American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino table game where players bet on where a small ball will land after a spun wheel comes to rest. The defining feature that sets American Roulette apart from other variants is the presence of two green pockets: single zero (0) and double zero (00). Those extra green pockets change the math on payouts, which is why American Roulette has a higher house edge than some other versions.

Origins and How American Roulette Evolved

Roulette began in Europe in the 18th century as a simple wheel-and-ball pastime, refined by French game makers into the layout many players recognize today. When the game crossed the Atlantic in the 19th century, casinos in the United States adapted the wheel to include the double zero, creating American Roulette. That addition was intended to increase the house advantage, and it became the standard in many United States casinos.

Inside the Wheel: American Roulette Wheel Layout

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total:

Numbers 1–36, arranged in alternating red and black pockets
Single zero (0), in a green pocket
Double zero (00), also in a green pocket

The alternating red and black pattern makes red/black and odd/even outside bets simple to visualize, while the two green pockets explain the extra edge the house retains.

Reading the Table: American Roulette Table Layout

The betting grid on the table mirrors the wheel’s numbers. Players place chips on:

Individual number boxes for straight bets
Lines between numbers for split bets
Row edges for street and six-line bets
Larger sections labeled “1st 12,” “2nd 12,” and “3rd 12” for dozens
Boxes for Red/Black, Odd/Even, and 1–18/19–36 for outside bets

Chips are placed on the felt before the dealer calls “no more bets.” Dealers will clear losing chips, pay winners, and collect losing stakes according to the payout table.

How to Play American Roulette

Choose your chip value
Choose your chip value.
Place your bets anywhere on the betting grid before the wheel spins
Place your bets anywhere on the betting grid before the wheel spins.
The dealer spins the wheel, and releases the ball in the opposite direction
The dealer spins the wheel, and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
The ball drops and settles in a numbered pocket
The ball drops and settles in a numbered pocket.
Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing chips are collected
Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing chips are collected.

Inside Bets — Precise Wagers on Numbers

Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups of adjacent numbers on the grid:

Straight Up: one number, placed directly on a number box.
Split: two adjacent numbers, placed on the line between them.
Street: three numbers in a row, placed at the end of the row.
Corner: four numbers forming a square, placed at the intersection.
Six Line: six numbers covering two adjacent rows, placed at the outer corner.

Inside bets pay higher when they hit, but they cover fewer numbers.

Outside Bets — Broader, Lower-Variance Options

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer lower payouts, which means more frequent wins but smaller returns:

Red or Black: bets on color.
Odd or Even: bets on number parity.
High or Low: 19–36 or 1–18.
Dozens: first, second, or third set of 12 numbers.
Columns: full vertical columns of 12 numbers.

Outside bets are a good choice for players who prefer steadier results and simpler decisions.

American Roulette Payout Table

Bet Type	Numbers Covered	Typical Payout
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 reflect the table’s odds before accounting for the house edge created by the zero pockets.

Why the House Edge Is Higher — The Math Behind 5.26%

American Roulette’s house edge is 5.26%. That figure comes from the two green pockets, 0 and 00, which are neither red nor black, odd nor even, and aren’t part of the regular dozens or columns. Because those pockets cause more losing outcomes for standard bets, the expected return to the player is lower than in single-zero variants. By comparison, European Roulette, with one zero, typically has a house edge around 2.7%.

Practical Strategy Tips for American Roulette

Understand the odds before you bet, and pick bets that match your risk tolerance.
Use outside bets for lower volatility and more frequent wins.
Manage your bankroll with session limits and single-bet caps to avoid big swings.
Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; roulette is a game of chance.
Treat bonuses and offers with care, and read the terms and conditions before accepting them.

American Roulette Versus European Roulette — Clear Differences

Number of pockets: American has 38 pockets, including 0 and 00; European usually has 37, with only a single zero.
House edge: American is about 5.26%; European is about 2.7%.
Regional popularity: American Roulette is common in many United States casinos, while European variants dominate in parts of Europe and single-zero tables appear online as well.

Choose the version that fits your comfort level with risk and desired payout structure.

Online American Roulette or Live Dealer — Which Should You Pick?

Online American Roulette comes in two main forms:

RNG roulette: the wheel is simulated by a random-number generator, ideal for fast play, autoplay features, and mobile sessions.
Live dealer roulette: streamed from real studios or land-based venues, with a human dealer, real wheel spins, and chat interaction for a more social experience.

Both formats follow the same rules and payout structures. Live dealer games add the atmosphere of a real casino, while RNG games often offer more variants and quicker rounds.

Top Providers That Supply American Roulette

Leading software developers offering high-quality American Roulette titles include:

Evolution
Playtech
Pragmatic Play Live
NetEnt
Ezugi

These providers power both RNG and live dealer tables, with polished interfaces, responsive mobile play, and reliable randomization or certified live streaming.

Mobile American Roulette — Play on the Go

American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with responsive layouts, touch controls, and quick loading times. Whether you prefer the speed of RNG spin sessions or the social feel of live dealer tables, look for games that support portrait and landscape modes, and offer clear bet history and quick bet features.

Responsible Play and Limits

Set deposit, loss, and time limits before you start. Use self-exclusion and cooling-off tools if play becomes risky. Keep stakes within your entertainment budget, and remember that past spins have no effect on future outcomes. If you need help, consult licensed support services and review the casino’s terms and conditions for safety tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

American Roulette is a roulette variant with 38 pockets, including single zero (0) and double zero (00), which affects payouts and odds.

The main difference is the number of zero pockets: American has 0 and 00, increasing the house edge to about 5.26%, while European typically has a single zero and a lower house edge.

The double zero pocket adds extra losing outcomes for many bets, reducing the player’s expected return and raising the house advantage to about 5.26%.

No bet guarantees success. For lower volatility, outside bets like Red/Black, Odd/Even, or High/Low are preferred because they cover more numbers and pay 1:1.

Yes, licensed online casinos offer both RNG and live dealer American Roulette for real-money play. Always check licensing, payout speed, and terms and conditions before depositing.

When played at licensed casinos and with audited game providers, roulette outcomes are fair. RNG games are independently tested for randomness, and live dealer streams use real wheels subject to regulatory oversight.

Inside bets cover fewer numbers and offer higher payouts, like 35:1 for a straight-up. Outside bets cover larger groups and offer lower payouts, like 1:1 for Red/Black.

No strategy can eliminate the built-in house edge from the double zero. Sound bankroll management and choosing lower-variance bets can make your sessions last longer, but outcomes remain random.

Whether you’re new to the table or returning after a break, American Roulette is straightforward to learn, and knowing the wheel layout and odds helps you make smarter betting choices. Play within your limits, check the rules, and enjoy the variety of game formats available online and in licensed casinos.

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