American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most recognized casino table games in the United States, built around a spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and a wide menu of bets that range from simple even-money picks to high-paying single-number shots. It plays quickly, it’s easy to learn in minutes, and every spin delivers a clean, decisive result.

What makes it different from other roulette variants is also what shapes its odds: American Roulette has two green pockets — 0 and 00. That extra green slot changes the math, lowers the probability of hitting many common bets, and increases the casino advantage compared to single-zero wheels.

What Makes American Roulette Different (And Why It Matters)

At a glance, roulette variants look similar: numbered pockets, red/black colors, and the same basic betting grid. The key separator is the wheel.

American Roulette includes both 0 and 00 in green. European Roulette uses a single green 0 (and French Roulette is typically single-zero with a few special rule options). That one extra pocket may feel small, but it impacts every bet you place—especially even-money bets like Red/Black or Odd/Even.

Roulette’s European Roots: How the American Wheel Was Born

Roulette traces its origins to Europe, where the modern wheel and table layout took shape over time in French gambling halls. As the game crossed the Atlantic and gained traction in the United States, American casinos adopted a wheel that included 00 alongside 0. The result was the version now widely seen across US casino floors and many online lobbies: American Roulette, with a distinct 38-pocket wheel and a higher built-in house edge.

American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Pockets, Two Greens

The American Roulette wheel contains 38 total pockets:

• Numbers 1–36
• Single zero (0)
• Double zero (00)

The numbers 1–36 are split between red and black in an alternating pattern designed for visual balance (not predictable outcomes). The 0 and 00 pockets are green, and they’re the reason American Roulette plays differently from single-zero versions.

American Roulette Table Layout: How the Betting Grid Works

The table layout is a large betting grid where you place chips directly on the area that represents your wager. The numbered section is arranged in three columns with numbers 1–36, while additional betting areas surround it for broader wagers.

You can place chips:

• Inside the number grid to target specific numbers or small clusters
• On outside betting boxes for larger groups like Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low, Dozens, or Columns

The placement of your chip is the “instruction” to the dealer—on a number, a line, a corner, or a labeled box—so precision matters.

How to Play American Roulette

Types of American Roulette Bets: Inside Power vs Outside Coverage

Bets in American Roulette fall into two main categories: inside bets (higher payouts, lower hit frequency) and outside bets (lower payouts, higher hit frequency).

Inside Bets: Targeted Picks With Bigger Payout Potential

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or tight number groups inside the main grid:

A Straight Up bet is placed directly on a single number and pays the most among standard bets. A Split covers two adjacent numbers by placing the chip on the line between them. A Street covers three numbers in a row (like 1-2-3) by placing the chip at the end of that row. A Corner covers four numbers that meet at a corner point. A Six Line (also called a double street) covers six numbers across two adjacent streets.

These bets can feel high-impact because when they hit, the return is significant—just remember they land less often.

Outside Bets: Broader Coverage for Steadier Results

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and are placed on the outer sections of the layout:

Red or Black bets pay even money and win if the ball lands on a number of that color. Odd or Even wins if the result matches the parity. High or Low covers 19–36 (high) or 1–18 (low). Dozens split the board into three groups of 12 numbers, while Columns cover one of the three vertical columns.

Outside bets are popular for beginners because they’re easy to understand and deliver more frequent wins—though the payouts are smaller.

American Roulette Payout Table: What Each Bet Typically Pays

Here’s the standard payout structure you’ll see most often:

These payouts are designed so the casino keeps an edge over time—especially because of the green pockets.

House Edge Explained: Why American Roulette Sits at 5.26%

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%, and the reason is direct: the wheel has two green pockets (0 and 00). Those extra outcomes reduce the player’s probability on every bet while payouts remain set at traditional rates.

By comparison, European Roulette (single-zero) has a house edge of about 2.7%. Over many spins, that difference can be significant, especially for frequent play or longer sessions.

Smart American Roulette Strategy Tips for New Players

Roulette doesn’t reward “figuring it out”—it rewards playing within your limits and choosing bets that match your goals.

Start by understanding the odds behind each bet so the payout doesn’t mislead you into thinking a bet is “due.” If you want a steadier ride, use outside bets like Red/Black or High/Low to reduce swinginess, even though 0 and 00 can still break them. Set a budget and manage your bankroll by keeping bet size consistent and avoiding chasing losses.

Be cautious with betting systems that claim guaranteed profit. They can create the illusion of control, but roulette outcomes are random, and table limits can stop a system long before it “recovers.” At its core, roulette is a game of chance, so play it for the entertainment value and the win potential—not certainty.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Change the Game

The headline difference is the number of pockets. American Roulette uses 38 pockets (0 and 00), while European Roulette uses 37 pockets (single 0). That changes the house edge, with American Roulette at 5.26% versus European Roulette at about 2.7%.

There’s also a real-world popularity split: American Roulette is common in US casinos, while European Roulette is more widely found in European venues and is often preferred by players who want lower house edge.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette: Two Ways to Spin

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats.

RNG roulette uses a random number generator to produce results instantly, which means faster rounds and quick re-bets. Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel from a studio (or casino-style set), with a human dealer calling bets and spinning in real time, bringing a more authentic table feel and pace.

Your choice depends on what you want: speed and efficiency, or real-wheel presentation and live interaction.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

If you’re browsing online lobbies, these are some of the biggest names known for roulette quality and variety: Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. Each tends to offer its own camera style, table limits, interface features, and side options, so it’s worth sampling a few to find your preferred format.

Mobile American Roulette: Built for Phones and Tablets

American Roulette is well-optimized for mobile play. On smartphones and tablets, the betting grid is typically designed with tap-friendly zones, quick re-bet buttons, and clean zoom or panel controls so you can place inside and outside bets without misclicks—whether you’re playing RNG or live dealer.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun and Under Control

Set a clear spending limit before you start, take breaks, and treat wins as a bonus—not a target you must reach. If the game stops feeling fun, it’s time to pause and reset.

Frequently Asked Questions