American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic casino wheel game where you bet on where a small ball will land after the dealer spins a numbered wheel. It’s simple to learn, quick to play, and packed with betting options—from covering a single number to backing broad outcomes like red/black.

The key difference from other roulette variants is huge: American Roulette has two green pockets—0 and 00. That extra green slot changes the math and makes American Roulette play differently from European-style wheels.

Roulette’s European Roots—and How the American Wheel Was Born

Roulette traces back to Europe, where early versions took shape in France and spread through continental casinos over time. When roulette made its way to the United States, operators adopted a wheel layout that ultimately became American Roulette—most notably by adding the double zero (00) pocket.

That change helped cement the version that became widely recognized across U.S. casinos and, later, online casino lobbies.

The American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Ways to Win (or Miss)

The American Roulette wheel is built with 38 pockets total:

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

Numbers 1–36 are split between red and black, arranged in alternating color patterns around the wheel (not in numerical order). The two zero pockets—0 and 00—are green, standing apart as the defining feature of the American wheel.

The American Roulette Table Layout: Where Bets Get Placed

The table is a betting grid that mirrors the number set and offers multiple zones for different bet types. The main grid shows 1–36 in three columns, with spaces around it for broader bets like dozens, columns, red/black, odd/even, and high/low.

Players place chips directly on:

• a number (or the line between numbers) for tighter “inside” bets, or
• marked outside betting areas for wider coverage.

Your chip position matters—moving it half an inch can change the bet type, so dealers and live tables make placement rules clear.

How to Play American Roulette

Bet Types That Keep Every Spin Interesting

American Roulette bets fall into two main categories: inside bets (smaller coverage, higher payouts) and outside bets (bigger coverage, lower payouts).

Inside Bets: Precision Picks With Bigger Payouts

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups:

Straight Up covers one number and pays 35:1. Split covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17:1. Street covers three numbers in a row and pays 11:1. Corner covers four numbers that meet at a corner and pays 8:1. Six Line covers six numbers across two streets and pays 5:1.

These bets can swing results quickly—great for players who like aiming for higher payouts on fewer covered outcomes.

Outside Bets: Broader Coverage, Steadier Feel

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, so wins hit more often, but payouts are smaller:

Red or Black covers 18 numbers and pays 1:1. Odd or Even covers 18 numbers and pays 1:1. High or Low (1–18 / 19–36) covers 18 numbers and pays 1:1. Dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36) cover 12 numbers and pay 2:1. Columns (one of three columns) cover 12 numbers and pay 2:1.

Outside bets are often where beginners start because it’s easier to track and less volatile per spin.

American Roulette Payout Table: Know What Each Bet Pays

Here are the standard payouts you’ll see in American Roulette:

Payouts are designed so the casino advantage comes from the green pockets—especially that 00.

House Edge in American Roulette: Why 00 Changes Everything

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%, driven by the extra green pocket (00). Because bets are generally paid as if there are 36 numbers plus a single zero, the second zero increases the casino’s long-term advantage across all standard bets.

By comparison, European Roulette (single zero only) sits around 2.7% house edge, which is why many players prefer it when they have the choice.

Strategy Tips That Actually Help New Players

Roulette is simple, but your experience improves fast when you keep a few fundamentals in mind.

Start by understanding the odds and payouts before you place larger inside bets—35:1 looks exciting, but it’s still one pocket out of 38 on an American wheel. If you want lower volatility, lean on outside bets like red/black or high/low while you get comfortable.

Set a budget and manage your bankroll with a stop-loss and a win target so you don’t chase. And be skeptical of betting systems that claim guaranteed results—roulette outcomes are independent, and there’s no fail-proof method. In the end, roulette is a game of chance, and the smartest play is staying in control of your session.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Quick Comparison Players Care About

The two games look similar, but key differences impact value and play style.

American Roulette uses 38 pockets (adds 00) while European Roulette uses 37 pockets (single 0 only). That’s why American Roulette carries a 5.26% house edge, and European Roulette sits around 2.7%. American Roulette is also more common in U.S. casinos, while European Roulette dominates across many European casinos and is widely available online as well.

If you’re choosing purely on math, European Roulette is usually the better deal—but many players still love the pace and familiarity of the American wheel.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer: Two Ways to Play

Online American Roulette typically comes in two formats.

RNG roulette uses a random number generator to produce outcomes instantly—great if you want quick spins, faster sessions, and flexible bet sizes. Live dealer roulette streams real tables from professional studios, with a human dealer spinning a physical wheel in real time. Live games add atmosphere and pacing, plus the feeling of watching the ball settle instead of seeing an instant result.

If you’re browsing variants, you can compare options on our roulette page.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette Games

Several major developers power high-quality American Roulette online, including Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. Provider differences usually show up in interface, camera angles (for live games), table limits, side bets, and extra features like racetrack betting layouts.

Mobile American Roulette: Spin From Your Phone Without Compromise

Modern American Roulette titles are built to run smoothly on smartphones and tablets, with touch-friendly betting grids, clear chip controls, and landscape/portrait optimization. Whether you prefer quick RNG spins or live tables, mobile play typically keeps the same rules, payouts, and core experience—just scaled for smaller screens.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun and Stay in Control

Set a budget before you play, keep sessions time-boxed, and avoid chasing losses. Roulette is most enjoyable when you treat it as entertainment and stick to limits that fit your comfort level.

American Roulette FAQ