| Updated: October 2, 2024Betsoft furnished VIP American Roulette back in 2004 but the age of the game has yet to show. Here we have the same crisp visuals and user-friendly interface as those inherent to all other table games the well-known software studio has produced. Pretty much the only downside of this beautifully crafted game is its theoretical return, which is lower than that in European-style roulette.
Interface and Bet types
Betsoft’s VIP American Roulette uses precisely the same interface as the one the developers have crafted for the European variant from the studio’s premium roulette series. This is hardly a bad thing, though, because here we have the same simplicity and clean design that render the European variation so enjoyable.
VIP American Roulette uses the rules inherent to roulette games played in US casinos, which is to say both the wheel and the betting layout feature a total of 38 pockets, with numbers 1 through 36, 0, and 00.
The table limits are displayed on the plaque next to the wheel and differ depending on which casino you play at. Some Betsoft-powered casinos cater to high rollers with upper limits of $10,000 per spin. The game features the standard set of inside and outside wagers, with a maximum payout of 35 to 1 for winning straight bets on single numbers.
Needless to say, racetrack betting with the standard call bets is unavailable here because the double-zero wheel uses a different number sequence. Players can bet on the neighbors if they wish, but the game does not offer pre-configured templates for these special bets. You will have to post the chips on the corresponding numbers on the layout yourself.
Distinctive Traits and Features
The most recognizable trait of VIP American Roulette is that the game plays on a double-zero wheel and features an additional wager that is unique to double-zero tables. It is called the five-number bet (dubbed first-five bet by the Betsoft developers) and includes numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3.
This bet pays out 6 to 1, which are very poor odds so you better avoid it altogether. This wager yields a long-term house take of 7.89%, so it is easy to see why smart players never post it. Apart from this, the addition of the 00 pocket almost doubles the house edge from 2.70% to 5.26%.
VIP American Roulette offers two useful features, the first one being the history billboard. This is what you must check to see the outcomes of the past 11 spins. There is also a panel next to the history board where you can see a close-up of the winning number on the double-zero wheel.
Wrap-Up
Once again Betsoft developers deliver a very playable variation of the classic game in the face of VIP American Roulette. Everything about this version, from the design to the graphics, is up to scratch. Do try it if you do not mind battling against its high house edge.