American Roulette

American Roulette is the version of roulette most players encounter across casinos in the United States. The game keeps the core spinning-wheel excitement but adds a twist that changes the math: two green pockets marked “0” and “00.” That extra pocket raises the house edge, and it changes which bets give you the best chance to stretch your bankroll. If you want a fast, easy game with a clear set of bets and straightforward payouts, American Roulette delivers.

A Short History — From Europe to the United States

Roulette began in Europe during the 18th century, evolving from wheel-based games that combined chance and simple rules. When the game crossed the Atlantic, American casinos introduced a second green pocket — the double zero — to increase the house advantage. Over time, that version became a staple of the United States casino scene, while European venues mostly stuck with a single-zero layout.

American Roulette Wheel Layout — What You’ll See

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

• Numbers 1–36
• Single zero — “0”
• Double zero — “00”

Numbers 1–36 alternate red and black, while both the “0” and “00” pockets are green. That extra green pocket is the key structural difference from single-zero wheels and affects the odds on all bets.

Table Layout — Where to Place Your Chips

The American Roulette table pairs the wheel with a betting layout showing individual numbers, rows, columns, and larger betting areas. Players place chips on:

• Single numbers or small groups in the numbered grid
• Dozens, columns, and other grouped bets in marked boxes
• Red or black, odd or even, and high or low areas for even-money options

A dealer or electronic interface handles chip placement and payout resolution, and bets remain until the dealer announces “no more bets.”

How to Play American Roulette — Step by Step

1. Choose your chip value.
2. Place bets on the table in the areas you prefer.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing bets are collected.

It’s that simple—pick your stakes, place bets, and watch where the ball lands.

Inside Bets — Target Specific Numbers

Inside bets are placed on the numbered grid and cover specific numbers or small groups. Typical inside bets include:

• Straight Up — single number, payout 35: 1
• Split — two adjacent numbers, payout 17: 1
• Street — three numbers in a row, payout 11: 1
• Corner — four numbers meeting at a corner, payout 8: 1
• Six Line — two adjoining rows (six numbers), payout 5: 1

Inside bets have higher payouts but lower probabilities of winning.

Outside Bets — Broader Coverage, Lower Variance

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and tend to land more often:

• Red or Black — 18 numbers, payout 1: 1
• Odd or Even — 18 numbers, payout 1: 1
• High (19–36) or Low (1–18) — 18 numbers, payout 1: 1
• Dozens — 12 numbers (1–12, 13–24, 25–36), payout 2: 1
• Columns — 12 numbers per column, payout 2: 1

Outside bets are useful when you want steadier, lower-risk returns.

American Roulette Payout Table

Straight Up — 1 number — 35: 1 Split — 2 numbers — 17: 1 Street — 3 numbers — 11: 1 Corner — 4 numbers — 8: 1 Six Line — 6 numbers — 5: 1 Dozens / Columns — 12 numbers — 2: 1 Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low — 18 numbers — 1: 1

Payouts reflect the wheel’s probabilities, and the double zero affects all odds.

House Edge — Why It’s Higher in American Roulette

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%, primarily because of the double zero. European Roulette, with a single zero, typically has a house edge around 2.7%. That extra green pocket in American Roulette roughly doubles the house advantage, which is why choosing between versions matters for long-term play.

Practical Strategy Tips for American Roulette

• Understand the odds before you bet—each bet type has different win probabilities and payouts.
• Use outside bets for lower risk and more frequent wins.
• Manage your bankroll with set limits on losses and session lengths.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins—roulette is a game of chance.
• Treat sessions as entertainment and plan stakes accordingly.

These tips help you make smarter decisions at the table without promising outcomes.

How American Roulette Compares to European Roulette

Key differences include:

• Number of pockets — American has 38 pockets, European usually has 37.
• House edge — American is about 5.26%, European is about 2.7%.
• Popularity — American Roulette is most common in United States casinos, while European-style wheels dominate many venues abroad.

Choosing the right version can affect how long your bankroll lasts and which bets make sense.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette

Online RNG (random number generator) American Roulette offers fast play, multiple tables, and often lower minimums. Live dealer American Roulette is streamed from studios or casino floors and features real dealers, slower rounds, and a social atmosphere. Both options support real money play, and many platforms let you switch between RNG and live tables easily.

If you want a hands-on casino experience at home, live dealer tables replicate the in-person feel. If you prefer speed and many table options, RNG is a solid choice.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

Major developers offering strong American Roulette games include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These providers deliver quality graphics, smooth gameplay, and both RNG and live dealer variants, so you can play on your terms.

For a broader look at casinos that host a wide range of providers, see the Move2Bet Casino review or the BetGCC Casino review.

Mobile American Roulette — Play Anywhere

Most modern American Roulette titles are optimized for smartphones and tablets. Mobile versions preserve the full betting grid, quick bet options, and live streams, so you can play legally in states where online casino play is allowed. Mobile play also supports touch-friendly controls and fast deposit and withdrawal features.

Responsible Gambling Reminder

Set deposit limits, take regular breaks, and never wager more than you can afford to lose. If you think gambling is becoming a problem, seek help from licensed support services. Terms and conditions apply to promotions and gameplay, and responsible play keeps gambling fun.

American Roulette Questions Answered

If you’re trying American Roulette for the first time, start with low stakes, focus on outside bets to learn the flow, and remember that each spin is independent. For platform-specific bonuses, check the offer details and wagering requirements before you claim any promotion; terms and conditions apply.