American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most recognizable casino table games in the United States. It follows the same basic format as other roulette variants, but there is one major difference that shapes the odds: the wheel has two green pockets, 0 and 00.

That extra green pocket gives American Roulette a higher house edge than European Roulette, which uses just one zero. Players can still make the same classic wagers on numbers, colors, and number groups, but the double-zero changes the math behind every spin.

What Makes American Roulette Different

American Roulette is played on a wheel with 38 total pockets. Those pockets include numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). The numbered pockets alternate between red and black, while 0 and 00 are green.

The biggest difference between American Roulette and other versions is simple: American Roulette has two green pockets instead of one. European Roulette has 37 pockets with only a single zero, which gives players slightly better odds.

That extra 00 is why American Roulette carries a house edge of 5.26%, compared with 2.70% in European Roulette. In practical terms, the game looks familiar, but the double-zero wheel makes it more favorable to the casino over time.

Roulette’s European Roots and American Shift

Roulette began in Europe, with early versions appearing in France in the 18th century. The game became popular in French casinos, where the single-zero wheel emerged as the standard format.

When roulette made its way to the United States, casino operators adapted the wheel by adding a double zero. That change increased the house advantage and helped shape the version now known as American Roulette.

Today, American Roulette remains a staple in many US casinos, while European Roulette is more common in Europe and also widely available online. Both versions share the same style of betting, but the extra pocket in the American game remains the defining feature.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel Layout

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total. These include 1 to 36, one 0, and one 00.

The numbered pockets are split between red and black in alternating fashion around the wheel, though the numerical order is not sequential. The 0 and 00 pockets are both green, making them stand out from the rest of the wheel.

This layout is important because every bet depends on where the ball lands. Since 0 and 00 are not red or black, odd or even, or high or low, they cause many outside bets to lose unless a table has special rules.

How the American Roulette Table Layout Works

The betting layout for American Roulette is printed on the felt table in a clear grid. Numbers 1 through 36 appear in rows, and the 0 and 00 sit at the top of the layout.

Players place chips directly on a number to bet on that single outcome, or they can place chips on lines and intersections to cover combinations of numbers. The outer sections of the table are used for broader wagers like red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns.

This design makes roulette easy to learn. Even if you are brand new, the table itself shows where each bet goes and how many numbers it covers.

How to Play American Roulette Without the Confusion

Playing American Roulette is straightforward. First, you choose your chip value at the table or on the online interface.

Next, you place your bets on the appropriate areas of the betting grid. You can back one number, a small group of numbers, or a larger category like black, even, or the first dozen.

After betting closes, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction. Once the ball settles into a pocket, the winning number is announced.

Any winning bets are then paid based on the standard roulette payout table. Losing bets are collected, and a new round begins.

American Roulette Bets You Should Know

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

Inside bets offer higher payouts because they are harder to hit. Outside bets pay less, but they land more often.

Inside Bets With Bigger Payout Potential

A straight up bet covers one number and pays 35:1. This is the most direct wager on the table.

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

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

A six line bet covers six numbers across two adjacent rows. It usually pays 5:1.

Outside Bets That Keep Things Simple

Outside bets are popular with beginners because they are easier to understand and hit more often. A red or black bet covers 18 numbers and pays 1:1.

Odd or even also covers 18 numbers and pays 1:1. High or low, which means 19–36 or 1–18, works the same way.

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

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

These payouts are standard in both retail and online versions of American Roulette. The odds of winning are different from the payout odds because of the 0 and 00 pockets.

The House Edge Explained in Plain English

The house edge in American Roulette is 5.26%. That figure comes directly from the wheel’s 38-pocket design, especially the presence of both 0 and 00.

For example, a straight up bet pays 35:1, but the actual chance of hitting one specific number is 1 in 38. If the game paid true odds, the payout would be 37:1, but it does not. That gap creates the casino’s built-in advantage.

By comparison, European Roulette has a house edge of 2.70% because it uses only one zero on a 37-pocket wheel. That is why many value-focused players prefer European Roulette when both options are available.

Smart American Roulette Tips for Beginners

The first tip is to understand the odds before placing any bet. Higher payouts may look appealing, but they come with lower hit rates.

Outside bets can be a better starting point if you want lower volatility. They do not remove the house edge, but they can help your bankroll last longer during a session.

Bankroll management also matters. Set a spending limit before you play, decide how much you are comfortable risking per spin, and stick to that number.

It is also wise to avoid betting systems that claim to guarantee profits. No strategy can overcome the built-in house edge over the long run. Roulette is a game of chance, and every spin is independent.

If you are comparing table games beyond roulette, pages on blackjack or live dealer casino games can help you understand how odds and strategy differ across casino formats.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Gap

The clearest difference between the two games is the number of pockets. American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37.

That one extra pocket increases the house edge in American Roulette to 5.26%. European Roulette, with only one green zero, drops that edge to 2.70%.

American Roulette is more common in traditional US casinos, especially in long-established gambling markets. European Roulette is more common in Europe, but many US online casinos and sweepstakes-style gaming sites now offer both versions.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Tables

Players today can choose between standard online American Roulette and live dealer American Roulette. The standard online version uses a random number generator, or RNG, to determine each result.

Live dealer roulette is streamed in real time from a studio or casino setting. A human dealer spins a physical wheel, and players place bets through a digital interface.

RNG roulette is usually faster and often available at lower stakes. Live dealer roulette adds a more social, realistic casino feel, which appeals to players who want a table-style experience from home.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers power American Roulette in the US-facing online market. Evolution is one of the best-known names, especially for live dealer roulette.

Playtech also offers both digital and live roulette products across regulated and international markets. Pragmatic Play Live has expanded its live casino lineup with polished roulette tables and broad mobile support.

NetEnt remains a respected name for RNG casino games, including roulette. Ezugi is another live casino provider known for real-time table games and straightforward interfaces.

The exact provider lineup depends on where you play and whether your state allows regulated online casino gaming. If you are browsing options in legal markets, a page covering online casino apps may help narrow down mobile-friendly choices.

Mobile American Roulette Keeps the Game Accessible

American Roulette is widely optimized for smartphones and tablets. Most modern casino apps and mobile sites let players place bets, change chip values, and follow the spin without needing a desktop.

Touchscreen controls also make it easy to place inside and outside bets. Whether you choose RNG or live dealer roulette, the mobile version usually mirrors the desktop experience closely.

A stable internet connection is especially important for live dealer games. For standard RNG roulette, mobile play tends to be smooth even on mid-range devices.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Set limits for time and spending before you start, and do not chase losses.

If gambling stops feeling fun, take a break. Many licensed operators offer tools like deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion options to help players stay in control.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette stays popular because it is easy to understand, fast to play, and available almost everywhere roulette is offered in the US market. If you know how the double-zero affects the odds, you can approach the game with clear expectations and make smarter betting choices from the first spin.