What are the American roulette payouts and odds for Canadian players?

American roulette payouts are based on your bet’s probability. A high-risk bet on a single number pays 35:1, while a lower-risk bet like Red/Black pays 1:1. The key difference is the wheel has both a 0 and 00, which gives the house a 5.26% edge on most wagers.

Table of contents

• American roulette payout chart
• Understanding inside vs. outside bets
• How to calculate roulette payouts
• Why the house edge matters in American roulette
• Is American roulette the best version to play?
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Quick recap for your next game

American roulette payout chart

Short answer: The payout chart shows the return for each bet type, from 35:1 for a single number to 1:1 for even-money bets. It’s a quick reference for the risk and reward of every possible wager on the table.

Before you place your first chip, it helps to know what you stand to win. American roulette has 38 pockets (1-36, plus 0 and 00), and the payouts are set based on how many numbers your bet covers. The more numbers you cover, the lower the payout, but the higher your chance of winning on any given spin.

Here’s a breakdown of every bet you can make, its payout, and the probability of it hitting.

Understanding inside vs. outside bets

Short answer: Inside bets are wagers placed on the numbers inside the betting grid, offering high payouts and low odds. Outside bets are placed on the sections outside the number grid, like colours or dozens, and have lower payouts but much better odds.

The roulette table layout is split into two main areas. Thinking about your bets in these two categories is the first step to building a strategy. Do you want to go for a big, rare win, or aim for smaller, more frequent hits? Your answer determines if you’re an inside or outside bettor.

Inside bets explained

These are the high-octane bets. You’re targeting specific numbers, so the chances of winning are slimmer, but the reward is much bigger if your number comes in. These bets are for players comfortable with higher volatility.

• Straight Up: A bet on a single number. The classic high-risk, high-reward roulette move.
• Split: A bet on two adjacent numbers. You place the chip on the line between them.
• Street: A bet on three numbers in a horizontal line (e.g., 7, 8, 9).
• Corner: A bet on four numbers that form a square on the grid.
• Six Line: A bet covering two adjacent streets, for a total of six numbers.
• Five-Number Bet: This is an infamous bet unique to American roulette, covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Important: It’s the worst bet on the table, with a house edge of 7.89%. Most experienced players avoid it entirely.

Outside bets explained

If you prefer a steadier session, outside bets are your friend. They cover large portions of the wheel, making wins more common, though the payouts are smaller. These are great for new players or anyone managing their bankroll carefully. You can find these and other right here at WildTornado.

• Red or Black: A bet on which colour the winning number will be.
• Even or Odd: A bet on whether the number will be even or odd.
• High or Low: A bet on if the number will be in the 1-18 range (Low) or 19-36 range (High).
• Columns: A bet on one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers.
• Dozens: A bet on one of three sets of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36).

How to calculate roulette payouts

Short answer: To calculate your potential profit, multiply your stake by the first number in the payout ratio. For a $10 bet on a single number (35:1 payout), your profit is $350, and you also get your original $10 stake back for a total return of $360.

You don’t need a math degree to figure out your winnings. The formula is simple:

Profit = (Your Bet Amount) x (Payout Ratio)

Let’s use a couple of quick examples:

1. You bet $20 on a Corner bet (payout is 8:1). If one of your four numbers hits, your calculation is: $20 x 8 = $160 profit. The casino gives you back $160 plus your original $20 stake, so you collect $180.
2. You bet $50 on Black (payout is 1:1). If a black number hits, your calculation is: $50 x 1 = $50 profit. You’ll get back $100 in total ($50 profit + $50 stake).

A simple rule of thumb for outside bets is to remember that 2:1 bets cover about a third of the wheel, while 1:1 bets cover nearly half. This helps you quickly gauge the risk without memorizing the exact percentages. New players can often take advantage of a welcome bonus to get more practice with different bet sizes.

Why the house edge matters in American roulette

Short answer: The house edge is the casino’s built-in advantage, which is 5.26% in American roulette because of the 0 and 00 pockets. This means that for every $100 you bet over the long run, you can statistically expect to lose $5.26.

Every casino game has a house edge; it’s how they stay in business. In roulette, the edge comes from the green pockets. The payouts are calculated as if there were only 36 numbers (a 35:1 payout for a 1 in 36 chance), but the 38 pockets on the wheel (1-36, 0, and 00) skew the true odds in the casino’s favour. When the ball lands on 0 or 00, all outside bets lose, which is where the house makes most of its money.

How the 5.26% edge affects your bankroll

A 5.26% edge might not sound like much, but it has a real impact over time. Let’s imagine two players, one playing American and one playing European roulette (which has only a single 0 and a 2.7% edge). Both start with $200 and make 100 bets of $2 each.

• American Roulette Player: After 100 spins ($200 total wagered), their expected loss is $200 x 5.26% = $10.52. They’d statistically have around $189.48 left.
• European Roulette Player: After 100 spins ($200 total wagered), their expected loss is $200 x 2.70% = $5.40. They’d statistically have around $194.60 left.

As you can see, the extra zero pocket nearly doubles the long-term cost to the player. It doesn’t mean you can’t win in the short term, that’s what makes the game exciting! But it does mean that American roulette is a tougher game to sustain a bankroll in over hundreds of spins.

Is American roulette the best version to play?

Short answer: For players focused purely on the best odds, American roulette is not the ideal choice due to its higher house edge. European and French roulette offer a statistical advantage to the player.

While we have plenty of American roulette games, it’s good to know your options. Each version has a slightly different feel and, more importantly, different odds.

Pros and Cons of American Roulette

Common mistakes to avoid

Short answer: The most frequent errors are playing the Five-Number bet with its terrible 7.89% house edge, believing in “hot” numbers, and chasing losses without a bankroll plan. Avoiding these simple traps can significantly improve your experience.

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment. Steering clear of these common pitfalls will help you play smarter and have more fun.

The gambler’s fallacy and other missteps

• Falling for the “Gambler’s Fallacy”: This is the belief that if “red” has come up 10 times in a row, “black” is somehow “due.” It isn’t. Every spin is a completely independent event. The wheel has no memory, so the odds are always 47.37% for either colour on any given spin.
• Playing the Five-Number Bet: As mentioned, this bet is unique to the American table and has a house edge of 7.89%, much higher than the standard 5.26%. It’s a mathematically poor choice.
• Not setting a budget: The number one rule of any casino game is to only bet what you can afford to lose. Decide on a session budget before you start and stick to it, win or lose. Playing responsibly is key to long-term enjoyment. If you ever feel your habits are becoming a problem, resources like ConnexOntario offer free and confidential help.
• Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you’ve lost by increasing your bets is a quick way to deplete your bankroll. If you hit your loss limit, it’s time to walk away and try again another day. Maybe switch over to some online slots for a change of pace.

Quick recap for your next game

Short answer: American roulette is a straightforward, exciting game defined by its 0 and 00 pockets. Stick to outside bets for better odds, avoid the Five-Number bet, and always manage your bankroll.

Here are the key things to remember before you head to the WildTornado tables:

• The Double Zero is Key: The 0 and 00 are what create the 5.26% house edge. This makes the game tougher than its European cousin.
• Inside vs. Outside: Inside bets offer huge payouts (like 35:1) but are rare hits. Outside bets offer small payouts (1:1 or 2:1) but win much more frequently.
• Avoid the Worst Bet: Never place the Five-Number bet (0-00-1-2-3). Its 7.89% house edge makes it the worst value on the layout.
• Every Spin is Independent: Don’t look for patterns or “due” numbers. The outcome of the last spin has zero impact on the next one.
• Play Responsibly: Set a budget for your session and stick to it. The goal is to have fun, and that starts with playing within your limits. High rollers looking for bigger limits can explore our VIP program.

Frequently Asked Questions for Canadian Roulette Players

How do you start playing American roulette rules?

A: American roulette is simple to learn for any novice. You begin by placing your chips on the numbers or betting options on the roulette table layout. The dealer then spins the roulette wheel, and a small ball lands on a numbered pocket.

If your wager covers that winning number, you receive a payout. Remember, an American roulette wheel has 38 pockets: numbers 1-36, plus a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). This double zero is what defines the American roulette rules.

What are the American roulette odds like for players?

A: The American roulette odds are determined by the 38 pockets on the roulette wheel. A straight up bet on a single number has a 2.63% winning probability. This bet offers the highest payout, at 35:1.

For bets covering more numbers, like the red/black bet, odd/even bet, or high/low bet, the winning probability is 47.37%. These even-money bets pay 1:1. The key difference from other roulette variants is the 0 and 00 pockets, which impact the true odds for players.

What are the different types of roulette bets you can make?

A: There are two main types of roulette bets: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers found in the inner section of the table layout. Examples include a split bet on two numbers or a corner bet on four.

These bets offer higher potential winnings but less frequent hits. Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, such as column bets or dozen bets. These offer lower payouts but higher odds of winning, making them popular for a game strategy focused on steady play.

Why is the American roulette house edge important for my casino game strategy?

A: The house edge is the casino’s statistical advantage, ensuring profitability over the long term. In American roulette, this house edge is 5.26% because of the 0 and 00 pockets. When the ball lands on either green pocket, most outside bets lose.

This edge is nearly double that of European roulette, which has only a single zero and a 2.70% edge. A higher house edge means you can statistically expect a greater loss over an extended period of play. Understanding this helps you manage your budget and make smart bets at the casino.