American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino staple where a spinning wheel, a small white ball, and a range of table bets create fast, simple action. Its defining feature is the pair of green pockets: a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). That extra green pocket changes the math on every bet, and it’s the main reason American Roulette plays differently from other roulette variants.

Quick history: from European salons to American casinos

Roulette traces its roots to seventeenth and eighteenth century Europe, where variations of wheel games evolved into the modern roulette wheel in France. The game crossed the Atlantic in the nineteenth century, and American casinos added the double zero pocket to the wheel. That adaptation increased the house edge, and it became the standard layout in many United States brick-and-mortar casinos, while single-zero wheels remained more common in Europe.

American Roulette wheel layout — what you’ll see at the table

38 pockets total
Numbers 1 through 36, each colored red or black, arranged in an alternating pattern for balance
One green single zero (0) pocket
One green double zero (00) pocket

The alternating red and black numbers make color bets intuitive, and the two green zero pockets are set apart visually to show their special status. The double zero is the key difference that affects payouts and house edge.

American Roulette table layout — how bets are placed

The table shows a numbered grid, with the 1–36 numbers arranged in three columns and twelve rows, plus separate areas for zero and double zero. Players place chips directly on numbers for inside bets, or on larger sections for outside bets. Chips are placed before the dealer spins; once the dealer announces “no more bets,” chip placement stops. Bets are settled after the ball lands and the dealer pays winners according to the payout table and removes losing chips.

How to Play American Roulette

Step 1
Choose your chip value.
Step 2
Place one or more bets on the betting grid or outside areas.
Step 3
The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
Step 4
The ball lands in a numbered pocket.
Step 5
Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing bets are collected. Always check terms and conditions for specific table rules.

Inside bets — big payouts on small targets

Inside bets sit directly on the numbered grid and cover single numbers or small clusters:

Straight Up: single number, highest payout
Split: two adjacent numbers, placed on the line between them
Street: three numbers in a row, placed at the end of the row
Corner: four numbers in a square
Six Line: two adjacent rows, covering six numbers

Inside bets offer higher payouts because they cover fewer numbers, but they win less frequently.

Outside bets — lower risk, steadier play

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and pay more often, with lower payouts:

Red or Black: pays when the ball lands on a red or black number
Odd or Even: pays on odd or even numbers
High or Low: pays on 1–18 or 19–36
Dozens: 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36
Columns: one of the three vertical columns on the grid

These bets are good for players who prefer steadier, lower-variance action.

American Roulette payout table

Bet type	Numbers covered	Typical payout
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 / Columns	12 numbers	2:1
Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low	18 numbers	1:1

Payouts are typical for American Roulette tables, but always check the specific casino’s rules and terms and conditions.

House edge — why the double zero matters

American Roulette’s house edge is 5.26%, driven by the existence of both 0 and 00. That edge comes from payouts being calculated as if only 36 numbers exist, while there are 38 actual pockets. For comparison, European Roulette uses a single zero and carries a house edge of about 2.7%. The extra zero doubles the impact on long-term expected returns, which is why some players prefer single-zero wheels when available.

Practical strategy tips for American Roulette

Understand the odds before you bet, and check payouts.
Use outside bets if you want lower variance and more frequent wins.
Manage your bankroll, set limits, and stick to them.
Avoid betting systems that claim to guarantee wins; roulette is a game of chance, not a skill with predictable outcomes.
Know the table minimums, maximums, and any special rules at your casino.

American Roulette vs European Roulette — quick comparison

Number of pockets: American has 38 pockets, European has 37.
House edge: American about 5.26%, European about 2.7%.
Popularity: American Roulette is common in United States casinos and many North American online sites, while European Roulette is favored in European venues and single-zero online tables. The different math makes the single-zero version more efficient for players who focus on lower house edge.

Online American Roulette vs live dealer roulette

Online American Roulette comes in two main formats: RNG (random number generator) tables and live dealer streams. RNG tables are software-driven, fast, and available around the clock. Live dealer roulette is streamed from studios or casino floors, with a real dealer handling the wheel and chips. Live dealer games add social interaction and a real-wheel feel, while RNG versions are often faster and use less data on mobile devices. Both formats should display certification or fairness seals and have clear terms and conditions.

Best software providers offering American Roulette

Major developers known for quality American Roulette titles include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These providers offer both RNG and live dealer versions, polished user interfaces, and mobile-friendly designs.

Mobile American Roulette — play on phones and tablets

Most American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with touch controls, clear betting panels, and responsive layouts. Mobile versions keep the same rules and payouts as desktop games, and many operators support quick deposits and fast withdrawals for a seamless experience.

Responsible play — set limits and stick to them

Gambling should be entertaining, not a source of stress. Set loss limits, deposit caps, and time limits before you play. If you feel the game is affecting your life, seek professional help or use self-exclusion tools offered by licensed sites. Always check a casino’s terms for responsible gambling resources and support services.

American Roulette FAQs

American Roulette is a roulette variant featuring 38 pockets, including a single zero (0) and a double zero (00), with standard inside and outside bets.

The main difference is the wheel: American has 0 and 00 (38 pockets), while European has a single zero (37 pockets). That extra pocket raises the house edge in American Roulette.

The double zero adds two green pockets to the wheel, but payouts are based on the same ratios as single-zero games. That discrepancy creates a higher long-term advantage for the house, about 5.26%.

There’s no single “best” bet that guarantees wins. Outside bets like Red/Black or Odd/Even lower variance and provide more frequent payouts, which many beginners prefer.

Yes. Licensed online casinos offer RNG and live dealer American Roulette for real money. Check that the site holds a valid license and clear terms and conditions before depositing.

When played at licensed operators or certified game providers, American Roulette is fair in the sense that outcomes follow regulated randomness. Look for independent lab certifications, licensing information, and published terms to confirm fairness.

Decide on a session budget, set single-bet limits, and stop when you reach your loss or win target. Consistent, disciplined bankroll management is the best way to enjoy the game responsibly.

No betting system can overcome the built-in house edge over time. Systems may change short-term variance, but they do not change expected value.

Keep these points in mind when you play American Roulette, and always review table rules, payouts, and terms and conditions before placing real-money bets.

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