American Roulette

American Roulette is the US version of roulette, the classic casino table game built around a spinning wheel and a small ball. Players place bets on where the ball will land, either on a single number or on broader outcomes like red, black, odd, or even.

The biggest difference between American Roulette and other roulette variants is easy to spot: the wheel has two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra green pocket changes the odds, increases the house edge, and makes American Roulette distinct from European Roulette, which uses only one zero.

From Europe to the US: How American Roulette Took Shape

Roulette began in Europe, with roots tracing back to France in the 18th century. Over time, the game spread across casinos on the continent, where the single-zero format became the standard.

When roulette made its way to the United States, the game changed. American casino operators adopted a wheel with both 0 and 00, creating the 38-pocket version that is still common today. That format became a fixture in many US casinos and remains the version many American players first encounter.

What Makes the American Roulette Wheel Different

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

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 alternate between red and black. The 0 and 00 pockets are both green, which helps them stand out from the rest of the wheel. Since neither zero counts as red, black, odd, even, high, or low, those pockets are what give the house its edge on many common bets.

How the Table Layout Works at a Glance

The American Roulette table layout includes a betting grid where players place chips based on the outcomes they want to back. The numbered section covers 1 through 36 in rows and columns, while the zero spaces sit at the top of the grid.

Around the numbered area, you will also find sections for outside bets. These include red or black, odd or even, high or low, dozens, and columns. Chips can be placed directly on a number, on the line between numbers, or in larger betting areas depending on the type of wager.

How to Play American Roulette Without Overcomplicating It

Playing American Roulette is straightforward, even for beginners. First, you choose your chip value at the table or in the online game interface.

Next, you place your bets on the layout before betting closes. After that, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction.

Once the ball drops into a pocket, the winning number and color are confirmed. Any winning bets are then paid according to the roulette payout table, and a new round begins.

The Key Bet Types Every Player Should Know

American Roulette bets are usually split into two categories: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets cover fewer numbers and offer bigger payouts. Outside bets cover more numbers and pay less, but they hit more often.

Inside Bets With Bigger Payout Potential

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main betting grid.

A Straight Up bet covers just one number and pays 35: 1. This is the highest standard payout on the table, but it is also one of the hardest bets to hit.

A Split bet covers two adjacent numbers by placing the chip on the line between them. It pays 17: 1.

A Street bet covers three numbers in a horizontal row. It pays 11: 1.

A Corner bet covers four numbers by placing a chip at the point where the four numbers meet. It pays 8: 1.

A Six Line bet covers six numbers across two adjacent rows. It pays 5: 1.

Outside Bets That Keep Variance Lower

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and are popular with newer players because they are easier to understand.

Red or Black covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. Odd or Even also covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. High or Low, sometimes shown as 19 to 36 or 1 to 18, follows the same format and also pays 1: 1.

Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time, such as 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36, and pay 2: 1. Columns also cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1.

American Roulette Payout Table You Can Use Fast

Here is the standard payout structure for the most common bets 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 or Black: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• Odd or Even: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• High or Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1

Why the House Edge Is Higher in American Roulette

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. The reason is the double zero. Because the wheel has 38 pockets instead of 37, players face slightly worse odds on every standard bet.

By comparison, European Roulette has a house edge of 2.7% because it has only one green zero pocket. That difference may seem small at first, but over time it matters, especially for players who spend long sessions at the table.

Smart American Roulette Tips for Beginners

The best first step is understanding the odds before placing any wager. Bigger payouts can look tempting, but they come with lower hit rates.

Many beginners start with outside bets because they cover more numbers and can make bankroll swings less severe. That does not change the house edge, but it can make sessions feel less volatile.

Bankroll management matters just as much as bet selection. Set a limit before you play, use chip sizes that fit your budget, and avoid chasing losses after a bad run.

It is also worth avoiding betting systems that claim guaranteed results. No system can remove the house edge from roulette. American Roulette is a game of chance, and every spin is independent of the last one.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Biggest Differences

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

That extra 00 pocket gives American Roulette its higher house edge of 5.26%, compared with 2.7% in European Roulette. For that reason, many strategy-minded players prefer the European version when both are available.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette is more common in US casinos, while European Roulette is the standard in many casinos outside the United States. If you play online, you will usually find both versions side by side.

Online American Roulette or Live Dealer: Which Fits You Better?

Online American Roulette usually comes in two main formats. The first is RNG roulette, where a random number generator determines the result. These games are fast, easy to load, and often ideal for mobile play.

The second is live dealer roulette, streamed from a real studio with an actual wheel, dealer, and table. Live dealer titles can feel closer to a land-based casino experience, especially for players who like real-time interaction.

Among the brands in this market, players may find American Roulette options at casinos with large game libraries such as Qzino Casino, Allstars.io Casino, and Betsolid Casino, depending on availability in their location and the providers each site carries.

Top Software Providers Behind Popular American Roulette Games

Several major developers power American Roulette online. Evolution is one of the best-known names, especially for live dealer tables with polished studio production.

Playtech also offers established roulette titles across desktop and mobile. Pragmatic Play Live is another major live casino supplier with roulette tables designed for broad international audiences.

NetEnt has long been a recognizable name in RNG casino games, including roulette variants. Ezugi remains a familiar provider in the live dealer space as well, particularly at casinos that focus on streamed table games.

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

Modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, making it easy to play on iPhone, Android, and mobile browsers. Most online casino platforms now offer responsive table layouts, touch-friendly chip controls, and smooth vertical or landscape play.

That applies to both RNG and live dealer formats, although live tables require a stronger internet connection. If mobile play is a priority, it is smart to test how the interface handles betting areas before committing real money.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make money. Set a budget, decide how long you want to play, and stick to both limits.

If gambling stops being fun, take a break. Responsible play tools like deposit limits, session reminders, and cooling-off periods can help keep things under control.

American Roulette FAQ