American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most recognized casino table games, built around a spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and a spread of betting options that can shift from simple even-money plays to precision picks on a single number. What separates American Roulette from other variants comes down to one key detail on the wheel - it has two green pockets: 0 and 00.

That extra green pocket changes the math, the odds, and the long-term cost of every wager, which is why understanding the layout and payouts matters before you put chips on the felt.

American Roulette Explained in Seconds (And What Makes It Different)

Roulette always follows the same basic idea: place your bet, the wheel spins, the ball drops, and the winning number decides which bets get paid.

In American Roulette, there are 38 pockets instead of 37 because of the double zero (00). European Roulette uses only a single green 0, and that one difference lowers the house edge in the European version.

Roulette’s European Roots and How the American Version Took Shape

Roulette traces its origins to Europe, where the modern wheel and table format developed over time in French casinos. As the game traveled and gained popularity, it eventually reached the United States, where the wheel evolved into the American version.

The major shift was the addition of the 00 pocket, creating a wheel with 38 slots. That change increased the casino’s advantage and helped shape the version that became common across many US gambling floors.

Wheel Breakdown: The American Roulette Layout You’ll Be Betting Against

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

• Numbers 1-36
• 0 (green)
• 00 (green)

The numbered pockets (1-36) alternate red and black, while 0 and 00 are green. The color pattern supports many of the most popular outside bets (like Red/Black), while the two green pockets are the reason the house edge is higher than in European Roulette.

Table Layout: Where Your Chips Go and Why It Matters

The American Roulette table is built around a betting grid that matches the numbers and key betting groups. Players place chips directly on:

• A specific number (or the line between numbers) for inside bets
• Larger labeled sections for outside bets, such as Red/Black or Dozens

Where you place the chip determines exactly what you’re covering. A chip centered on a single number targets one outcome, while a chip on a line or corner spreads coverage over multiple numbers.

How to Play American Roulette: A Clean Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Choose your chip value at the table (or select your stake online).
2. Place your bets on the layout before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket (including 0 or 00).
5. Winning bets are paid based on the payout rules for that wager type.

Bet Types That Drive the Action (Inside vs Outside)

American Roulette bets fall into two main groups: inside bets (tighter coverage, bigger payouts) and outside bets (wider coverage, steadier hit rate).

Inside Bets: Bigger Payouts, Tighter Targets

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small clusters.

Straight Up: One number. Highest standard payout because you’re aiming at a single pocket. Split: Two numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. Street: Three numbers in a row by placing a chip on the outer edge of that row. Corner: Four numbers by placing a chip on the intersection where four numbers meet. Six Line: Six numbers (two adjacent streets) by placing a chip on the line between those rows.

Outside Bets: Wider Coverage and Smoother Variance

Outside bets cover bigger groups and are popular with beginners.

Red or Black: 18 numbers of a color (green pockets lose). Odd or Even: 18 numbers (again, green pockets lose). High or Low: 1-18 vs 19-36. Dozens: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Columns: One of the three vertical columns on the grid (12 numbers each).

American Roulette Payout Table (Quick Reference)

• 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 typically listed as “to 1” (profit), and you also get your original stake back on a win.

The House Edge in American Roulette (And Why It’s Higher)

American Roulette carries a 5.26% house edge, driven by the presence of two green pockets (0 and 00). Those extra outcomes reduce the true probability of landing on any of the standard groups (like Red/Black), while the payouts remain the same as if only one zero existed.

For comparison, European Roulette (single zero only) has a house edge of about 2.7%, which is why many players consider it the better-value wheel when both options are available.

Strategy Tips That Actually Help New Players

Roulette doesn’t allow skill-based control over the outcome, but smart choices can reduce mistakes and keep your session stable.

Know what you’re buying with each bet - inside bets can swing your bankroll quickly, while outside bets stretch playtime. For lower risk, lean on outside bets like Red/Black, Odd/Even, or High/Low and size your stakes so you can handle a cold run without chasing losses.

Manage your bankroll like it’s part of the game - decide your session budget, choose a base bet, and stick to it. Be cautious with betting systems that claim guaranteed profit; the wheel has no memory, and every spin remains independent.

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

American Roulette uses 38 pockets with 0 and 00, creating a 5.26% house edge. European Roulette uses 37 pockets with a single 0, dropping the house edge to about 2.7%.

You’ll often see American Roulette more commonly in US-facing casinos, while European Roulette is a standard option in many European markets and online lobbies. If you’re choosing purely by value, European Roulette generally offers better odds - but American Roulette remains a classic for players who like its traditional wheel format and widespread availability.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer: Two Ways to Play

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats:

RNG (digital) roulette uses a random number generator to produce results instantly, making it ideal for quick rounds and flexible betting at any time.

Live dealer American Roulette streams real tables from professional studios, with a human dealer spinning a physical wheel on camera. It’s a stronger fit if you want the pace and atmosphere of a real table while playing from home.

Top Software Studios Powering American Roulette Online

Many leading providers deliver high-quality roulette tables with smooth interfaces, clean visuals, and reliable game rules. Some of the most recognized names offering roulette content include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi.

Mobile American Roulette: Built for Phones and Tablets

Most modern American Roulette titles are optimized for mobile play, with responsive layouts that make it easy to place inside or outside bets on smaller screens. Whether you’re playing RNG or live dealer, you can usually switch devices without changing the core experience.

Play Smart: A Responsible Gambling Reminder

Set a budget before you play, keep your stakes in line with your comfort level, and take breaks when the session stops being fun. Roulette is designed for entertainment, and limits help keep it that way.

American Roulette FAQ