American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the best-known casino table games in the United States. It looks similar to other roulette versions at first glance, but one detail makes a major difference: the wheel has two green pockets, 0 and 00.

That extra green pocket increases the house edge and changes the odds for every bet on the table. If you have played European Roulette before, this is the first thing to know before putting money down.

A Quick Look at Roulette’s European Roots

Roulette began in Europe, with the modern game taking shape in France during the 18th century. The name “roulette” means “little wheel,” which fits the game’s design perfectly.

As roulette spread, different versions developed. When the game reached the United States, casinos adopted a wheel with both a single zero and a double zero. That version became known as American Roulette, and it remains a standard in many US casinos today.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel Layout

The American Roulette wheel has 38 total pockets. These include numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero and a double zero.

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 are split between red and black. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, which helps them stand out from the rest of the wheel. That color pattern is not just cosmetic - it also marks the numbers that give the house its extra advantage.

Because there are 38 pockets, every spin is based on a larger field than European Roulette, which has only 37 pockets.

How the American Roulette Table Works

The table layout is a betting grid that mirrors the numbered structure of the game. Numbers 1 through 36 appear in rows, and the 0 and 00 have their own spaces at the top of the layout.

Players place chips directly on the table to show what they want to bet on. A chip placed on a single number means a straight-up bet, while a chip placed on a line or border between numbers can cover multiple outcomes.

Around the numbered grid, you will also see outside betting areas for larger groups, such as red or black, odd or even, high or low, dozens, and columns. This setup makes roulette easy to follow, even for beginners after a few spins.

How to Play American Roulette in 5 Simple Steps

Playing American Roulette is straightforward once you know the flow of the game. In a casino or online, the basic process stays the same.

First, choose your chip value or stake size. Then place your bets on the table before betting closes.

After that, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction. The ball slows down and lands in one numbered pocket, including possibly 0 or 00.

Once the result is confirmed, winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing chips are cleared away. A new round begins right after that.

American Roulette Bets Made Simple

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

Inside Bets With Bigger Payout Potential

Inside bets offer the highest payouts because they cover fewer numbers.

A straight-up bet is placed on one number only and pays 35: 1. A split bet covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17: 1.

A street bet covers three numbers in a row and pays 11: 1. A corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one point and pays 8: 1.

A six-line bet covers two adjacent rows, or six total numbers, and pays 5: 1. These bets are more volatile than outside wagers, but they also offer stronger returns when they hit.

Outside Bets for Lower-Risk Play

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, which gives players a better chance of winning on each spin, though with smaller payouts.

Red or black, odd or even, and high or low each cover 18 numbers and typically pay 1: 1. High means 19 to 36, while low means 1 to 18.

Dozens cover 12 numbers each - 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36 - and pay 2: 1. Column bets also cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1.

These wagers are popular with new players because they are easy to understand and can stretch a bankroll longer.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

Here is a quick look at the standard payout structure 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: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Red/Black: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• Odd/Even: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• High/Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1

Payouts are standard in most versions of the game, whether you play in person or online. Still, it is smart to check the game rules, especially in live dealer rooms and specialty variants.

The 5.26% House Edge Every Player Should Know

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

In European Roulette, there is only one green zero pocket, so the house edge drops to about 2.7%. That difference may not sound huge at first, but over time it has a real effect on expected returns.

This is why many experienced roulette players prefer European tables when they are available. Still, American Roulette remains a familiar choice in many US-facing casinos and live dealer lobbies.

Smart American Roulette Strategy Tips for Beginners

The first rule is to understand the odds before betting. Roulette is easy to play, but the payout on a bet does not fully match the true odds because of the house edge.

Outside bets are often a better starting point for beginners. They pay less than inside bets, but they give you more frequent wins and can help you play longer on the same bankroll.

Bankroll management matters, too. Set a spending limit before the session starts, decide how much each spin should cost, and avoid raising stakes out of frustration.

It is also wise to ignore betting systems that claim guaranteed profits. No pattern can remove the house edge, and roulette remains a game of chance from one spin to the next.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

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

That extra 00 pocket gives American Roulette its 5.26% house edge, compared with 2.7% in European Roulette. From a math standpoint, European Roulette is the better game for players.

Popularity is another difference. American Roulette is more common in US land-based casinos, while European Roulette is more widely found in Europe and often preferred by players looking for lower house edge games.

If you want to compare roulette with other casino table options, you can also check broader Casino Games categories on site.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats: RNG games and live dealer games. RNG roulette uses a random number generator to produce outcomes instantly, making it fast and convenient.

Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel and dealer from a studio or casino setup. That version feels closer to a land-based casino experience and often includes chat features, multiple camera angles, and a more social atmosphere.

Both formats can offer American Roulette rules, so the choice often comes down to speed, presentation, and personal preference.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

Several major developers offer strong American Roulette titles online. Evolution is one of the best-known names for live dealer roulette, while Playtech and Ezugi also have a large presence in live tables.

Pragmatic Play Live has expanded its live casino catalog in recent years, including roulette products aimed at international and US-facing audiences. NetEnt, meanwhile, is known for polished RNG casino games and has long been associated with digital table game quality.

Game selection varies by casino, so it helps to review each platform’s software lineup before signing up.

Where to Find American Roulette Online

Some online casinos include roulette in a wider table games lobby alongside slots, blackjack, and live dealer products. For example, JackpotVibe Casino lists providers such as Evolution Gaming, Playtech, NetEnt, and Ezugi, all of which are recognizable names for roulette fans.

Another option is Brionis Casino, which features software from brands like Pragmatic Play and NetEnt, plus support for payment methods including Visa, MasterCard, Mifinity, Neosurf, Santander, and Tether/USDT. As always, game availability can vary by location and platform.

Mobile American Roulette Is Built for On-the-Go Play

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. You can usually tap betting areas, adjust chip size, and switch between portrait and landscape modes without losing much functionality.

Live dealer tables also tend to perform well on mobile, provided you have a stable internet connection. That makes it easy to play from home or while traveling, without needing a desktop setup.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make money. Set limits for time and spending before you play, and never chase losses.

If gambling stops feeling fun, take a break. Responsible play habits can make a big difference over the long run.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette remains a classic casino game because it is easy to learn, fast to play, and full of betting variety. Just remember that the 0 and 00 are not minor details - they are the reason this version plays differently from every spin onward.