American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most played casino table games in the United States, built around a spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and a simple goal: predict exactly where the ball will land. It’s easy to learn, quick to play, and packed with betting options—from low-variance even-money picks to high-paying number shots.

The standout difference versus other roulette variants is the wheel itself. American Roulette includes two green pockets: 0 and 00, which changes the math, the odds, and the house edge compared to single-zero games.

If you want a quick overview of rules, bets, and payouts in one place, this guide breaks it all down.

What Makes American Roulette Different (And Why It Matters)

American Roulette uses a 38-pocket wheel instead of 37. Those extra green pockets—0 and 00—don’t just add visual flair; they increase the casino’s advantage because they create more losing outcomes for many bets (especially the even-money ones like Red/Black).

European Roulette typically has only one green pocket (0). That single design change is the key reason American Roulette carries a higher house edge.

Roulette’s European Roots—and How the American Wheel Changed

Roulette traces its origins to Europe, where the game developed into the classic single-zero format that became popular in casinos across France and beyond. When roulette reached the United States, the wheel evolved into what players now recognize as American Roulette.

The biggest shift was the addition of the double zero (00). Over time, this format became a standard in many U.S. casinos, shaping how American players learned the game and why the American version remains widely available both on casino floors and online.

Wheel Breakdown: The American Roulette Layout at a Glance

An American Roulette wheel features 38 pockets total, made up of:

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

The numbers 1–36 alternate red and black around the wheel (with specific placements fixed by the wheel design). The 0 and 00 pockets are colored green, standing apart visually—and statistically—because they’re not included in the red/black, odd/even, or high/low groups.

Table Layout: Where Bets Happen and How Chips Land

The American Roulette table has a betting grid that mirrors the number set:

• A main grid for 1–36 , arranged in three columns and twelve rows
• Separate areas for 0 and 00
• Additional betting zones for outside bets such as Red/Black , Odd/Even , 1–18/19–36 , Dozens , and Columns

Players place chips directly on the grid to indicate the type of bet. A chip on a single number is different from a chip placed on a line between numbers, or on a large outside-bet box. The placement is the instruction—no extra explanation needed once you know the map.

How to Play American Roulette in 5 Simple Moves

Gameplay is straightforward and repeats quickly round after round.

Want to see the full game format and bets in one spot? Visit our American Roulette page for quick access.

Inside Bets: Bigger Payout Potential, More Variance

Inside bets focus on specific numbers or tight clusters. They can pay more, but they hit less often.

A Straight Up bet is placed on a single number (including 0 or 00). A Split covers two adjacent numbers by placing the chip on the line between them. A Street covers three numbers in a row at the end of the grid. A Corner covers four numbers that meet at a corner. A Six Line covers two adjacent streets (six numbers total) by placing a chip on the outer line between them.

These bets are popular when you’re chasing higher payouts and don’t mind swings in short-term results.

Outside Bets: More Coverage, More Frequent Wins

Outside bets cover large groups of numbers and are often where beginners start because they’re easier to track and hit more often.

Common outside options include Red or Black, Odd or Even, and High (19–36) or Low (1–18)—each covering 18 numbers (but note that 0 and 00 still cause losses). Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time (1–12, 13–24, 25–36), and Columns cover 12 numbers running down one of the three vertical columns on the grid.

Outside bets won’t deliver the biggest single-hit payouts, but they can help stretch a bankroll and keep you in the action longer.

American Roulette Payout Table (Typical Casino Odds)

Here’s what you can generally expect for standard bets:

Payouts are usually expressed as “to 1” (profit), and most wins also return your original stake.

The House Edge in American Roulette: The 00 Effect

American Roulette carries a house edge of 5.26%, and the reason is simple: the double zero increases the number of outcomes that don’t belong to any of the common even-money groups.

For comparison, European Roulette (single zero) has a house edge of about 2.7%. That difference may not feel huge in one spin, but across long sessions it meaningfully changes expected results.

Smart Strategy Tips for American Roulette (Beginner-Friendly)

American Roulette is still a game of chance—no pattern, spin history, or “hot number” can change the next outcome—but you can make choices that keep your play controlled and enjoyable.

Start by understanding the true odds and payouts before putting money down, especially on inside bets. Many new players like outside bets early on because they reduce variance and help bankroll last longer. Decide on a session budget, size your bets consistently, and don’t chase losses with oversized jumps.

Be cautious with betting systems that claim guaranteed profit. Martingale-style progressions can feel powerful until a long streak appears and the required bet size outpaces your bankroll or table limits. Roulette can be exciting, but it doesn’t offer risk-free edges.

American vs European Roulette: The Key Differences That Change Everything

American Roulette and European Roulette play similarly, but three differences matter most:

American Roulette has 38 pockets (0 and 00), while European Roulette has 37 pockets (single 0). That extra pocket is why American Roulette has a higher house edge (5.26%) than European Roulette (about 2.7%). Availability also differs: American Roulette is more common in U.S. casinos, while European Roulette is more common across European casinos and many international online lobbies.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Tables: Two Ways to Play

Online American Roulette typically comes in two formats.

RNG roulette uses a certified random number generator to determine outcomes instantly, which can be ideal if you want quick rounds, flexible bet sizing, and smooth mobile play.

Live dealer roulette streams real tables from professional studios. You see the wheel spin on camera, interact with the dealer via chat in many games, and get a more authentic casino atmosphere from anywhere you can log in.

Top Software Studios Powering American Roulette Online

Many of the biggest online roulette titles come from established providers known for polished interfaces, reliable streaming, and varied table limits. Major names offering American Roulette options include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi.

Game availability varies by casino and region, so you may see different table stakes, camera angles, and side features depending on the platform.

Mobile American Roulette: Built for Phones and Tablets

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for mobile play, with responsive betting grids designed for tapping and quick chip placement. Whether you prefer RNG tables for speed or live dealer rooms for the real-table vibe, mobile versions are typically designed to run smoothly on both smartphones and tablets—so you can play a few rounds whenever you have a moment.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun, Keep It Controlled

Set a budget before you play and stick to it. Use deposit limits, time reminders, and cool-off tools if they’re available, and avoid playing when you’re feeling pressured to win money back. Roulette is entertainment first—keeping clear limits is what makes it sustainable.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette keeps the rules simple while offering plenty of ways to play—whether you’re sticking to even-money coverage, mixing dozens and columns, or taking a shot at single-number payouts. The key is knowing the 0 and 00 are always in play, then choosing bets that match your comfort level and budget.