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JUNE 2025

American Roulette - Rules and Tips for Kiwis

Kiwi Guide to American Roulette: Mastering the Wheel for Big Wins


Kiwi Guide to American Roulette

Kiwi Guide to American Roulette: Mastering the Wheel for Big Wins

Written by: Stefano Rossi | The review was last updated: 03 July 2024 | Fact-check by: Kim Birch

CERTIFIED EXPERT CERTIFIED EXPERT
Stefano Rossi, a BETO™ expert in game theory and quantitative analysis, specializes in classic casino games like Roulette, with extensive experience from Italian casinos. About Stefano Rossi

Pokies have long been a top choice for a night out with mates. They're not just about spinning reels - there's a real chance to pocket some cash while you're at it. But if you're after something different, the classic table games are always an option.

Roulette stands out as one of the most exciting games you'll find in any casino. It's straightforward - you spin the wheel, toss in the ball, and try to guess where it'll land. If you're right, you're in for a win. While there are different versions of roulette around the world, the core gameplay stays the same.

American Roulette has a special appeal for many punters. Though it started in France, it quickly became a hit in American casinos. These days, you'll find variations of American Roulette in casinos across the globe, drawing in those looking for a bit of a thrill with their bets.

Kiwi guide to American roulette: Rules and betting basics

Kiwi guide to American roulette: Rules and betting basics

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Kiwi Guide to American Roulette: Rules and Wheel Breakdown

In the late 18th century, roulette hit France and quickly became a hit with punters. It didn't take long for the game to make its way to the States, where it was given a unique twist. The American version is similar to its European and French counterparts, but with one key difference. American roulette real money games have a higher house edge due to an extra green pocket on the wheel. This pocket, marked with a double zero, makes the game a bit riskier for players.

The brains behind this popular casino game? Blaise Pascal, a well-known mathematician and scientist. He's credited with inventing this crowd-pleasing casino game.

Originally, roulette wheels didn't have any zeroes, giving players better odds. But casino owners soon cottoned on and added a single zero pocket to lower the chances of winning. This proved so effective that a second pocket with a double-zero was added to American wheels. Now, the odds of guessing the correct number are 1 in 38.

Roulette has been a staple in American casinos for yonks. In the early days, an eagle symbol was used instead of the double-zero. Despite the lower odds, the game's popularity has only grown over time. When it comes to gambling, sometimes you've just got to take a punt.

Online gambling is booming, and American Roulette has found its place in the digital world. This gives both Kiwis and international players a chance to experience online casinos. Why not give the virtual American Roulette wheel a spin and see if you can boost your bankroll?

These online games are inspired by the classic casino tables. They're designed to mimic the flash Roulette tables you'd find in Vegas, complete with a random spinning wheel. For an even more authentic experience, try the live-dealer version - it's like being at a real casino, but from your lounge. If you're into online pokies, this classic game is definitely worth a go.

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Kiwi Guide to American Roulette: Bets and Gameplay

Let's dive into the basics of American Roulette to boost your chances of winning. We'll cover the essential rules so you know which bets to make and how to come out on top.

American Roulette uses a wheel with 38 pockets. Numbers 1 to 36 are marked in alternating black and red, plus two green pockets for single-zero and double-zero.

To win, you need to guess where the ball will land. Players make their predictions before each spin. The wheel spins one way and the ball the other. You can bet on any number. If you guess right, you get paid. Use the Roulette tables to place your wager. Grab your chips from the dealer and head to a table. The layout shows all possible numbers, making it easy to place your bet.

You're allowed multiple bets per spin. There's a window to change or cancel bets after the wheel starts spinning. Once the dealer calls 'no more bets', that's it - no more changes. Your bets are locked in. The dealer then waits for the ball to settle and announces the result. If you've picked correctly, you'll get your payout.

Video: American Roulette - Rules and Tips for Kiwis

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Kiwi Guide to American Roulette: Ball, Wheel & Table

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Betting options in American Roulette: Kiwi guide

To boost your chances of winning in American roulette, it's crucial to understand all the betting options available. The game offers straightforward wagers, and you can even combine bets to improve your odds of predicting where the ball will land. Getting your head around these strategies will not only make your gaming more enjoyable but could also lead to bigger payouts.

Keen to give it a go? You can practice your American roulette skills for free right here on BETO.

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Kiwi guide to inside bets in American Roulette at the casino

Inside bets are exactly what they sound like. Punters can place these wagers on the inner part of the table layout. You can bet on single numbers with inside bets.

The Straight-up is one type of inside bet. For this wager, you can put your chips on any number on the wheel, including the green single and double zero pockets. This gives you a payout of 35 to one. The Straight-up is the most basic bet you can make in American roulette or similar games.

Below, you can see an example of an inside bet in American roulette, where a wager is placed on a single number (5):

Kiwi punters can use European roulette strategies in American games too.

Kiwi punters can use European roulette strategies in American games too.

The Split Bet is another inside bet option. For this one, you put your chip on the line between two numbers next to each other. You'll win if the ball lands on either of those numbers. The payout for a winning Split Bet is 17 to 1.

Here's an example of a Split Bet between 5 and 8. If the ball stops on either number, you're in the money:

Kiwi guide to American roulette rules

Kiwi guide to American roulette rules

American Roulette offers a variety of betting options for punters. One popular choice is the Street Bet, an inside bet where you place your chip on the line at the end of a row. This covers all three numbers in that row. There are also special Street Bet combos like 0, 1, 2; 0, 00, 2; or 00, 2, 3. If you win a Street Bet, you'll get a payout of 11 to 1.

Here's a visual guide showing how to make a Street Bet on an American roulette table:

Kiwi pokies sites may chuck in a free bonus for American roulette

Kiwi pokies sites may chuck in a free bonus for American roulette's high house edge.

Next up is the Corner Bet, also known as the Square Bet. This one's pretty straightforward - you place your chip where four numbers meet on the table. If the ball lands on any of those four numbers, you're in luck. The payout for this bet is 8 to 1, which isn't too shabby considering you're covering four possibilities with one chip.

Kiwi guide to American roulette corner bets

Kiwi guide to American roulette corner bets

In American Roulette, there's a unique wager called the Five Number Bet. You'll spot it at the corner where 0 meets 1. This bet covers both the single and double zero pockets, plus numbers 1, 2, and 3 - it's exclusive to the American version of the game.

Here's the catch: the Five Number Bet has a higher house edge compared to other bets, which is why many punters steer clear of it. But if you're feeling lucky and nail it, you're looking at a 6 to 1 payout.

Check out the image below to see exactly where you'd place your chips for a Five Number Bet:

Five Number Bet: The Mug

Five Number Bet: The Mug's Punt in Kiwi Online Roulette Games

Another option is the Six Line Bet. This covers two rows of three numbers each, giving you a total of six numbers in play. To make this bet, pop your chip at the end of the line where the two rows meet. You're essentially backing all six numbers, and if any of them come up, you're in the money. The payout for this one is 5 to 1.

Sixline wager in Kiwi roulette games

Sixline wager in Kiwi roulette games

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Kiwi guide to outside bets in American Roulette

After covering inside bets, let's dive into outside bets. These are placed on the edges of the table layout. Outside bets are typically easier to predict, offering simpler gameplay but smaller payouts.

You'll find outside bet options around the number grid on the table. Here's a rundown of some common outside bets:

First up is the Column Bet. This involves wagering on an entire column. Simply place your chip on the '2:1' box at the end of your chosen column. Each column contains 12 numbers, and there are 3 columns in total. If the ball lands on any number in your selected column, you win. The payout for this bet is 2 to 1.

Image of a Column Bet on a Kiwi-style American roulette table

Image of a Column Bet on a Kiwi-style American roulette table

The Dozen Bet is another outside bet option. Rather than wagering on a full column, you're putting money on one of three groups, each with a dozen numbers. You can back the 1st 12 (1-12), 2nd 12 (13-24), or 3rd 12 (25-36). This bet pays out at 2 to 1, giving punters a decent chance to boost their bankroll.

The first dozen wager in Kiwi roulette covering 12 numbers

The first dozen wager in Kiwi roulette covering 12 numbers

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Colour wagers in Kiwi Roulette - Red or Black?

In American Roulette, punters have the option to place an outside bet on colour. The table layout features 'Red' and 'Black' boxes where you can pop your chips to make these wagers. When you bet on colour, you're backing either all the red numbers or all the black ones. If you pick the right colour, you'll score a 1 to 1 payout. Don't forget, you'll get your initial stake back too when you win in roulette.

Kiwi punters: American roulette

Kiwi punters: American roulette's got two colour bets - red or black.

Keen on outside bets? Try wagering on odd or even numbers. You can place a bet on all the odd or even numbers on the wheel. Just pop your chip on the “Even” or “Odd” box on the layout. If you're spot on, you'll score a payout. The payout rules are pretty much the same as betting on colours.

Kiwi guide to odd and even bets on the American table.

Kiwi guide to odd and even bets on the American table.

The last outside bet in American roulette is the low or high option. Punting on Low covers numbers 1 to 18, while High covers 19 to 36. To place this bet, pop your chip on the “1 to 18” or “19 to 36” box. If you win, you'll get even money - a 1 to 1 payout.

Kiwi guide to high and low bets in American roulette

Kiwi guide to high and low bets in American roulette

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Spin the Yankee Wheel Online: Kiwi Guide to US Roulette

American Roulette's got a few different versions you can give a go online. It's a real buzz for punters looking for a bit of excitement. Some of the big guns in the online gambling world have had a hand in creating this game, so you know you're in for a good time.

If you're after an authentic casino vibe with a proper fun factor, this game's right up your alley. You'll find heaps of American Roulette variants online to choose from. Each one's got sharper graphics, catchier tunes, and more impressive gameplay than the last.

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Kiwi punters can now play American Roulette online live

Evolution Gaming brings American roulette to Kiwi punters with their live-dealer online version. If you're keen on this classic pokie, this virtual option's a real winner. Live internet casino games are the latest craze in online gambling, growing faster than a Pohutukawa in summer. This game's a beauty for players after an authentic roulette experience.

Evolution Gaming is top-notch when it comes to live-streamed casino games, and their Live American Roulette doesn't disappoint. It promises a ripper of a time for virtual players. The streaming quality is mint, making you feel like you're right there in a real casino.

This online version's got a spinning wheel just like the real deal. It's marked with numbers from 1 to 36 in black and red, plus the green 0 and 00 pockets.

You can place all the usual inside and outside bets on the table. There's even a racetrack for neighbour bets. When the wheel spins, you'll see it happen in real-time. Watching that ball land is enough to get anyone's heart racing, especially if you've been playing for yonks.

The whole setup's designed to give you that Vegas vibe. It's like being in a fancy casino, but you can play in your PJs if you want.

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Kiwi Guide to American Roulette Rules

Common questions about American Roulette

What's the max wager for American Roulette in NZ? Arrow Arrow

If you're after the smartest bet, you'd be better off having a go at European or French roulette. With American Roulette, your odds of winning on a single number are 35 to 1, thanks to that 1 in 38 chance. Still, if luck's on your side and you do win, you'll get your original stake back too.

Which roulette system reigns supreme in Kiwi casinos? Arrow Arrow

A popular strategy for American roulette is the martingale system. It's straightforward to use and gives you better than even odds of winning by taking the zero out of the equation.

Which colours have the best odds in American Roulette? Find out! Arrow Arrow

In American Roulette, you've got an equal shot at winning on red or black. Back in '43, punters at a casino saw something wild - red came up a whopping 32 times in a row. Talk about a lucky streak!

Keen to boost your odds at American Roulette? Here's how to give it a fair go Arrow Arrow

Want to boost your odds at American roulette? A few strategies might help. Brushing up on maths and physics could give you a fresh perspective on how the game works. You could also pick up some pointers by watching how the pros place their bets. And don't forget to check out the free articles on BETO for more insights into American Roulette. Every little bit helps when you're at the table.

Kiwi Guide: Is American Roulette All About Lady Luck or Skill? Arrow Arrow

It's not just about chance. To win at American roulette, you need a mix of know-how, strategy, and a bit of good fortune. Understanding the game's ins and outs can give you an edge at the table.