American Roulette: Smart Strategy & Best Casino Sites [2026]

Roulette is everywhere – in land-based casinos, online casinos, and probably haunting the dreams of anyone who’s ever chased a “surefire” system. So yeah, it’s no shock that every roulette casino on the planet has a dozen variations lined up like a buffet of bad decisions.

But one game I keep circling back to – mostly out of equal parts nostalgia and self-inflicted pain – is American Roulette by NetEnt. Released in 2014, this double-zero heartbreaker has somehow become a fan favorite at top casino sites online, despite the house edge being about as friendly as a crocodile in a cardigan.

In this review, I’ll walk you through everything that matters: the design, the bets, the quirks, and whether this RNG classic deserves a place in your rotation… or should be treated like that “lucky system” you swear you’ll never use again. American Roulette demo has been added too! 

If you’re trying to wrap your head around what roulette odds really mean, American Roulette by NetEnt is a great place to start – mostly because it wastes no time showing you how quickly the double zero can humble your hopes and dreams. Still, the betting options are classic, clean, and easy to follow, even if the wheel isn’t always kind.

You can drop a chip on:

• A single number (for the “I believe in miracles” crowd)
• The line between two numbers (a Split)
• The corner touching four numbers (a Corner bet)
• A line covering six numbers
• Or the broader outside bets like Odd/Even, Red/Black, 1-18, or 19-36

Once your bet’s placed, hit the spin button and let gravity decide your fate.

Here’s how the payouts shake out in NetEnt’s American Roulette:

Inside Bets

Outside Bets

NetEnt sticks to the traditional American Roulette paytable – which is to say, you get the same satisfying payouts you know and love, paired with the slightly soul-crushing house edge of having two zeros staring back at you. But hey, that’s all part of the charm. It’s roulette: beautiful, brutal, and always just one spin away from convincing you that this time… maybe… the odds care.

Let’s get this out of the way: there is no button, pattern, or cosmic alignment that guarantees a win in American Roulette – especially with that smug double zero lurking on the wheel. But there are smart ways to play roulette, and NetEnt’s polished layout makes it easy to use every advantage the game actually gives you. If you’re hunting for the best roulette strategy or just trying to avoid lighting your bankroll on fire, here’s your roadmap.

1. Know the Wheel Before You Challenge It

American Roulette has 38 pockets, which means the house edge is chunkier than the European version. Accept this. Embrace it. Don’t fight math.
But what you can control is:

• Bet sizing
• Bet selection
• How long you stay at the table

The wheel doesn’t care about your feelings – but you should care about your bankroll.

2. Use Hot & Cold Numbers (But Don’t Worship Them)

NetEnt gives you a neat display of hot and cold numbers – great for players who enjoy convincing themselves they’re reading patterns in chaos.

• Hot numbers may give you confidence.
• Cold numbers may tempt you into a “due” moment.

Reality check? The wheel has no memory. Still, if it boosts your entertainment value, go for it – just don’t treat it like prophecy.

3. Stick to the Smart Ways to Play Roulette

If you’re new or just value your sanity:

• Start with outside bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1-18/19-36) – safest and most frequent wins.
• Mix in a Dozen or Column bet for 2:1 payouts with decent hit rates.
• Save the Straight-Up bets for when you feel particularly dramatic.

This is the foundation of every roulette guide for new players, and for good reason – it keeps you spinning longer without reckless losses.

4. Use a Light Betting System

If you insist on strategy (and let’s be honest, you do):

• A light Martingale on even-money bets works if you’re disciplined.
• Fibonacci is slower but less punishing on a cold streak.
• The 1-3-2-6 system is great for short, controlled sessions.

Pick one, stick to it, and don’t spiral. No system beats the wheel, but it can help corral your chaos.

5. Save Your Favorite Bets

NetEnt nailed the UX here. Use the Favorite Bets feature to:

• Save your go-to combinations
• Speed up your rounds
• Keep your betting consistent

It’s not magic, but it’s convenient – and convenience often leads to smarter, less impulsive betting.

6. Play on a Good Casino Site (Trust Me)

Lag is the enemy. Clunky interfaces destroy momentum. Choose a site with:

• Smooth mobile performance
• Quick loading
• Clean chip selection
• A functional app, if possible

Nothing kills a streak faster than your phone freezing mid-spin. Quality casino game apps are often overlooked. 

My Final Take

American Roulette by NetEnt is stylish, fast, and unforgiving – exactly how roulette should be. You won’t outsmart the double zero, but with the best roulette strategy, steady bets, and smart tools, you can stretch your session, manage your risks, and even land a few cinematic wins.

Just remember: roulette is equal parts math, madness, and misplaced optimism. Spin responsibly.

Besides the name, there are a few differences between American Roulette and European Roulette. However, you might not notice unless you're an avid RNG fan.

I've been playing both variants for a while and have curated the differences between the two. The table below contains both game's top features to know what to look out for if you intend to play either or both of them:

American Roulette by NetEnt is a magnet for players who actually enjoy taking risks – the kind who look that double zero straight in the face and say, “Sure, ruin my night.” With its higher volatility and house edge, you absolutely need to play it at a reputable gambling platform. If the casino doesn’t have a certified RNG, you’re not playing roulette – you’re just donating.

Fortunately, the top casino sites online I recommend feature NetEnt’s full lineup, including this charming double-zero pain machine. These platforms are licensed, secure, and stacked with generous bonuses for new players. 

You can even play online roulette for free in demo mode on this page, giving you plenty of room to poke around the layout, test your bets, and pretend you’ve cracked the code before you risk any real cash.

Pick a trusted site, grab the bonus, warm up with a free round or two, and then let the wheel decide your fate – mathematically, brutally, and beautifully.