American Roulette

American Roulette remains one of the most recognizable casino table games in the US. It follows the classic roulette format of a spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and a betting layout packed with options, but it has one important twist that sets it apart from other versions.

The key difference is simple: American Roulette uses two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra pocket changes the odds, raises the house edge, and gives the game its own identity in both land-based and online casinos.

What Makes American Roulette Stand Out

American Roulette is a version of roulette played on a wheel with 38 total pockets. Those pockets include numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero and a double zero. Most numbers are colored red or black, while 0 and 00 are green.

That second green pocket is the feature players notice most. It does not just change the look of the wheel - it also changes the math behind every standard bet. Compared with European Roulette, American Roulette gives the house a bigger long-term advantage.

A Quick Look at Roulette’s European Roots

Roulette began in Europe, with early forms of the game appearing in France in the 18th century. Over time, the wheel design became more standardized, and roulette spread to casinos across the continent.

When roulette reached the United States, operators adopted a version with an added double zero pocket. This adjustment increased the casino’s edge and became the standard form of roulette in many American gambling venues. That is why American Roulette developed as a separate variant rather than just a regional copy of the European game.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel Layout

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total. These include 36 numbered pockets, one 0 pocket, and one 00 pocket.

Numbers 1 through 36 are split evenly between red and black. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, making them visually distinct from the rest of the wheel. The number sequence on the wheel is also different from European Roulette, so players should not assume the layouts match.

Because the wheel has both 0 and 00, bets such as red or black, odd or even, and high or low are not true 50-50 wagers. If the ball lands on either green pocket, those bets lose.

How the American Roulette Table Layout Works

The table layout shows all betting options in a grid. The numbers 1 through 36 appear in three vertical columns, while the 0 and 00 sit at the top of the layout.

Players place chips directly on numbers or on the lines between them for inside bets. They can also put chips in larger marked areas around the grid for outside bets, such as red, black, odd, even, dozens, and columns.

This setup gives American Roulette a lot of flexibility. You can make a conservative even-money bet, target one specific number, or combine several wagers in a single spin.

How to Play American Roulette in 5 Simple Steps

Playing American Roulette is straightforward, even for beginners. Once you know where to place chips, the rest of the game moves quickly.

First, choose your chip value. In a casino, roulette chips at the table are often assigned a specific denomination for each player.

Next, place your bets on the table. You can bet on one number, several numbers, colors, ranges, or columns depending on your preferred risk level.

After betting closes, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction. The ball circles the wheel and eventually drops into a numbered pocket.

Once the ball settles, the winning number and color are confirmed. The dealer removes losing bets and pays winning wagers according to the roulette payout table.

Smart Guide to American Roulette Bets

American Roulette bets fall into two broad categories: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets cover fewer numbers and pay more. Outside bets cover more numbers and usually pay less.

Inside Bets With Bigger Payout Potential

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main grid. These are the higher-risk, higher-reward options.

A straight up bet covers just one number. If you place a chip directly on 17, for example, you win only if 17 hits. The typical payout is 35: 1.

A split bet covers two adjacent numbers. You place the chip on the line between them, such as 14 and 17. The usual payout is 17: 1.

A street bet covers three numbers in a horizontal row, such as 1, 2, and 3. The payout is typically 11: 1.

A corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one corner, such as 1, 2, 4, and 5. The payout is usually 8: 1.

A six line bet covers six numbers across two adjacent rows, such as 1 through 6. The typical payout is 5: 1.

Outside Bets That Keep Risk Lower

Outside bets cover larger sections of the layout. They hit more often than inside bets, but the payouts are lower.

Red or black bets cover all red or all black numbers. Odd or even bets cover either all odd or all even numbers. High or low covers 19 through 36 or 1 through 18. Each of these options pays 1: 1 and covers 18 numbers.

Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time: 1 through 12, 13 through 24, or 25 through 36. Columns also cover 12 numbers, based on the vertical columns on the table. Both dozens and columns usually pay 2: 1.

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 you will see in most casinos and online roulette games. Individual house rules can vary slightly, but the list above reflects the normal structure for American Roulette.

The House Edge Explained Clearly

The house edge in American Roulette is 5.26%. That figure comes directly from the extra 00 pocket.

On an American wheel, there are 38 possible outcomes, but payouts are still based on odds that would be fairer on a 36-number structure. That gap creates the casino advantage. In European Roulette, there is only one zero, so the house edge drops to 2.7%.

This is one reason many experienced roulette players prefer European Roulette when both options are available. Still, American Roulette remains widely available and familiar to US players.

Practical American Roulette Strategy Tips That Actually Help

The best approach to American Roulette starts with understanding the odds. Before placing any bet, know how many numbers it covers, how often it can win, and what it pays.

Outside bets are usually the most beginner-friendly choice. Red or black, odd or even, and high or low give you a better chance of landing a win on any single spin, even though the payout is smaller.

Bankroll management matters just as much as bet selection. Set a session budget, decide how much you are comfortable risking, and stick to it. That makes roulette easier to enjoy without chasing losses.

It is also smart to avoid betting systems that claim to guarantee profit. No progression strategy can remove the house edge, and roulette outcomes remain random. American Roulette is a game of chance, not a skill game with a predictable winning formula.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

The biggest difference between American Roulette and European Roulette is the number of pockets. American Roulette has 38 pockets because it includes both 0 and 00. European Roulette has 37 pockets because it uses only a single zero.

That difference affects the house edge right away. American Roulette carries a 5.26% house edge, while European Roulette sits at 2.7% on standard bets.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette has long been common in US casinos, while European Roulette dominates in many casinos outside the United States. Online, players usually have access to both versions, so it is easy to compare them side by side.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette

Players today can choose between standard online American Roulette and live dealer versions. Standard online roulette uses random number generator technology, often called RNG, to determine outcomes. These games are fast, simple to load, and available at a wide range of stakes.

Live dealer American Roulette is streamed from a real studio with an actual wheel, dealer, and table. It gives players a more authentic casino feel, along with real-time video and interactive features. If you prefer convenience and speed, RNG games work well. If you want a more realistic table game setting, live dealer roulette is often the better fit.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

Several major developers produce strong American Roulette titles for US-facing casino audiences. Evolution is one of the top names in live dealer roulette, while Playtech and Pragmatic Play Live also offer polished live table products.

On the digital side, NetEnt has long been known for clean roulette interfaces and solid mobile performance. Ezugi remains another recognized live dealer provider in many online casino lobbies.

Players comparing game libraries may also come across roulette options from brands with large software catalogs, including BetWest Casino and Brionis Casino. Game availability can vary by operator, device, and region.

Mobile American Roulette Keeps the Game Within Reach

American Roulette games are now built for smartphones and tablets as well as desktop play. Most modern casino platforms offer responsive browser versions or dedicated apps that support touch controls, quick bet placement, and smooth wheel animations.

That means you can play standard RNG roulette or live dealer tables from mobile without giving up much in terms of features. As long as you have a stable internet connection, the experience is usually seamless on iPhone, Android, and tablet devices.

A Simple Responsible Gambling Reminder

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Set deposit and time limits before you play, and never wager more than you can afford to lose.

If gambling stops being fun, take a break. Responsible play matters more than any single spin.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette stays popular because it is easy to learn, quick to play, and packed with betting variety. Once you understand the double zero, the table layout, and the odds behind each wager, it becomes much easier to decide whether this classic US version belongs in your regular casino rotation.