Betsoft released VIP American Roulette back in 2004, but the game’s age has yet to show. Here we have the same crisp visuals and user-friendly interface found in all the other table games the well-known software studio has produced. The only notable downside of this beautifully crafted title is its theoretical return, which is lower than that of European-style roulette.
Interface and Bet Types
Betsoft’s VIP American Roulette uses precisely the same interface as the one the developers crafted for the European variant in the studio’s premium roulette series. This is hardly a bad thing, though, because we still have the same simplicity and clean design that make the European version so enjoyable.
VIP American Roulette uses the rules inherent to roulette games played in U.S. casinos, meaning both the wheel and the betting layout feature 38 pockets, with numbers 1 through 36, 0, and 00.
The table limits are displayed on the plaque next to the wheel and vary depending on the casino where you play. Some Betsoft-powered venues cater to high rollers with upper limits of $10,000 per spin. The game features the standard range 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 still bet on neighbors if they wish, but the game does not offer pre-configured templates for these special wagers. You will have to place 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 is played on a double-zero wheel and includes an additional wager unique to double-zero tables. It is called the five-number bet (dubbed the first-five bet by Betsoft) and covers numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3.
This bet pays out 6 to 1, which are very poor odds, so you should avoid it altogether. The wager carries a long-term house advantage of 7.89%, so it is easy to see why savvy players never place it. In addition, the inclusion of the 00 pocket almost doubles the house edge from 2.70% to 5.26%.
VIP American Roulette offers two useful features, the first being the history billboard. Use this to review the outcomes of the past 11 spins. There is also a panel next to the history board where you can view a close-up of the winning number on the double-zero wheel.
Wrap-Up
Once again, Betsoft delivers a highly playable take on the classic game with VIP American Roulette. Everything about this version, from the design to the graphics, is up to scratch. Give it a try if you do not mind facing its higher house edge.
