American Roulette

American Roulette is a roulette variant built around the same core idea as other versions: you place bets on a layout, the wheel spins, the ball drops, and the winning number decides which wagers get paid. What makes American Roulette different is simple - and huge for your odds: it has two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra pocket slightly reduces the chances of hitting any given bet, which is why American Roulette carries a higher house edge than European Roulette.

Where Roulette Began - And How the American Wheel Took Its Own Path

Roulette traces its roots to Europe, where early wheel games evolved into the version that spread through French casinos. When roulette made its way to the United States, the format shifted. American casinos adopted a wheel with an additional green slot - the 00 - creating the now-famous American Roulette wheel. That single design choice helped casinos increase their mathematical advantage while keeping the gameplay familiar for players.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Ways to Win (and One More Way to Lose)

American Roulette uses a 38-pocket wheel:

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

The numbers 1-36 are colored red or black in an alternating pattern (with a specific fixed order on the wheel), while 0 and 00 are green. Those two green pockets are the key difference from European Roulette’s single green 0 - and they’re the reason the game pays the same as other roulette variants while costing a bit more in long-run odds.

The American Roulette Table Layout: How the Betting Grid Works

The table layout is a betting grid that mirrors the possible outcomes and bet groupings. The main numbered grid shows 1-36 arranged in rows and columns, letting you place chips directly on a number or on the lines between numbers to cover multiple outcomes.

Around the outside of the numbered grid, you’ll see larger group bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low. Each betting area corresponds to a specific set of numbers, and where you place your chip determines exactly what you’re betting on.

How to Play American Roulette: From Chip to Payout in Minutes

American Roulette is easy to pick up, even if you’re brand new:

1. Choose your chip value (the denomination you’ll be betting with).
2. Place your bets on the table layout (single numbers, groupings, or both).
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket (including 0 or 00).
5. Winning bets are paid based on the payout table, and losing bets are collected before the next spin.

Bet Smarter: Types of American Roulette Bets (Inside vs Outside)

Roulette bets fall into two main categories: inside bets (tighter coverage, bigger payouts) and outside bets (broader coverage, steadier hits).

Inside Bets: Big Payout Potential on Precise Picks

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small clusters on the main grid.

Straight Up covers 1 number and pays 35: 1. Split covers 2 neighboring numbers and pays 17: 1. Street covers 3 numbers in a row and pays 11: 1. Corner covers 4 numbers meeting at a point and pays 8: 1. Six Line covers 6 numbers across two adjacent rows and pays 5: 1.

These wagers can swing your results quickly - great when you’re hunting a high return, but expect longer cold stretches because you’re covering fewer numbers.

Outside Bets: More Coverage, More Frequent Hits

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and pay less, but they tend to land more often.

Red or Black covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. Odd or Even covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. High or Low (1-18 or 19-36) covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. Dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1. Columns cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1.

Outside bets are often where beginners feel most comfortable because the action stays moving and you’re not waiting forever for a single number to connect.

American Roulette Payout Table: Quick Reference for Every Major Bet

Here’s the standard payout structure you’ll see in 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 / Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1

The Real Cost of the 00: House Edge in American Roulette

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. The reason is the double zero - that extra green pocket increases the total outcomes to 38, while payouts are still based on a 36-number framework.

By comparison, European Roulette (with only a single 0) typically has a house edge of about 2.7%. If you’re purely shopping for better odds, European Roulette is the friendlier wheel. If you love the classic American casino format, the 0 and 00 wheel is the one you’ll see most often in the US.

Practical Strategy Tips That Keep You in the Game Longer

No bet removes the house edge, but smart choices can help you control volatility and pace your play.

Know what you’re buying with each bet - inside bets can pay big, but you’re trading frequency for payout. If you want steadier action, lean on outside bets like red/black or high/low, especially while learning the table.

Set a bankroll before you start and decide what a “session” looks like for you - whether that’s 30 minutes or 50 spins. Keep your bet sizes consistent, and be cautious with progressive betting systems that claim guaranteed wins. Roulette outcomes are independent spins, and it’s always a game of chance.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Matter

The two games look similar, but the math and format separate them quickly:

• Number of pockets: American has 38 (0 and 00); European has 37 (0 only).
• House edge: American is 5.26%; European is ~2.7%.
• Popularity: American Roulette is common in US casinos; European Roulette is more standard across Europe and many international online lobbies.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Tables: Choose Your Style

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats. RNG (random number generator) roulette is software-based, quick, and ideal if you want rapid spins and flexible bet sizes. Live dealer roulette streams real tables from professional studios, with a human dealer spinning an actual wheel - a strong pick if you want that authentic casino pace and atmosphere without leaving home.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

Many top developers produce American Roulette and live roulette titles, including Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. Provider choice matters - it can affect table limits, camera angles in live games, side-bet options, and how smooth the interface feels on mobile.

Mobile American Roulette: Spin Anywhere, Bet in Seconds

American Roulette games are typically optimized for smartphones and tablets, with tap-friendly betting grids, quick chip selection, and clean interfaces designed for smaller screens. Whether you’re playing RNG or live dealer, mobile play makes it easy to jump in for a few spins or settle in for a longer session.

Where to Play American Roulette Online: Casinos Featuring Roulette Action

If you’re looking to play American Roulette online, these brands are worth a look based on their casino focus and platform options: Double Down Casino Vegas, StakeClub Casino, and Telbet Casino. Always review the bonus terms, eligible games, and payment options before you deposit, especially if you’re playing with crypto or using a specific banking method.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun, Keep It Controlled

Roulette is entertainment first. Set deposit and time limits, avoid chasing losses, and take breaks when the game stops feeling enjoyable. If you’re playing online, use built-in tools like limits and cool-off periods to stay in control.

FAQ: American Roulette Questions Players Ask Most