American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most popular roulette variants in North America, and it’s easy to spot once you know what to look for. The “big” difference versus other versions is simple but important: American Roulette has two green pockets, “0” and “00,” which changes the odds, the house edge, and the overall feel of the game.

If you’re comparing roulette tables online late at night and wondering which one is the “right” pick, this guide lays it out with clarity, fairness, and no fluff.

American Roulette Explained in Plain English (And Why It’s Different)

American Roulette is a spinning-wheel casino game where you bet on where a small ball will land. You can wager on a single number, a group of numbers, or broader outcomes like red or black.

What makes it “American” is the double zero:

• American Roulette wheel: 0 and 00
• European Roulette wheel: only 0

That extra green pocket bumps the casino’s built-in advantage, so it’s worth understanding before you place your first chip.

The Real History of Roulette - From Europe to American Casinos

Roulette traces back to Europe, where early versions took shape in France and nearby regions. As the game traveled and casinos refined it, the single-zero wheel became the standard in many European gaming halls.

When roulette reached the United States, the wheel evolved into what most players now recognize as American Roulette. The addition of “00” helped casinos increase their edge while keeping the gameplay familiar, fast, and exciting.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel Layout - The 38-Pocket Truth

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

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

The numbers 1-36 are colored red or black in an alternating pattern (with a few sequencing quirks depending on the exact wheel order). The “0” and “00” pockets are green, and they’re the reason American Roulette plays differently from single-zero versions.

American Roulette Table Layout - Where Every Bet Lives

The roulette table is a betting grid that matches the numbers on the wheel. You’ll see:

• A block of numbers from 1 to 36 laid out in rows and columns
• “0” and “00” positioned at the top of the grid
• Outside betting areas around the main grid for broader wagers (red or black, odd or even, dozens, columns, and more)

Players place chips directly on the area that matches the bet. A chip on a single number is a tight, high-paying wager. A chip on red is a broader bet with more frequent (but smaller) wins.

How to Play American Roulette - A Simple Step-by-Step Flow

American Roulette is quick to learn. Here’s the basic rhythm:

1. Choose your chip value (this sets what each of your chips is worth for that round).
2. Place your bets on the table layout before the dealer closes betting.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball settles into a numbered pocket (red, black, or green).
5. Winning bets are paid based on the payout rules, and losing chips are collected.

That’s it - the momentum is part of the fun, but your best move is keeping your bets balanced with your bankroll.

The Bets That Matter Most - Inside Bets vs Outside Bets

Roulette bets fall into two main buckets: inside bets (more precise, higher payouts) and outside bets (broader coverage, lower payouts).

Inside Bets - Higher Payouts, Higher Swings

Inside bets are placed on the numbered grid, targeting specific numbers or small clusters.

Straight Up: Bet on one number. Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing the chip on the line between them. Street: Bet on three numbers in a horizontal row. Corner: Bet on four numbers that meet at a corner intersection. Six Line: Bet on six numbers across two adjacent rows.

Inside bets can pay big, but they also miss more often. If you’re new, it’s usually smarter to keep these as occasional “shots,” not your whole plan.

Outside Bets - Lower Risk, Smoother Balance

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, so they hit more often (but pay less).

Red or Black: Bet on all red or all black numbers. Odd or Even: Bet on all odd or all even numbers. High or Low: Bet on 19-36 (high) or 1-18 (low). Dozens: Bet on 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns.

Outside bets are a popular starting point because they keep the game steady and easier to track, especially on mobile.

American Roulette Payout Table - What Each Bet Typically Pays

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

• Straight Up covers 1 number and pays 35: 1. Example: Bet $10 on 17 wins $350 (plus your $10 back).
• Split covers 2 numbers and pays 17: 1. Example: Bet $10 on 17-20 wins $170 (plus your $10 back).
• Street covers 3 numbers and pays 11: 1. Example: Bet $10 on 1-2-3 wins $110 (plus your $10 back).
• Corner covers 4 numbers and pays 8: 1. Example: Bet $10 on 8-9-11-12 wins $80 (plus your $10 back).
• Six Line covers 6 numbers and pays 5: 1. Example: Bet $10 on 1-6 wins $50 (plus your $10 back).
• Dozens / Columns cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1. Example: Bet $10 on 1st dozen wins $20 (plus your $10 back).
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low cover 18 numbers and pay 1: 1. Example: Bet $10 on red wins $10 (plus your $10 back).

Note: “0” and “00” are not red or black, not odd or even, and not high or low, which is a big part of why the math tilts toward the house.

The House Edge in American Roulette - Why It’s 5.26%

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. The reason is the double zero.

On an American wheel, you’re choosing outcomes from 38 pockets, but many common bets (like red or black) still only cover 18 winning pockets, and “0” and “00” are built-in losses for those wagers.

For comparison, European Roulette usually has a house edge of about 2.7% because it has only one green zero pocket. Fewer green pockets means better odds for the player over time.

Smart American Roulette Strategy Tips (No Fairy Tales, Just Practical Play)

Roulette is a game of chance, not a game you can “solve,” but you can play it in a way that feels more controlled and less stressful.

Start with these beginner-friendly tips:

• Know the odds before you bet - especially the impact of “0” and “00.”
• Use outside bets to reduce volatility and keep your bankroll steady longer.
• Set a session budget and stop-loss, and treat wins as a bonus, not a plan.
• Skip betting systems that claim guaranteed wins - they don’t change the house edge, and they can push you into chasing losses.

If you want a simple approach, try a balanced mix: mostly outside bets for stability, with an occasional small inside bet for excitement.

American Roulette vs European Roulette - The Key Differences That Affect Your Odds

If you’re comparing roulette variants, these are the differences that matter most:

• Number of pockets: American has 38 (includes 0 and 00); European has 37 (only 0).
• House edge: American is 5.26%; European is about 2.7%.
• Popularity: American Roulette is more common in North American casinos, while European Roulette is widespread across Europe and is often the default online option on many platforms.

If your priority is better long-term value, European Roulette usually offers the cleaner math. If your priority is the classic casino vibe many players recognize, American Roulette delivers that familiar tempo.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette - Which One Fits Your Style?

Online roulette typically comes in two formats:

RNG Roulette: The result is generated by a certified random number generator. It’s fast, smooth, and great for quick sessions or low-stakes practice.

Live Dealer Roulette: A real dealer spins a real wheel in a studio, streamed to your device. It’s slower, more social, and closer to the brick-and-mortar experience, especially if you enjoy table chatter and the pacing of real dealing.

Both can be fair when offered by properly licensed, regulated casinos using tested software.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette (The Names Players Trust)

If you’re looking for high-quality American Roulette online, these providers are known for polished gameplay, reliable streaming, and strong game integrity:

• Evolution
• Playtech
• Pragmatic Play Live
• NetEnt
• Ezugi

You’ll often find multiple American Roulette tables under the same provider, so you can compare limits, speed, and camera angles until the flow feels right.

Mobile American Roulette - Spin Anywhere, Bet with Confidence

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. That includes touch-friendly betting grids, clean chip controls, and quick access to re-bet options.

Before you play for real money, take a moment to check table limits, whether the game supports “auto spin,” and how easy it is to view recent results without cluttering the screen.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder (Because Balance Matters)

Roulette should be entertainment, not pressure. Set deposit limits, use time-outs when needed, and never bet money you can’t afford to lose. If the game stops feeling fun, step away, reset, and come back only when you’re in a good headspace.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette