American Roulette

American Roulette is the version of roulette most closely tied to US casinos. It looks similar to other roulette games at first glance, but one rule change makes a big difference: the wheel has two green pockets, 0 and 00.

That extra green pocket gives the casino a bigger built-in advantage than European Roulette. For players, that means understanding the layout, the bet types, and the odds matters before putting chips on the table or loading up an online game.

A Quick Look at Roulette’s European Roots

Roulette began in Europe, with early forms of the game taking shape in France during the 18th century. The spinning wheel, numbered pockets, and betting grid gradually developed into the roulette format players know today.

When roulette made its way to the United States, casinos adapted the game by adding a double zero pocket. That change created American Roulette, a version that became standard in many land-based US casinos and later carried over into online casino lobbies.

The Wheel Feature That Changes Everything

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

The numbered pockets 1 to 36 are split between red and black, while 0 and 00 are green. The red and black numbers alternate around the wheel, creating the familiar roulette pattern players recognize right away.

That two-zero setup is the defining feature of American Roulette. European Roulette has only 37 pockets because it includes just one green zero, and that difference directly affects the house edge.

How the American Roulette Table Is Set Up

The table layout is separate from the wheel, but it mirrors all the betting options available in the game. In the main numbered grid, you’ll see 1 through 36 arranged in three vertical columns and 12 horizontal rows.

Above or beside that grid, depending on the table design, you’ll also find spaces for 0 and 00. Around the outside of the number layout are the larger group bets, including red or black, odd or even, high or low, dozens, and columns.

Players place chips directly on the betting areas tied to the outcomes they want. A chip placed on a single number means a straight-up bet, while a chip placed on a line or the edge between numbers can cover multiple outcomes.

How to Play American Roulette Without Overthinking It

The basic flow of American Roulette is simple. First, you choose your chip value based on the table limits and your bankroll.

Next, you place your bets on the table before the dealer calls that betting is closed. After that, 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. Once the winning number is confirmed, all successful bets are paid according to the roulette payout table, and the next round begins.

Inside Bets That Offer Bigger Payouts

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small number groups within the main betting grid. These bets carry higher payouts because they are harder to hit.

A straight-up bet covers one number and pays 35: 1. This is the most direct bet on the table.

A split bet covers two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. It typically pays 17: 1.

A street covers three numbers in a horizontal row, such as 1, 2, and 3. It pays 11: 1.

A corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one point on the grid, such as 1, 2, 4, and 5. It pays 8: 1.

A six-line bet covers two adjacent rows, for a total of six numbers. It pays 5: 1.

Outside Bets That Trade Payout for Better Hit Rate

Outside bets cover much larger sections of the table. They usually pay less than inside bets, but they land more often.

Red or black covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. Odd or even works the same way, also covering 18 numbers for a 1: 1 payout.

High or low is another even-money option. Low covers 1 to 18, and high covers 19 to 36.

Dozens cover 12 numbers each. You can bet on 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36, and these bets pay 2: 1.

Columns also cover 12 numbers each and pay 2: 1. Each column runs vertically down the betting grid.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

Here is the standard payout structure players can expect in American Roulette:

• 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: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Red or Black: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• Odd or Even: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• High or Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1

Payouts are standard across most casino and online versions, though table rules can vary slightly in specialty games. It is always smart to check the help file or game rules before betting real money.

The House Edge You Should Know Before You Bet

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

Because most even-money bets lose if the ball lands on either green pocket, the casino gets more mathematical protection than it does in European Roulette. By comparison, European Roulette has a 2.7% house edge because it uses only one zero.

That gap may not sound huge at first, but over time it matters. Players who want better odds usually prefer European Roulette for that reason alone.

Smart Strategy Tips for New American Roulette Players

The best starting point is understanding that roulette is a game of chance. No betting pattern can change the built-in odds of the wheel.

Beginners often do better sticking with outside bets like red or black, odd or even, and high or low. These bets do not pay as much, but they can help smooth out bankroll swings.

Bankroll management also matters. Set a spending limit before you play, decide how much each bet will be, and avoid chasing losses if a session goes sideways.

It is also wise to be skeptical of systems that claim guaranteed profits. Martingale, Fibonacci, and similar approaches may sound appealing, but they do not remove the house edge, and they can lead to larger losses during cold stretches.

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, the 00, pushes the house edge in American Roulette to 5.26%, compared with 2.7% in European Roulette. From a player’s perspective, European Roulette is generally the more favorable option.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette has long been common in US casinos, while European Roulette is more common in Europe and in many online casino libraries. Today, both versions are easy to find online, often side by side.

Online American Roulette or Live Dealer? Here’s the Real Difference

Players can choose between standard online American Roulette and live dealer American Roulette. The standard version uses a random number generator, or RNG, to determine results.

Live dealer roulette is streamed from a real studio with an actual wheel, dealer, and table. That version tends to feel closer to a traditional casino experience, especially for players who like real-time action and a more social setting.

Many online casinos carry both formats. If you are comparing casino options, you may also want to look at games and provider variety in brands such as AllStar Casino, which lists live dealer content from providers including Evolution Gaming.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers produce American Roulette titles for online casinos. Evolution is one of the biggest names in live dealer roulette, with polished studio games and multiple camera angles.

Playtech has long been a major roulette supplier as well, especially in live casino and classic digital table games. Pragmatic Play Live and Ezugi also offer live dealer roulette products aimed at players who want a real-table feel on desktop and mobile.

NetEnt is another recognizable name in RNG table games. While some casino brands focus more heavily on slots, broader libraries can still matter when browsing a casino review such as Royal Sea Casino for software depth.

Mobile American Roulette Keeps the Game Within Reach

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. That includes both instant-play browser titles and app-based casino platforms.

On mobile, players can still place inside and outside bets, adjust chip values, and switch between portrait or landscape mode depending on the game design. Live dealer versions also tend to stream well on mobile connections, though a stable internet signal helps.

Some casinos focus on flexible payment options and mobile-friendly access, which is often useful for players comparing brands like SunnySpins Casino before choosing where to play.

A Responsible Gambling Reminder That Matters

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make guaranteed money. Set deposit and time limits, play within a budget you can afford to lose, and take breaks when needed.

If gambling stops being fun, it is a good idea to step back. Responsible play is always the smartest move.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette

American Roulette remains one of the most recognizable casino games in the US. Its simple rules, iconic wheel, and wide mix of betting options make it easy to pick up, but the 0 and 00 are the details that shape the odds every player should know.