American Roulette

American Roulette is the version of roulette most commonly associated with traditional US casinos. It follows the same basic format as other roulette games: players place bets on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel. What makes American Roulette different is one key feature: the wheel has two green pockets, 0 and 00.

That extra green pocket changes the math of the game. Compared with European Roulette, which has only one zero, American Roulette gives the house a bigger edge. It is still one of the most recognizable casino table games in the country, both in brick-and-mortar casinos and online.

From Europe to the United States: How American Roulette Took Shape

Roulette began in Europe, with roots tracing back to 18th-century France. The game became popular because of its simple rules, fast pace, and mix of betting options. Early roulette wheels used numbered pockets and a spinning ball, much like the game played today.

After roulette made its way to the United States, casinos adopted a modified version of the wheel that included both 0 and 00. This version became known as American Roulette. Over time, the double-zero wheel became standard in many US casinos, especially in places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel: Why 38 Pockets Matter

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total. Those pockets include numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0) and a double zero (00).

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 are colored red or black in an alternating pattern. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, which helps set them apart from the rest of the wheel. These green pockets are central to how the game works because they create outcomes that do not belong to the common even-money bets like red/black or odd/even.

The American Roulette Table Layout Made Simple

The table layout in American Roulette is designed to match the wheel’s numbers and support a wide range of bets. The betting grid includes spaces for numbers 1 through 36, along with dedicated spots for 0 and 00.

Players place chips directly on numbers, on lines between numbers, or in larger marked areas for outside bets. For example, you can put a chip on a single number for a straight-up bet, or place it in sections labeled “Red,” “Black,” “Odd,” “Even,” or “1 to 18.”

If you are new to table games, it may help to compare roulette betting options with other casino classics like blackjack, where every decision also affects your risk level.

How to Play American Roulette

American Roulette Bets You Need to Know

American Roulette bets are usually divided into two categories: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups of numbers, while outside bets cover broader sections of the layout.

Inside Bets: Bigger Payouts, Longer Odds

Inside bets are placed on individual numbers or tight number groupings. These bets offer higher payouts because they are harder to hit.

A straight-up bet covers 1 number and pays 35:1. A split covers 2 adjacent numbers and pays 17:1. A street covers 3 numbers in a row and pays 11:1.

A corner bet covers 4 numbers that meet at one corner and pays 8:1. A six line covers 6 numbers across two adjacent rows and pays 5:1.

Outside Bets: Simpler Picks and Lower Risk

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, so they win more often, but the payouts are lower. These are common choices for beginners who want a steadier pace.

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 does the same for 19–36 or 1–18.

Dozens cover 12 numbers and pay 2:1. Columns also cover 12 numbers and pay 2:1.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

Here is a quick look at the standard American Roulette payout table:

These payouts are standard in most casinos and online roulette games. Even though some bets cover many more numbers than others, the extra 0 and 00 still affect the overall odds.

The House Edge: Why American Roulette Is Tougher Than European Roulette

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That figure comes from the 38 total pockets on the wheel and the presence of both 0 and 00.

European Roulette, by comparison, has only 37 pockets because it uses a single-zero wheel. That lowers the house edge to about 2.7%. In simple terms, the double zero makes American Roulette less favorable for the player over the long run.

Smart American Roulette Strategy Tips for Beginners

The best starting point is understanding the odds behind each bet. A straight-up bet offers a large payout, but it is much less likely to win than a bet on red or black.

Many beginners prefer outside bets because they cover more numbers and can stretch a bankroll longer. That does not remove the house edge, but it can reduce short-term swings.

It is also important to manage your bankroll carefully. Set a budget before you play, decide how much you are willing to risk, and stick to it.

Be cautious with betting systems that claim to guarantee profits. No progression system can remove the built-in house advantage. Roulette is a game of chance, and every spin is independent of the one before it.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Matter

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

That one extra pocket raises the house edge from 2.7% in European Roulette to 5.26% in American Roulette. For many players, that is the most important distinction.

American Roulette is more common in many US casinos, while European Roulette is more widely found in European gambling markets and at some online casinos. If you are comparing table games, this is similar to how regional preferences shape games like online poker and their formats.

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

Online American Roulette is usually available in two formats. The first is RNG roulette, where results are generated by certified random number software. This version is fast, easy to use, and often available at lower stakes.

The second is live dealer roulette, where a real dealer spins a physical wheel in a studio and streams the action in real time. Live dealer games can feel closer to the casino floor and usually include chat features and multiple camera angles.

Both options are popular in regulated markets. The better choice depends on whether you prefer speed and convenience or a more authentic table-game experience.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers produce American Roulette games for the US-facing online casino market. Evolution is one of the best-known names for live dealer roulette, with polished studio production and reliable game variety.

Playtech also offers both digital and live roulette products. Pragmatic Play Live has expanded its live casino catalog in recent years and is a regular name at many operators.

NetEnt is known for polished RNG table games, while Ezugi remains a familiar option in live dealer lobbies. If you also enjoy reel-based casino products from these studios, you might want to check related categories like online slots.

Mobile American Roulette: Easy to Play on Phones and Tablets

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for mobile play. Whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, or tablet, the game interface is usually built to fit smaller screens without losing important features.

Players can place bets, switch chip values, and follow each spin with touch-friendly controls. Live dealer versions also tend to work well on mobile devices, provided you have a stable internet connection.

Play Responsibly: Set Limits Before You Bet

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Before you play, set limits for your budget and session length.

If gambling stops being fun, take a break. Many licensed casinos offer responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion options.

American Roulette FAQ