American Roulette

American Roulette is the version of roulette most closely tied to US casinos. Its defining feature is simple but important: the wheel has two green pockets, 0 and 00, instead of just one. That extra pocket changes the odds, raises the house edge, and makes American Roulette different from European and French versions of the game.

You will find American Roulette in land-based casinos across the United States, as well as on many regulated casino apps and websites. Whether you are new to roulette or comparing variants before placing a bet, it helps to understand how the wheel works, what each wager means, and why the double zero matters so much.

The European Roots Behind American Roulette

Roulette began in Europe, with early versions of the game appearing in France in the 18th century. Over time, the wheel and table format became more standardized, and roulette spread to casinos across the continent. European Roulette eventually settled on a wheel with 37 pockets: numbers 1 through 36 and a single 0.

When roulette reached the United States in the 19th century, the game changed. American casinos added the 00 pocket, creating the 38-pocket wheel still used today. That adjustment increased the casino’s mathematical advantage, and it became the standard version in many US gambling venues.

The Wheel Setup That Changes Everything

The American Roulette wheel has 38 total pockets. These include numbers 1 through 36, plus a single 0 and a double zero, 00.

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 are split evenly between red and black. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, which sets them apart from the rest of the wheel. As the numbers run around the wheel, the red and black pockets alternate, although the numerical order is not sequential.

That extra green pocket is the key difference between American Roulette and other roulette variants. Because there are 38 possible outcomes instead of 37, the player’s odds on every standard bet become slightly less favorable.

How the American Roulette Table Works

The table layout is where players place their chips before each spin. It includes a numbered betting grid for 1 through 36, along with spaces for 0 and 00.

Inside the grid, players can bet on individual numbers or small number groupings by placing chips directly on a number, line, or corner. Around the outside of the grid, there are additional betting areas for even-money and group bets, such as red or black, odd or even, high or low, dozens, and columns.

In a casino, players buy chips from the dealer and receive a color assigned to them at that table. Online, the process is simpler because the interface handles chip values and bet placement automatically.

How to Play American Roulette Without Overcomplicating It

Playing American Roulette is straightforward once you know the basic flow. First, choose your chip value or stake amount.

Next, place your bets on the table before betting closes. You can wager on one number, several numbers, or broader outcomes like red, black, odd, or even.

After the betting window ends, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction. The ball eventually drops into one of the 38 pockets.

If the result matches your bet, you win based on that wager’s payout. If not, the casino collects the chips from losing bets, and the next round begins.

Inside Bets With Bigger Payout Potential

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small clusters on the main betting grid. These bets offer the largest payouts, but they also carry lower chances of winning.

A Straight Up bet covers one number and pays 35:1. This is the classic single-number bet.

A Split covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17:1. Players place the chip on the line between the two numbers.

A Street covers three numbers in a horizontal row and pays 11:1. The chip goes on the outer edge of that row.

A Corner covers four numbers that meet at one point and pays 8:1. The chip is placed at the intersection of those four numbers.

A Six Line covers six numbers across two adjacent rows and pays 5:1. This bet is placed on the line at the end of the two-row section.

Outside Bets That Offer Simpler Odds

Outside bets cover larger sections of the table. They pay less than inside bets, but they win more often because they include more possible outcomes.

Red or Black covers 18 numbers and pays 1:1. Odd or Even also covers 18 numbers and pays 1:1. High or Low, sometimes shown as 19–36 or 1–18, works the same way and also pays 1:1.

Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time and pay 2:1. Players can bet on the first dozen (1–12), second dozen (13–24), or third dozen (25–36).

Columns also cover 12 numbers and pay 2:1. These bets follow one of the three vertical columns on the layout.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

These are the standard payouts used in most American Roulette games. Online casinos and live dealer tables usually follow the same structure.

Why the House Edge Is Higher in American Roulette

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That figure comes from the presence of both 0 and 00 on the wheel.

On an even-money bet like red or black, you are betting on 18 winning numbers, but there are 38 total pockets. The two green pockets create extra losing outcomes, and that difference increases the casino’s long-term advantage.

By comparison, European Roulette has only one green zero pocket and a house edge of 2.7%. That makes European Roulette the better value for players who want more favorable odds over time.

Smart Strategy Tips for New American Roulette Players

The first step is to understand the odds before betting. A bet with a larger payout is not automatically better if it hits far less often.

Outside bets like red or black, odd or even, and high or low can be useful for beginners because they are easier to follow and have a higher hit rate than inside bets. They still do not remove the house edge, but they can make your bankroll last longer.

Good bankroll management also matters. Set a spending limit before you sit down, keep your bet sizes reasonable, and avoid chasing losses after a bad run.

It is also important to ignore betting systems that claim guaranteed profits. No progression method can overcome the built-in math of roulette over the long run. American Roulette is a game of chance, and every spin is independent of the last one.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

The biggest difference is the number of pockets. American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37.

That one extra pocket, 00, raises the house edge in American Roulette to 5.26%, compared with 2.7% in European Roulette. This is why many experienced roulette players prefer the European version when both are available.

American Roulette is more common in US casinos, while European Roulette is more widely seen in European gambling markets and many online casinos. If you want a broader look at table game options, pages like roulette online can help compare formats.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Tables

Online American Roulette usually comes in two main formats. The first is RNG roulette, where software generates the result digitally. These games are fast, easy to use, and often include lower minimum bets.

The second is live dealer roulette, where a real dealer spins a physical wheel from a studio and the video is streamed in real time. Live dealer games are popular with players who want a more authentic casino feel from home.

Both formats can offer American Roulette with 0 and 00. If you are interested in a studio-based experience, live dealer casino pages often break down the best options.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers offer American Roulette for US-facing players. Evolution is one of the best-known names, especially for live dealer roulette.

Playtech has long been active in digital table games and live casino content. Pragmatic Play Live also offers live roulette products with broad mobile support.

NetEnt is a major RNG game developer with polished casino titles, including roulette variants. Ezugi, now part of the Evolution brand family, remains a recognized name in live dealer gaming as well.

Mobile American Roulette Is Built for On-the-Go Play

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. Players can place bets, change chip values, and switch between portrait and landscape modes with just a few taps.

Both RNG and live dealer versions are widely available on mobile browsers and casino apps. As long as you use a licensed operator in your state, the mobile experience is usually smooth and user-friendly.

A Quick Reminder About Responsible Gambling

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Set deposit and time limits, play with funds you can afford to lose, and take breaks if the session stops being fun.

If gambling starts to feel difficult to control, support is available through state programs and national organizations such as 1-800-GAMBLER.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette remains a staple of the US casino scene because it is easy to learn, fast to play, and instantly recognizable. The most important thing to remember is the double zero: it is the feature that defines the game, shapes the odds, and separates it from other roulette versions.