low) are the same for both versions. The difference is in the number of "zero" pockets that are not paid at equal rates and increase the house edge.
European (0): casino advantage on most bets - ≈ 2.70% (1/37).
American (0/00): casino advantage - ≈ 5.26% (2/38) for almost all standard bets.
Triple-zero (0/00/000): casino advantage - ≈ 7.69% (3/39) - the worst option for the player.
The exception in the American version: the "five-number" bet (basket) on 0-00-1-2-3 - its house edge ≈ 7.89% - is one of the least profitable bets on the entire floor.
3) Special rules that reduce edge (and where to find them)
La Partage (Europe, sometimes online): when 0 falls out, half of the bet on equal chances (even-money) is returned to the player → an effective edge at such bets ≈ 1.35%.
En Prison (Europe): even-money bet "locked" on next spin at 0; if the bet wins, it returns without profit → a similar effect to La Partage.
Surrender (USA, found pointwise - for example, in separate casinos in Atlantic City/Las Vegas): La Partage analogue for 0/00 - half of even-money bets are returned when they fall into zero pockets. The effective edge at equal rates is reduced to ≈ 2.63% (instead of 5.26%).
4) Stakes and "American" nuances
Standard: for one number (straight up), split (2 numbers), street (line of 3), corner (4), six lines (6), dozen/column (12), even-money (color, even/odd, 1-18/19-36).
American difference: basket (0-00-1-2-3) - avoid: ≈ 7.89% edge.
Off the table: "ringing "/adjacent track bets are rare in the US, more often only available in High-Limit/European rooms or online.
5) Where to play and what the advanced player chooses
The best option in the USA: a single-zero table (sometimes labeled "European Roulette") - less often on the floor, more often online and in high-limit.
A good compromise: double-zero with the Surrender rule for even-money bets.
Avoid: triple-zero and basket bets at 0/00/1/2/3.
6) Online vs Offline (US)
Offline casino: double-zero dominates, "European" is found pointwise (especially in premium rooms). Triple-zero - increasingly on "tourist" floors; be careful with wheel markings.
Online (legal iGaming states): versions with one zero and even La Partage are more often available in separate live dealer studios; conditions and RTP are written in the game info window.
7) Bankroll and practical tips
1. Read the rules board at the table. Look for "European," "Single-Zero" or "Surrender."
2. Even-money + Surrender/La Partage bets are the cheapest way to play American roulette in mathematics.
3. Avoid "five-digit." This is an edge trap ≈ 7.89%.
4. Triple-zero did not. 7.69% edge on ALL bets - expensive in the long run.
5. Budget: Schedule a 100-150 base rate session; roulette - dispersion game, win/lose "in pieces" - the norm.
6. Online option: in the allowed states, look for single-zero and check the rules in the info menu; at live tables - pay attention to "European" marks and the presence of Partage.
8) Myths and reality
"Hot/cold numbers." Honest Wheel/RNG have independent results; past backs do not "have" to align.
"Dealer handwriting." On modern wheels and with safety control, a steady "signature" shift is extremely unlikely.
Progression systems (Martingale, etc.). They don't change the expectation; the main thing is to set stop limits on time.
9) Short comparison - "cheat sheet"
The main difference between American roulette is the additional zeros that increase the advantage of the casino. If there is a choice, give preference to single-zero or double-zero tables with Surrender; avoid triple-zero and "basket." Roulette is a game of chances and discipline: read the rules of the table, run a bankroll and choose versions with a smaller house edge - this is how the pleasure will last longer, and the math will be softer to your budget.