American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most recognizable casino table games in the United States—simple to learn, quick to resolve, and packed with betting options that let you play it safe or chase bigger payouts. It’s a roulette variant played on a wheel with 38 pockets, and it stands apart from other versions for one defining reason: it features two green pockets—0 and 00.

That extra green pocket changes the math, the odds, and the edge the casino holds, which is why understanding the differences matters before you place your first chip.

The One Detail That Changes Everything: 0 and 00

Most roulette variants share the same core idea: bet on where the ball will land after the wheel spins. The biggest difference is the number of pockets on the wheel.

American Roulette includes both 0 and 00, while European Roulette has only a single 0. That small-looking change increases the house advantage and slightly reduces the probability of hitting any given bet—especially number-based bets like Straight Up.

History of Roulette: From Europe to U.S. Casino Floors

Roulette traces its roots back to 18th-century Europe, where the game evolved into a refined wheel-and-table format popular in French casinos. When roulette made its way to the United States, operators introduced a key modification: the double zero (00) pocket.

Why the change? It increased profitability by boosting the house edge. Over time, the American version became standard across many U.S. gambling venues, while Europe largely kept the single-zero wheel.

American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Pockets, Two Greens

The American Roulette wheel is built with:

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

Numbers 1–36 alternate between red and black, while 0 and 00 are green. The red/black pattern isn’t simply sequential—it’s arranged to balance distribution around the wheel, which keeps outcomes unpredictable and prevents obvious clustering.

American Roulette Table Layout: Where Your Chips Actually Go

The table layout is a betting grid designed to let you target single numbers, small clusters, or broad outcome groups.

The main grid shows 1 through 36 in rows and columns. Around it, you’ll find sections for common outside bets like Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low, plus areas for Dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36) and Columns. To place a bet, you set chips directly on the area that matches your chosen wager—on a number, a line between numbers, a corner, or a larger labeled box.

How to Play American Roulette

Types of American Roulette Bets: Inside vs Outside

American Roulette bets generally fall into two categories: inside bets (higher payout, lower hit rate) and outside bets (more frequent wins, lower payout).

Inside Bets: Bigger Payouts When You Nail the Number Zone

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or tight groupings on the grid:

A Straight Up bet covers one number and pays 35:1. A Split covers two adjacent numbers (chip on the line) and pays 17:1. A Street covers three numbers in a row and pays 11:1. A Corner covers four numbers at a grid intersection and pays 8:1. A Six Line covers six numbers across two adjacent rows and pays 5:1.

These bets can be exciting because one accurate call can boost your bankroll quickly—but the odds of hitting are lower compared to broader wagers.

Outside Bets: More Coverage, More Frequent Hits

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and typically produce steadier results:

Red or Black, Odd or Even, and High or Low (1–18 / 19–36) each cover 18 numbers and pay 1:1. Dozens and Columns each cover 12 numbers and pay 2:1.

Outside bets are popular for beginners because they’re straightforward, easier to track, and don’t require memorizing complex placements.

American Roulette Payout Table: Quick Look at What Each Bet Returns

Payouts are standard across most casinos and online tables, though special variants can sometimes tweak rules—always check the table info before betting.

House Edge in American Roulette: Why It’s 5.26%

American Roulette carries a 5.26% house edge, and the reason is simple: the extra 00 pocket. With 38 possible outcomes instead of 37, the probability of winning any given bet drops slightly, but payouts remain the same as they were designed for a single-zero structure.

By comparison, European Roulette (single zero) usually has a house edge of about 2.7%, making it a more player-friendly option when available.

American Roulette Strategy Tips: Play Smarter Without Chasing Myths

There’s no guaranteed way to win roulette long-term—every spin is independent. But you can make decisions that help you control risk and protect your bankroll.

Start by understanding the odds behind each bet type, not just the payout. If you want lower volatility, lean on outside bets like Red/Black or High/Low and keep your stakes consistent. Set a firm bankroll limit for your session, and consider dividing it into smaller chunks so you don’t overextend after a cold streak.

Be cautious with betting systems that claim they “beat” roulette. Progressions like doubling after losses can drain a bankroll fast and can hit table limits quickly. Roulette is a game of chance, and the best approach is playing for entertainment with money you can afford to risk.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences That Matter

The two versions look similar, but the numbers underneath change the entire value proposition.

American Roulette has 38 pockets (0 and 00) and a 5.26% house edge, and it’s widely seen across U.S. casinos. European Roulette has 37 pockets (single 0) and around a 2.7% edge, and it’s more common in European casinos and many online lobbies.

If your priority is better odds, European Roulette generally wins. If your goal is the classic American casino format, American Roulette is the familiar pick.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer: Two Ways to Play

Online American Roulette typically comes in two formats.

RNG (random number generator) roulette is software-driven: outcomes are generated instantly, gameplay moves quickly, and you can often find more table limits. Live dealer roulette streams real wheels from professional studios, with a dealer running the game in real time—great if you want a more authentic table vibe and a more social pace.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

Many top studios offer American Roulette in both RNG and live formats. Some of the biggest names you’ll see include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. Provider choice can affect table UI, camera angles (live), betting timers, side bets, and overall performance—so it’s worth trying a few to find your favorite feel.

Mobile American Roulette: Built for Phones and Tablets

Modern American Roulette games are optimized for mobile play, with responsive layouts that make it easy to place splits, corners, and outside bets using touch controls. Whether you’re on iOS or Android, you can usually expect smooth gameplay, clear bet highlighting, and quick access to table limits and payout info.

Responsible Gambling Reminder: Keep It Fun and Under Control

Set limits before you play—time, budget, and loss caps—and stick to them. If the game stops being enjoyable or you feel pressure to chase losses, pause and reset. Roulette is at its best when it’s treated as entertainment, not income.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

American Roulette remains a favorite because it’s easy to jump into, offers tons of betting flexibility, and keeps every spin decisive. Learn the bet types, pick limits that fit your bankroll, and play at a pace that keeps the experience enjoyable.