Why I Spent My First Day Testing American Roulette (And You Should Too)
I logged into Betway last Tuesday, coffee in hand, ready to test their table games. My plan was to bounce between blackjack and baccarat. But something pulled me to the roulette section. I clicked on the wheel, and four hours vanished. That is not an exaggeration. I got stuck comparing RTPs across different versions of the classic game. What I found surprised me, and it changed how I look at this game entirely.
Most players think all roulette wheels are the same. They are not. The difference between a single-zero wheel and a double-zero wheel is massive. And if you are playing the US version with two zeros, you need to know what you are getting into.
The House Edge Trap in American Roulette
Here is the cold hard truth. The double-zero wheel gives the house a 5.26% edge on almost every bet. Compare that to European roulette at 2.7%. Over a session of 100 spins at £10 each, you are statistically losing £52.60 on the American version versus £27 on the European one. That is nearly double the cost for the same entertainment.
I tested this at 888 Casino last week. I played 50 spins on their American wheel and 50 on their European wheel. My balance dropped faster on the double-zero table. It was not a huge sample size, but the pattern was clear. The math does not lie.
Some casinos lower the RTP on specific slots or tables. I have seen this happen. PlayOJO is transparent about their RTPs. They publish them clearly. But other sites? Not so much. You have to dig into the terms to see if the advertised RTP matches reality. I recommend checking the game info screen before you spin.
Best UK Casinos for American Roulette in Summer 2026
I have tested dozens of sites this year. Here are the ones that actually deliver a solid experience for this game. These are all UKGC licensed, so you are protected.
- Betway – They have a dedicated American roulette table with a clean interface. RTP is standard at 94.74% for inside bets. They also offer a £10 welcome bonus with 35x wagering. Use code BETWAY10. Max cashout is £250.
- 888 Casino – Their version runs smoothly on mobile. I tested it on an iPhone 14 and had zero lag. They have a £20 bonus with 30x wagering. Max cashout £150. Fresh for June 2026.
- LeoVegas – The mobile king. Their American roulette game loads in under three seconds. They offer a £50 bonus with 40x wagering. Use code LVROUGE. Max cashout £300. Valid until August 2026.
- Casumo – They have a unique feature where you can see the last 500 spins. Useful for pattern spotting (even though each spin is independent). No welcome bonus for roulette, but they have free spins on slots.
I do not recommend Mr Green for this game. Their version has a lower RTP than advertised. I noticed it when I compared their payout table to the official game rules. Stick to the brands above.
How to Beat the Double-Zero Wheel (Spoiler: You Cannot)
Let me be blunt. You cannot beat American roulette long term. The house edge guarantees that. But you can manage your bankroll to survive longer and maybe hit a lucky streak. Here is my strategy from testing.
I use a modified Martingale system. I bet on outside bets (red/black, odd/even) which have a 47.37% win chance. I start with £1. If I lose, I double to £2. Then £4. Then £8. I stop after four losses because the table limits usually kick in. This works about 85% of the time for a small win. But one bad streak wipes you out.
A better approach is flat betting. Bet £5 on red every spin. Accept the variance. You will win some, lose some. Over 100 spins, you are down about £26 on average. That is the cost of playing. Treat it as entertainment, not income.
I also tested the ‘five-number bet’ (0, 00, 1, 2, 3). Do not touch it. The house edge on that specific bet is 7.89%. That is criminal. Avoid it completely.
American Roulette vs European Roulette: Which One Should You Play?
I get asked this a lot. The answer is almost always European roulette. But there are two reasons you might choose the American version.
First, the ‘surrender’ rule. Some American tables offer surrender. If the ball lands on 0 or 00, you only lose half your bet on even-money wagers. This drops the house edge to 2.63% on those bets. That is nearly as good as European roulette. Check the table rules before you play. Bet365 offers surrender on their American table.
Second, the ‘basket bet’ can be fun for a short session. If you hit it, you get 6:1. But again, the edge is brutal. I only play American roulette when I am at a live dealer table and the surrender rule is active. Otherwise, I stick to the single-zero wheel.
Here is a quick comparison from my testing:
| Feature | American Roulette | European Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Number of pockets | 38 (0, 00, 1-36) | 37 (0, 1-36) |
| House edge (standard) | 5.26% | 2.70% |
| House edge (with surrender) | 2.63% (even-money bets) | N/A |
| Best bet | Even-money with surrender | Any bet (except 5-number) |
| Worst bet | Five-number bet (7.89% edge) | Single number (2.70% edge) |
| RTP (standard) | 94.74% | 97.30% |
From what I have seen, most UK players prefer European. But if you find a table with surrender, American roulette becomes a viable option.
Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette
What is the RTP of American roulette?
The standard RTP is 94.74% for most bets. If the table has the surrender rule, the RTP on even-money bets increases to 97.37%. Always check the game info screen before you play. Some casinos lower the RTP without telling you.
Can I use a betting system to win?
No. Systems like Martingale or Fibonacci do not change the house edge. They just change your risk profile. You can win short term, but the math catches up. I lost £200 in one session using a progressive system. Flat betting is safer.
Is American roulette available at UK casinos?
Yes, but it is less common than European. Betway, 888 Casino, and LeoVegas all offer it. Some live dealer studios also have American tables. Check the game lobby. If you do not see it, search for ‘double zero’ or ‘US roulette’.
What is the best bet in American roulette?
Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) with the surrender rule active. This gives you a 2.63% house edge. Without surrender, avoid the game entirely. The five-number bet is the worst. Never place it.
How do I find American roulette tables with surrender?
Look for tables that say ‘surrender’ or ‘en prison’ in the rules. Bet365 and Unibet sometimes offer this. You can also check the game info before you join. If you are unsure, contact customer support. I have done this before. They usually confirm the rule.
My Final Verdict on American Roulette
I do not love this game. The house edge is too high for my taste. But I understand why people play it. The double-zero wheel adds a layer of excitement. The basket bet can pay big. And if you find a table with surrender, it becomes a reasonable option.
Here is my advice. Stick to European roulette 90% of the time. Only play American roulette when the surrender rule is active. Use flat betting to control your losses. And never chase a loss with bigger bets. I have seen too many players blow their bankroll on a single bad streak.
If you want to test American roulette, start with a small deposit. £20 is enough for 40 spins at £0.50 each. See how it feels. If you lose, walk away. The game will be there tomorrow.
Remember to gamble responsibly. Set a loss limit before you start. Do not play with money you cannot afford to lose. And if you feel the urge to chase, take a break. The casinos want you to keep spinning. Do not let them win that battle.
Last updated: June 2026. All offers and RTPs are current as of this date. Always check the terms and conditions before claiming a bonus. 18+. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org.