American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic casino wheel most players recognize from U.S. casinos and online lobbies. It’s a simple game at its core—pick where you think the ball will land, place your chips, and let the spin decide—but the math behind the wheel is what makes this variant stand out.

The defining difference from other roulette versions is the wheel’s two green pockets: 0 and 00. That extra green slot changes the odds, increases the house edge, and shapes which bets feel best for different playstyles.

American Roulette Explained in One Spin

American Roulette uses a wheel with 38 pockets: numbers 1–36, plus 0 and 00. You can bet on a single number, a small group of numbers, or broad outcomes like red/black or odd/even. If the ball lands on your selection, you get paid based on the bet’s payout.

Compared with European Roulette (which has only one green zero), American Roulette’s double-zero setup makes it a higher house-edge game—while still delivering the same high-stakes moments when you’re aiming at a single number.

From European Origins to the American Double-Zero Twist

Roulette’s roots trace back to 18th-century Europe, where the game evolved into the single-zero format most associated with European Roulette. As roulette crossed the Atlantic and gained traction in the United States, casinos introduced the 00 pocket. The result was American Roulette—similar gameplay, but with odds adjusted in the house’s favor.

That small design change became a lasting part of roulette culture in the U.S., and it remains the signature feature of American-style wheels today.

Wheel Breakdown: The 38-Pocket Layout That Changes Everything

An American Roulette wheel contains:

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

The numbers 1–36 alternate red and black, while 0 and 00 are green. Those green pockets don’t belong to either color, aren’t odd or even, and aren’t high or low—so they can swing outcomes away from many popular outside bets.

Table Layout: How the Betting Grid Works

The American Roulette table is a betting grid where you place chips on clearly marked areas. The main grid lists 1–36 in three columns, while outside sections offer broader bets like Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1–18/19–36, plus Dozens and Columns.

You place chips directly on:

• A number (for a single-number bet)
• The line between numbers (to cover multiple)
• Boxes or intersections (for grouped inside bets)
• Labeled outside sections (for category bets)

Your chip placement determines exactly what you’re betting on—so accuracy matters, especially with inside bets.

How to Play American Roulette: Quick Start Guide

Here’s the basic flow from bet to payout:

1. Choose your chip value at the table (online, select the denomination).
2. Place your bets on the grid before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball drops into a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table; losing bets are collected.

Online versions follow the same steps—either with RNG (computer-generated spins) or a live dealer spinning a real wheel on camera.

Bet Types That Drive the Action (Inside vs Outside)

American Roulette bets fall into two main categories: inside bets (more precision, higher payouts) and outside bets (broader coverage, steadier pacing).

Inside Bets: Bigger Payouts for Precision Picks

Inside bets are placed within the numbered grid and cover specific numbers or small clusters.

A Straight Up bet covers one number. It’s the boldest standard wager, and it pays the most.

A Split covers two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them.

A Street covers three numbers in a horizontal row by placing a chip at the row’s outer edge.

A Corner covers four numbers that meet at an intersection.

A Six Line covers six numbers across two adjacent streets.

Outside Bets: Broader Coverage and Smoother Swings

Outside bets cover larger sets of numbers and are placed on the table’s outer areas.

Red or Black bets on the color of the winning number (0 and 00 are neither).

Odd or Even bets on whether the winning number is odd/even (again, 0 and 00 don’t count).

High or Low usually means 19–36 (high) or 1–18 (low).

Dozens cover 12-number blocks: 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36.

Columns cover one full vertical column of 12 numbers on the grid.

American Roulette Payout Table (Typical Returns)

Below are the standard payouts you’ll see in most American Roulette games:

Payouts are designed to be close to “true odds,” but the 0 and 00 tilt the long-run math toward the house.

House Edge: Why American Roulette Sits at 5.26%

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That edge comes directly from the double zero—you’re betting into 38 possible outcomes instead of 37, while payouts remain based on the 36-number core.

For comparison, European Roulette (single zero only) has a house edge of about 2.7%, making it a noticeably better-value wheel over time.

Strategy Tips That Actually Help Beginners

Roulette is a game of chance, but smart habits can keep your sessions controlled and more enjoyable.

Start by understanding what each bet really means—especially how 0 and 00 affect outside bets. If you want lower variance, lean on outside bets like red/black or high/low, and treat inside bets as occasional high-payout shots rather than your only approach.

Set a bankroll for the session and stick to it. Decide your bet size before the action heats up, and avoid chasing losses with escalating stakes. Most importantly, be skeptical of betting systems claiming guaranteed wins—roulette outcomes are independent spins, and no pattern is “due.”

American Roulette vs European Roulette: What Changes for Players

The differences are straightforward, and they matter:

American Roulette has 38 pockets (0 and 00). European Roulette has 37 pockets (0 only). That extra pocket pushes American Roulette’s house edge to 5.26%, versus roughly 2.7% in European Roulette.

In terms of where you’ll see them most, American Roulette is a staple in U.S. casinos, while European Roulette is more common across European casinos and many international online platforms.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Tables

Online American Roulette typically comes in two formats:

RNG roulette uses a certified random number generator to produce results instantly. It’s quick, convenient, and ideal if you like rapid rounds.

Live dealer roulette streams a real dealer spinning a physical wheel from a studio. You get real-time gameplay, table chat, and that authentic casino pace—without leaving your seat.

Top Software Providers Powering American Roulette Games

If you’re playing online, the provider matters for interface quality, camera setup (live), betting limits, and game features. Major developers known for American Roulette titles include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi.

Mobile American Roulette: Smooth Play on Phones and Tablets

American Roulette games are built to run cleanly on modern smartphones and tablets. Expect responsive betting grids, easy chip controls, and live streams optimized for smaller screens—so you can play a few spins on a break or settle in for longer sessions on the go.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun and In Control

Set a spending limit, a time limit, or both before you play. If the game stops feeling entertaining, take a break. Roulette should be a paid form of entertainment—not a way to solve financial pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

American Roulette keeps the rules simple while giving you endless ways to bet—whether you’re covering half the wheel or taking a pinpoint shot at a single number. If you’re comfortable with the double-zero odds and manage your bankroll wisely, it’s a high-energy classic that fits quick sessions, long runs, and everything in between.