American Roulette

American Roulette is the US version of roulette, the classic casino table game built around a spinning wheel and a small ball. Players bet on where the ball will land, choosing anything from a single number to broader options like red or black, odd or even, or a group of 12 numbers.

What sets American Roulette apart is one important detail: the wheel has two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra green slot changes the odds and gives the casino a bigger edge than in European Roulette.

From Europe to American Casinos

Roulette began in Europe, with roots that trace back to France in the 18th century. Over time, the game spread across the continent and became one of the most recognizable table games in gambling history.

When roulette made its way to the United States, casinos adopted a modified wheel with both a single zero and a double zero. That change created what we now know as American Roulette, a version that became a staple in brick-and-mortar casinos across the US and later in online casino lobbies.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel

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

The numbers 1 to 36 are split between red and black pockets, alternating around the wheel in a fixed sequence. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, and they are the reason American Roulette plays differently from other versions.

Because there are 38 possible outcomes, every bet on the table is calculated against that total. That matters a lot when you compare payouts and house edge.

How the American Roulette Table Works

The table layout is where players place their chips before each spin. It includes a numbered grid for 1 through 36, along with spaces for 0 and 00, plus additional betting areas around the outside.

You can place chips directly on a single number, on the line between two numbers, at the corner where four numbers meet, or on larger outside sections like red/black or odd/even. The layout may look busy at first, but once you learn the main bet zones, it becomes easy to follow.

How to Play American Roulette Without the Confusion

Playing American Roulette is simple once you know the basic flow. First, you choose your chip value at the table. In online games, that usually means selecting your stake amount on screen.

Next, you place one or more bets on the betting layout. After betting closes, the dealer spins the wheel and sends the ball in the opposite direction. The ball eventually drops into one of the 38 pockets, and any winning bets are paid based on the posted payout table.

That’s the whole game. There are no skill-based decisions after the bets are placed, which is why roulette is considered a pure game of chance.

The Most Important American Roulette Bets to Know

American Roulette bets are usually split into two categories: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets target specific numbers or small number groups, while outside bets cover larger sections of the layout.

Inside Bets

Inside bets offer bigger payouts, but they hit less often because they cover fewer numbers.

A Straight Up bet is placed on one number and pays 35: 1.

A Split bet covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17: 1.

A Street bet covers three numbers in a horizontal row and pays 11: 1.

A Corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one corner and pays 8: 1.

A Six Line bet covers six numbers across two adjacent rows and pays 5: 1.

Outside Bets

Outside bets pay less, but they give you better chances to land a win on any given spin.

Red or Black covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1.

Odd or Even also covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1.

High or Low covers 18 numbers as well. Low means 1 to 18, and High means 19 to 36. These also pay 1: 1.

Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time - 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36 - and pay 2: 1.

Columns cover 12 numbers in one vertical column and also pay 2: 1.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

Here is the standard payout structure most players will see 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

These payouts are standard, but it’s always smart to check the game rules, especially online.

The House Edge That Changes Everything

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That number comes directly from the extra double-zero pocket.

In European Roulette, there are only 37 pockets because the wheel has just one green zero. That lowers the house edge to 2.7%, which is why many players see European Roulette as the better-value option.

The difference may not seem huge at first glance, but over time it matters. A lower house edge means more favorable long-term odds for the player.

Smart American Roulette Tips for New Players

Before placing any bet, make sure you understand the odds and payouts. A 35: 1 payout on a single number looks appealing, but it also means you are betting on just one outcome out of 38.

For beginners, outside bets can be a more comfortable starting point because they win more often, even though the payouts are smaller. Red/black, odd/even, and high/low are common entry-level choices.

It also helps to set a bankroll before you start. Decide how much money you are comfortable spending, and stick to that amount.

Be careful with betting systems that claim to beat roulette. Strategies like Martingale and similar progressions can change how you stake your bets, but they cannot remove the house edge or guarantee profits. Roulette outcomes are random, and each spin is independent.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

The biggest difference between American Roulette and European Roulette is the number of pockets. American Roulette has 38 pockets, including 0 and 00, while European Roulette has 37 pockets with only a single 0.

That difference creates a higher house edge in American Roulette - 5.26% compared with 2.7% in European Roulette. From a value standpoint, European Roulette is generally the stronger option.

Still, American Roulette remains very popular in US casinos, both online and in person. If you play in the United States, it is one of the roulette versions you are most likely to see.

Online American Roulette or Live Dealer: Which Fits You Best?

Players today can choose between standard online American Roulette and live dealer versions. The standard version uses a random number generator, or RNG, to determine results. These games are fast, simple, and easy to play on desktop or mobile.

Live dealer roulette is streamed from a real studio with an actual wheel, dealer, and table setup. That format feels closer to a real casino floor and is a popular choice for players who want more atmosphere.

If you like quick sessions, RNG roulette may suit you better. If you want a more social and realistic setup, live dealer roulette is worth a look.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers power American Roulette games online. Evolution is one of the biggest names, especially in live dealer roulette. Playtech and Pragmatic Play Live are also major providers with strong live casino catalogs.

NetEnt has long been known for polished digital table games, while Ezugi remains a familiar option in live dealer lobbies. If you are comparing casinos, the software provider can tell you a lot about game quality, streaming performance, and table variety.

You can also find American Roulette alongside other table games at online casinos such as Orion Bet, Windice Casino, and Winzter Casino.

American Roulette on Mobile Is Easier Than Ever

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. That includes both standard RNG titles and many live dealer tables.

On mobile, you can usually tap betting spots, change chip values, and switch between portrait and landscape mode with ease. As long as you have a stable internet connection, the gameplay experience is typically smooth on both iPhone and Android devices.

A Quick Reminder About Responsible Play

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make guaranteed money. Set time and spending limits before you play, and never chase losses.

If the game stops being fun, take a break. Responsible gambling habits matter just as much online as they do in a physical casino.

American Roulette FAQ