American Roulette
American Roulette is the version of roulette most closely tied to the US casino market. It follows the same basic idea as other roulette games: players place bets on numbers, colors, or groups of numbers, and then a dealer spins a wheel and drops a ball to determine the winning pocket.
What sets American Roulette apart is one key feature: the wheel has two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra double-zero pocket changes the odds, increases the house edge, and makes the game different from European Roulette and French Roulette.
If you are new to roulette, American Roulette is easy to understand once you know how the wheel, table, bets, and payouts work.
A Quick Look at the European Roots of Roulette
Roulette began in Europe, with the modern game taking shape in France during the 18th century. The name “roulette” means “little wheel” in French, which fits the spinning wheel at the center of the game.
As roulette spread across Europe, the single-zero version became the standard in many casinos. When the game later reached the United States, casino operators adopted a wheel with both 0 and 00. Over time, that double-zero format became known as American Roulette and established itself as a staple in US gambling culture.
Today, American Roulette remains common in land-based casinos across the country, as well as on many online casino platforms.
Inside the American Roulette Wheel: 38 Pockets and Two Green Slots
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 are split between red and black. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, which makes them stand out from the rest of the wheel. The red and black numbers alternate around the wheel, although the numerical order is not sequential.
That extra 00 pocket is the biggest difference from European Roulette, which has only 37 pockets because it includes just one green zero.
How the American Roulette Table Layout Works
The American Roulette table is designed to let players bet on individual numbers and broader outcomes. The main betting grid shows numbers 1 through 36 in rows of three. Separate spaces for 0 and 00 appear at the top of the layout.
Players place chips directly on the table to mark their bets. A chip set on a single number means a straight-up bet. A chip placed on the line between two numbers creates a split bet. Chips can also be placed at intersections or along labeled outside sections for bets like red/black, odd/even, dozens, or columns.
This setup gives players plenty of flexibility. You can make one simple even-money wager, or spread your chips across several betting areas in the same round.
How to Play American Roulette in Five Simple Steps
Playing American Roulette is straightforward, even for beginners. Once you understand the flow of a round, the game moves quickly.
First, choose your chip value at the table. In many casinos, roulette chips are color-coded so the dealer can tell one player’s chips from another’s.
Next, place your bets on the desired areas of the betting layout. You can bet on a single number, several numbers, or broader outcomes such as red, black, odd, or even.
After betting closes, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction. The ball eventually slows down and lands in one of the 38 pockets.
The winning number is announced, and any successful bets are paid according to the payout table. Losing bets are cleared before the next round begins.
American Roulette Bets Made Simple: Inside and Outside Options
Roulette bets usually fall into two groups: 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 grid.
A straight-up bet covers 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 and pays 17:1. Players place the chip on the line between the two numbers.
A street bet covers three numbers in a horizontal row and pays 11:1. The chip is placed on the outer edge of that row.
A corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one point and pays 8:1. This bet is created by placing the chip on the corner shared by those four numbers.
A six-line bet covers six numbers across two adjoining rows and pays 5:1. The chip is placed on the line at the edge of the two rows.
Outside Bets That Offer Broader Coverage
Outside bets are placed on labeled sections surrounding the numbered grid. These bets cover larger sets of outcomes and are often used by beginners because they are simpler to follow.
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 19–36 and 1–18, covers 18 numbers and also pays 1:1.
Dozens cover 12 numbers each and pay 2:1. Players can bet on 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36.
Columns also cover 12 numbers and pay 2:1. These are based on the vertical columns on the betting grid.
Even though outside bets win more often than inside bets, the green 0 and 00 still mean these wagers are not true 50/50 bets.
American Roulette Payout Table You Can Use as a Quick Guide
Here is a simple payout table for the most common American Roulette bets:
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Typical Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 1 | 35:1 |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 |
| Corner | 4 | 8:1 |
| Six Line | 6 | 5:1 |
| Dozens | 12 | 2:1 |
| Columns | 12 | 2:1 |
| Red/Black | 18 | 1:1 |
| Odd/Even | 18 | 1:1 |
| High/Low | 18 | 1:1 |
These payouts are standard in most casinos and online roulette games. Still, it is always smart to check the game rules before you play.
Why the House Edge in American Roulette Is Higher
American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That number comes directly from the extra double-zero pocket on the wheel.
Because there are 38 pockets, but the payouts are based on odds that would be more favorable to players if fewer pockets existed, the casino keeps a larger mathematical advantage over time. In practical terms, the 00 makes every bet slightly less favorable than it would be on a single-zero wheel.
By comparison, European Roulette has a house edge of 2.7%. That is one reason many experienced roulette players prefer the European version when both options are available.
Smart American Roulette Tips for Beginners
The best way to approach American Roulette is with realistic expectations. It is a game of chance, not a system you can beat consistently with patterns or betting formulas.
Start by understanding the odds behind each wager. Bigger payouts are attractive, but they come with lower hit rates. If you want more steady action, outside bets such as red/black or odd/even can offer a lower-risk starting point.
Bankroll management matters, too. Set a budget before you play, use bet sizes that fit that budget, and avoid chasing losses. Roulette sessions can move fast, especially online or at live dealer tables.
It is also wise to ignore betting systems that claim guaranteed results. Popular systems like Martingale may sound convincing, but they do not change the house edge. Over the long run, American Roulette remains a negative-expectation game for players.
American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Matter
The biggest difference between American Roulette and European Roulette is the number of pockets on the wheel. American Roulette has 38 pockets, including 0 and 00. European Roulette has 37 pockets, with only a single 0.
That extra pocket increases the house edge in American Roulette from 2.7% to 5.26%. While the gameplay feels similar, the math is noticeably less favorable in the American version.
American Roulette is more common in many US casinos, while European Roulette is more widely associated with casinos in Europe and with online players who want better odds. If you are comparing options at an online casino, checking the wheel format is one of the first things to do.
Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Games
Players today can choose between standard online American Roulette and live dealer roulette. Both versions use the same core rules, but the experience feels different.
Standard online roulette is powered by a random number generator, or RNG. These games are fast, convenient, and often let players adjust stakes or pace more easily.
Live dealer American Roulette is streamed from a real studio with a human dealer operating a physical wheel. It creates a more social, casino-style atmosphere and is especially popular with players who want something closer to an in-person table game.
Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games
Several major gaming studios offer American Roulette titles for US-facing platforms and social-style casino products.
Evolution is one of the best-known names in live dealer roulette and produces polished studio games with multiple camera angles and strong mobile support. Playtech also has a long history in both RNG and live casino roulette.
Pragmatic Play Live continues to expand its live table portfolio, while NetEnt is well known for digital casino content, including roulette titles. Ezugi, now part of Evolution, remains a familiar provider for live dealer table games.
It can also help to compare game libraries, platform quality, and table limits.
Mobile American Roulette Keeps the Game Within Reach
American Roulette games are widely optimized for smartphones and tablets. Most modern casino apps and mobile websites let players enjoy both RNG and live dealer versions without needing a desktop computer.
Mobile play usually includes full betting layouts, clear wheel displays, and touch-friendly controls. As long as you have a stable internet connection, placing bets and following the action on a smaller screen is usually smooth and easy.
This has made roulette far more accessible for casual players who want quick sessions on the go.
A Responsible Gambling Reminder Every Player Should Keep in Mind
Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Set time and spending limits before you start, and stick to them.
If the game stops being fun, take a break. Never chase losses, and only play with money you can afford to lose. Players who want support can find information on limits, self-exclusion, and help resources through responsible gambling tools.
American Roulette FAQ: Fast Answers to Common Questions
What is American Roulette?
American Roulette is a roulette variant played on a wheel with 38 pockets: numbers 1 through 36, plus 0 and 00. The presence of both green zero pockets is its defining feature.
What is the difference between American and European Roulette?
The main difference is the wheel layout. American Roulette has 38 pockets with 0 and 00, while European Roulette has 37 pockets with only a single 0. Because of that, American Roulette has a higher house edge.
Why does American Roulette have a higher house edge?
The extra 00 pocket gives the casino more mathematical advantage. That pushes the house edge to 5.26%, compared with 2.7% in European Roulette.
What is the best bet in American Roulette?
No bet removes the house edge, but outside bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low are often considered easier for beginners because they cover 18 numbers and hit more often. They still lose when 0 or 00 lands.
Can you play American Roulette online for real money?
Yes, in regulated markets where online casino play is legal, players can find real-money American Roulette in both RNG and live dealer formats. Availability depends on state law and the casino platform.
Is American Roulette fair?
American Roulette is fair when it is offered by a licensed, regulated casino using tested software or properly supervised live dealer equipment. Fair does not mean favorable, though, since the built-in house edge still applies.
Can strategy beat American Roulette?
No strategy can guarantee long-term profits in American Roulette. Betting systems may change your risk or session style, but they do not change the game’s fixed odds.
Is American Roulette popular in US casinos?
Yes, American Roulette has long been a familiar table game in US casinos. While some venues also offer European Roulette, the double-zero version remains a standard option across much of the American market.
American Roulette remains one of the most recognizable casino games in the United States because it is simple to learn, quick to play, and packed with betting variety. The most important thing to remember is that the two green pockets, 0 and 00, shape the game’s identity and its odds. Once you understand that, you can make smarter choices about how to play, what bets to place, and whether this version of roulette matches your style.