American Roulette

American Roulette remains one of the most recognized casino table games in the US. It follows the same basic format as other roulette versions, but one feature changes the math in a big way: the wheel has two green pockets, 0 and 00.

That extra green pocket is what separates American Roulette from European Roulette and gives the casino a higher edge. Whether you play at a land-based casino, an online table, or a live dealer stream, understanding that difference is the key first step.

What Makes American Roulette Different

American Roulette is a wheel-and-ball casino game where players bet on where the ball will land after the wheel spins. The main goal is simple - predict the winning number, color, or section of the layout before the spin ends.

The defining trait is the double-zero wheel. American Roulette has both a single zero and a double zero, while European Roulette has only one green zero pocket. Because of that, American Roulette has 38 total pockets instead of 37.

That change may look small, but it affects the odds on every bet. In practical terms, players get the same standard payouts as other roulette variants, yet there are more losing outcomes on the wheel.

Roulette’s European Roots and American Shift

Roulette began in Europe, with early forms of the game taking shape in France during the 18th century. Over time, the spinning wheel, numbered pockets, and betting layout became a standard part of casino gambling across the continent.

When roulette reached the United States, casinos adopted a version with an added double zero pocket. That adjustment increased the house advantage and helped shape the game now known as American Roulette. It became the common roulette format in many US casinos, while European casinos largely kept the single-zero version.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total. These include numbers 1 through 36, plus 0 and 00.

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 are split evenly between red and black. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, and they are what set the American wheel apart. The numbers are arranged in a fixed sequence around the wheel rather than numerical order, which helps create a balanced distribution of red, black, odd, even, and high and low numbers.

Because there are two green pockets, bets like red or black do not cover the full wheel. If the ball lands on 0 or 00, those outside bets lose unless a special house rule applies, which is uncommon in standard American Roulette.

How the American Roulette Table Works

The table layout is where players place their chips before each spin. It shows all the individual numbers from 1 to 36, usually in three vertical columns, along with spaces for 0 and 00.

Around the numbered grid, you will also see sections for outside bets such as red or black, odd or even, high or low, dozens, and columns. The placement of a chip determines the type of bet. A chip on one number is a straight-up bet, while a chip placed on a line or corner can cover multiple numbers at once.

This layout lets players mix safer bets with riskier picks on the same spin. A player might put one chip on black and another on a single number, for example.

How to Play American Roulette in Simple Steps

Playing American Roulette is easy to follow, even if you are new to table games. First, choose the chip denomination you want to use. Then place your chips on the betting areas that match your predictions.

Once betting closes, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the other. After the ball slows and drops into a pocket, the winning number is announced.

Any winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing chips are collected. Then a new round begins.

The Bets That Matter Most in American Roulette

American Roulette bets fall into two main groups: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets focus on specific numbers or small clusters, while outside bets cover broader sections of the layout.

Inside bets carry higher payouts because they are harder to hit. Outside bets win more often, but they pay less.

Inside Bets With Bigger Payout Potential

A straight-up bet is placed on a single number. This is the most specific roulette bet and pays 35: 1 if it wins.

A split bet covers two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. It typically pays 17: 1.

A street bet covers three numbers in a horizontal row. This wager pays 11: 1.

A corner bet covers four numbers by placing a chip where the corners meet. It usually pays 8: 1.

A six-line bet covers six numbers across two adjacent rows. This bet pays 5: 1.

Outside Bets That Offer Lower Risk

Red or black bets cover 18 numbers and pay 1: 1. Odd or even works the same way, also covering 18 numbers for a 1: 1 payout.

High or low, sometimes called 19 to 36 or 1 to 18, is another even-money option. Each side covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1.

Dozens cover 12 numbers each. You can bet on 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36, and these bets pay 2: 1.

Columns also cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1. These are based on the three vertical columns on the layout.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

• 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 are the standard payouts used in most American Roulette games. While payout tables are generally consistent, it is still smart to check the game rules before you play.

Why the House Edge Is Higher in American Roulette

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That figure comes from the extra double-zero pocket.

Here is the simple math behind it. A straight-up bet pays 35: 1, but on an American wheel there are 38 possible outcomes. Since only one outcome wins, the added 00 increases the casino’s advantage over time.

By comparison, European Roulette has a house edge of about 2.70% because it has only 37 pockets. That lower edge is one reason many players prefer the European version when both are available.

Smart American Roulette Tips for Beginners

The first rule is to understand the odds before placing any chips. A bet with a large payout usually has a lower chance of winning.

Outside bets like red or black, odd or even, and high or low can help reduce volatility. They do not change the house edge, but they can make your bankroll last longer during a session.

Bankroll management matters. Set a budget before you play, divide it into smaller betting units, and avoid chasing losses. Roulette is random, and no pattern on the board changes the probability of the next spin.

It is also wise to ignore betting systems that claim guaranteed profits. No strategy can remove the house edge in American Roulette. Martingale-style systems, for example, can lead to bigger losses very quickly.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

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

That leads directly to the second difference: house edge. American Roulette carries a 5.26% house edge, compared with 2.70% in European Roulette.

The third difference is market popularity. American Roulette has long been a standard choice in US casinos, while European Roulette is more common in Europe and often favored by players looking for better odds. If you want to compare game types across casino sites, checking a broader casino games section can help you see which version is available.

Online American Roulette or Live Dealer: Which Fits Better?

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats. The first is RNG roulette, where software generates the spin outcome. These games are fast, easy to access, and often include features like autoplay, quick re-bet options, and adjustable table limits.

The second is live dealer roulette, where a real croupier spins a physical wheel in a studio streamed in real time. This format gives players a more authentic casino feel, along with live interaction and visible game action.

Both formats can offer real-money play, and both are widely available at online casinos and sportsbook-casino hybrids.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette

Several major developers produce American Roulette titles for online casinos. Evolution is one of the biggest names in live dealer roulette, while Playtech and Pragmatic Play Live also supply widely used live tables.

NetEnt has long been known for digital table games, including roulette variants, and Ezugi remains a familiar live dealer provider in many casino lobbies. Game selection can vary by operator, so it is worth checking a brand’s platform before signing up.

For example, Realz Casino lists Playtech and Pragmatic Play among its software providers, while Chanze Casino includes Playtech as part of a broader game library.

Mobile American Roulette on the Go

American Roulette is widely optimized for smartphones and tablets. Most modern casino platforms offer browser-based instant play or dedicated mobile apps that support smooth betting, touch-friendly controls, and quick account access.

That means you can switch between desktop and mobile without learning a new interface. Whether you prefer RNG roulette or live dealer tables, mobile compatibility is now a standard part of the experience.

A Quick Reminder About Responsible Play

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make money. Set deposit, loss, and time limits before you begin, and take breaks if you feel frustration building.

If gambling stops being fun, step away. Responsible play tools such as self-exclusion, cooling-off periods, and spending limits can help you stay in control.

Common Questions About American Roulette

American Roulette is easy to learn, fast to play, and still a staple of the US casino scene. If you understand the double-zero difference, the betting options, and the 5.26% house edge, you will be in a much better position to choose the right table and play with realistic expectations.