American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino table game where you bet on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel. It looks similar to other roulette variants at first glance, but one design detail shifts the math—and the experience.

The key difference is the wheel includes two green pockets: 0 and 00. That extra green slot slightly reduces the odds of winning compared to single-zero versions, and it’s the defining feature that separates American Roulette from the European and French formats.

Roulette’s European Roots—and How the American Version Took Shape

Roulette traces its origins back to 18th-century Europe, where early wheel games evolved into the version that spread through France and neighboring countries. When roulette reached the United States in the 19th century, the game adapted over time to suit local casino preferences.

The most important change was the addition of the double zero (00), creating the American wheel. That one pocket increased the number of outcomes and gave casinos a larger built-in advantage—one reason American Roulette became a staple across many U.S. gaming floors.

American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Pockets, One Big Twist

The American Roulette wheel has 38 total pockets:

• Numbers 1–36
• Single zero (0)
• Double zero (00)

The numbers 1–36 are split between red and black, arranged in an alternating pattern (though not perfectly alternating in sequence around the wheel). The 0 and 00 are green, and they’re the house’s signature advantage—two extra outcomes that don’t belong to red/black, odd/even, or high/low.

American Roulette Table Layout: Where Every Bet Lives

The table layout is a betting grid that mirrors the numbers and groups you can wager on. The main area features 1–36 arranged in three columns, typically in rows of three (1–2–3, 4–5–6, and so on). Above the grid are the 0 and 00 sections.

Around the number grid, you’ll see larger betting zones for group wagers—like red/black, odd/even, high/low, plus areas for dozens and columns. Players place chips directly on:

• A single number (for a focused bet)
• A line between numbers (to cover multiple outcomes)
• Or one of the outside sections (to cover large groups)

How to Play American Roulette

Types of American Roulette Bets: Inside vs Outside Options

American Roulette bets fall into two main categories: inside bets (tighter coverage, bigger payouts) and outside bets (wider coverage, steadier hit rate).

Inside Bets: Precision Picks with Bigger Pay Potential

Inside bets are placed on the numbered grid and usually cover fewer outcomes:

• Straight Up : 1 number (example: 17) — pays 35:1
• Split : 2 adjacent numbers (example: 17/20) — pays 17:1
• Street : 3 numbers in a row (example: 19/20/21) — pays 11:1
• Corner : 4-number block (example: 19/20/22/23) — pays 8:1
• Six Line : 6 numbers across two streets (example: 19–24) — pays 5:1

Outside Bets: Bigger Coverage, More Frequent Wins

Outside bets cover larger groups and are great for learning the flow of the game:

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

American Roulette Payout Table: Quick Reference for Every Main Bet

House Edge in American Roulette: Why the Double Zero Matters

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That advantage comes directly from the 00 pocket, which increases the total outcomes to 38 and makes it harder for any bet to hit compared to a single-zero wheel.

By comparison, European Roulette uses only one green pocket (0), which lowers the house edge to about 2.7%. Over time, that difference can be meaningful—especially for players who put in lots of spins.

American Roulette Strategy Tips: Smart Habits for New Players

Roulette is straightforward, but your choices can still shape your session.

Start by knowing what each bet really covers—especially the difference between betting 1 number versus 18. If you want a steadier ride, outside bets (like red/black or odd/even) tend to produce more frequent wins, even though the payouts are smaller.

Set a bankroll and stick to it. Decide your buy-in, your target win, and the point where you’ll stop for the day. And be cautious with betting systems that claim guaranteed profit—roulette outcomes are independent, and no pattern “forces” the next result.

Most importantly, treat roulette as what it is: a game of chance, not a puzzle you can solve.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Impact Your Odds

American and European Roulette share the same core gameplay, but key details separate them:

• Number of pockets : American has 38 (0 and 00) ; European has 37 (0 only) .
• House edge : American is 5.26% ; European is about 2.7% .
• Where you’ll see it most : American Roulette is more common in U.S. casinos , while European Roulette is more common across Europe and in many international online lobbies.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette: Two Ways to Play

Online American Roulette typically comes in two formats. RNG roulette uses a random number generator to produce results instantly—ideal if you want quick rounds and flexible betting at any time.

Live dealer roulette streams from real studios with professional dealers, physical wheels, and real-time betting windows. It’s closer to a casino floor feel, with a paced betting timer and a more social atmosphere. If you want a curated studio experience, check options on the live casino page.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

Several major studios power high-quality American Roulette online, including Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. Each brings its own interface style, camera angles (for live tables), side-bet features (in some versions), and table limits—so it’s worth sampling a few to find your favorite flow.

Mobile American Roulette: Built for Phones and Tablets

American Roulette is widely optimized for mobile play, with layouts designed for tap-friendly betting and smooth spin animations. Whether you’re playing RNG or live dealer, modern versions scale cleanly on smartphones and tablets so you can place inside or outside bets without fighting the interface.

Responsible Gambling Reminder: Keep It Fun and Controlled

Set limits before you play—deposit limits, time limits, and loss limits help keep the experience positive. If you’re chasing losses or playing past your comfort zone, it’s time to pause and reset. Roulette should stay entertainment-first.

Frequently Asked Questions