American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic US version of roulette, and its defining feature is simple but important - it uses two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra pocket changes the odds, raises the house edge, and makes the game different from European Roulette.

At its core, American Roulette is still the same casino game many players recognize right away. A dealer spins a wheel, sends a ball in the opposite direction, and players win if the ball lands on the numbers or groups they backed. The twist is that the 00 gives the casino a slightly bigger mathematical edge than in other roulette variants.

Roulette’s European Roots and Its American Shift

Roulette began in Europe, with versions of the game taking shape in France in the 18th century. Over time, the wheel design became more standardized, and the single-zero format grew popular across much of Europe.

When roulette reached the United States, casinos adopted a modified wheel with both 0 and 00. That change likely made the game more profitable for operators, and it became the standard in many American casinos. Today, the double-zero wheel remains the best-known roulette version in the US market, both in land-based venues and online.

The American Roulette Wheel Breakdown You Should Know

The American Roulette wheel has 38 total pockets. These include the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero and a double zero.

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 alternate between red and black. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, which helps them stand out visually from the rest of the wheel. That color split is important because many outside bets, like red or black, do not include either green pocket.

Unlike a betting grid, the wheel itself does not place the numbers in simple numerical order. The numbers are arranged in a specific sequence around the wheel, designed to distribute red, black, odd, even, high, and low values.

Inside the American Roulette Table Layout

The American Roulette table layout is where players place their chips before each spin. It includes all numbers from 1 to 36 in rows, along with spaces for 0 and 00.

Players can place chips directly on a single number, on the line between two numbers, at the corner where four numbers meet, or across larger sections for group bets. The outer parts of the layout also include areas for bets like red or black, odd or even, high or low, dozens, and columns.

Once you understand the grid, the game becomes easy to follow. Every betting spot corresponds to a certain number of covered outcomes and a specific payout.

How American Roulette Works in 5 Simple Steps

Playing American Roulette is straightforward, even for beginners. First, you choose your chip value at the table or online interface.

Next, you place your bets on the numbers or sections you want to cover. After betting closes, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.

The ball eventually lands in one numbered pocket, including possibly 0 or 00. Winning bets are then paid according to the roulette payout table, and a new round begins.

The Most Important American Roulette Bets

American Roulette bets are split into two broad categories - inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups, while outside bets cover larger sections of the table.

Inside Bets With Bigger Payout Potential

Inside bets usually offer higher payouts because they cover fewer numbers. They are popular with players who want a shot at larger returns from a small stake.

A straight up bet covers one number and pays 35: 1. A split covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17: 1. A street covers three numbers in a horizontal row and pays 11: 1.

A corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one point and pays 8: 1. A six line covers six numbers across two adjacent rows and pays 5: 1.

Outside Bets That Keep Variance Lower

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, so they hit more often but pay less. They are commonly used by beginners and by players trying to make their bankroll last longer.

Red or black covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. Odd or even also covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1, while high or low works the same way, with low covering 1 to 18 and high covering 19 to 36.

Dozens and columns each cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1. The first dozen includes 1 to 12, the second dozen includes 13 to 24, and the third dozen includes 25 to 36.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

Here is the standard payout structure for American Roulette:

• 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: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Red or Black: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• Odd or Even: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• High or Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1

These payouts are standard in most online and live versions, though it is still smart to check the paytable before playing.

The House Edge: Why American Roulette Costs More to Play

The house edge in American Roulette is 5.26%. That figure comes from the extra green pocket, 00, which makes it harder for players to win compared with a single-zero wheel.

European Roulette, by comparison, has 37 pockets and a house edge of about 2.70%. That means American Roulette is generally a less favorable game for players from a mathematical standpoint, even though the rules feel almost identical.

Smart American Roulette Tips for New Players

The best starting point is understanding the odds behind each bet. Straight up bets look appealing because of the 35: 1 payout, but they hit far less often than outside bets.

Many beginners prefer red or black, odd or even, or high or low because those wagers give more frequent wins. They do not remove the house edge, but they can reduce swings and help stretch a bankroll.

Bankroll management matters just as much as bet selection. Set a budget before you play, keep your stakes consistent, and avoid chasing losses after a bad run.

It is also wise to ignore betting systems that claim to guarantee profits. No system can overcome the built-in house edge over time, because roulette is a game of chance and every spin is independent.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

The biggest difference between American Roulette and European Roulette is the number of pockets. American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37.

That extra 00 is also why American Roulette has the higher house edge of 5.26%, compared with 2.70% in European Roulette. For many players, that makes European Roulette the better value game.

Still, American Roulette remains common in US casinos and online casino lobbies aimed at American players. European Roulette is more common in international markets and in some online platforms that carry multiple variants.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Tables

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats. The first is RNG roulette, where random number generator software powers the game digitally.

The second is live dealer roulette, where a real dealer hosts the game from a studio and spins a physical wheel on camera. Live dealer titles often appeal to players who want a more realistic casino feel, while RNG versions tend to be faster and easier for quick sessions.

If you are comparing real-money platforms, our reviews of 88 Fortune Casino, Bucky's Casino, and Bogart Casino can help you see what each site offers.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers power American Roulette titles online. Evolution is one of the best-known names, especially for live dealer roulette.

Playtech has long been a major supplier of digital and live table games. Pragmatic Play Live is another familiar option in the US-facing market, while NetEnt and Ezugi also offer recognized roulette products across various casino platforms.

Game quality can vary from one provider to another. Some focus on realistic table presentation, while others put more emphasis on side bets, camera angles, mobile play, or interface speed.

Mobile American Roulette Is Built for On-the-Go Play

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. Whether you play through a mobile browser or a casino app, the betting grid, wheel animation, and cashier functions are usually adapted for smaller screens.

That makes it easy to place a few spins from almost anywhere, as long as online gambling is legal in your location. Live dealer roulette also works on mobile, though it generally performs best with a stable internet connection.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder

Roulette should be treated as paid entertainment, not a way to make money. Set deposit and time limits, take breaks, and never risk more than you can afford to lose.

If gambling stops being fun, step away. Responsible play always matters more than any single session.

American Roulette Questions Answered