American Roulette

American Roulette is a casino table game built around a spinning wheel, a small ball, and a range of betting options. Players wager on where the ball will land after the dealer spins the wheel. You can bet on a single number, a color, whether the result will be odd or even, or several other number groupings.

What makes American Roulette different from other roulette versions is one major feature: it has two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra green pocket increases the house edge and changes the odds compared with European Roulette, which uses only one zero.

From Europe to American Casino Floors

Roulette began in Europe, with versions of the game developing in France during the 18th century. Over time, the wheel became a staple in casinos across the continent, especially in France and later Monaco.

When roulette reached the United States, casinos adopted a modified version of the game that added the double zero. That change created what is now known as American Roulette. Today, it remains a standard option in many brick-and-mortar casinos across the US, and it is also widely available online.

The American Roulette Wheel That Changes the Odds

The American Roulette wheel has 38 total pockets. Those pockets include numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0) and a double zero (00).

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 are split between red and black, alternating around the wheel in a set sequence. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, and they are the reason American Roulette carries a higher house edge than single-zero versions.

Because there are 38 possible outcomes, every bet is priced around that full wheel. Even if a wager covers many numbers, the 0 and 00 can still spoil bets that would otherwise look favorable.

How the American Roulette Table Works

The table layout is designed to match the betting options available in the game. In the center, you will see a grid with numbers 1 through 36 arranged in three columns. The 0 and 00 appear at the top of the grid.

Players place chips directly on the number layout or on marked betting areas around it. A chip placed on a single number is a straight-up bet. A chip placed on the line between two numbers is a split bet. Outside betting boxes let you choose broader wagers such as red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns.

In many casinos, roulette chips are color-coded by player at the table. That helps the dealer identify whose chips belong to whom until the bets are settled.

How to Play American Roulette

Inside Bets With Bigger Payout Potential

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small clusters of numbers on the grid. These wagers offer higher payouts, but they hit less often.

A Straight Up bet covers 1 number and pays 35:1. This is the most direct roulette bet, and it wins only if the ball lands on that exact number.

A Split bet covers 2 numbers and pays 17:1. You place the chip on the line between two adjacent numbers.

A Street bet covers 3 numbers in a horizontal row and pays 11:1. You place the chip on the outer edge of that row.

A Corner bet covers 4 numbers and pays 8:1. The chip goes on the corner where those four numbers meet.

A Six Line bet covers 6 numbers across two adjacent rows and pays 5:1. The chip is placed on the line at the edge shared by those two rows.

Outside Bets That Hit More Often

Outside bets cover larger sections of the wheel. 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 also covers 18 numbers and pays 1:1. High or Low, sometimes called 19–36 or 1–18, covers 18 numbers and pays 1:1.

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

Columns also cover 12 numbers and pay 2:1. These bets follow the three vertical columns shown on the table layout.

If you like lower-volatility casino play, you may also want to compare roulette with games such as online blackjack, where strategy has a bigger impact on outcomes.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

These are standard payouts in American Roulette. The payouts stay the same whether you play in a casino, at an online RNG table, or through a live dealer game, although house rules can vary slightly by operator.

The 5.26% House Edge You Need to Know

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

On a wheel with 38 pockets, a straight-up bet wins 35:1, even though the true odds are 37 to 1 against. That difference creates the casino advantage. By comparison, European Roulette uses 37 pockets and has a house edge of about 2.70%.

That gap matters over time. If you are choosing between American and European Roulette, the European version gives players better value on the same basic bet types.

Smart American Roulette Tips for Beginners

The best first step is understanding what each bet covers and what it pays. A bet with a larger payout usually has a lower chance of winning, while a lower-paying bet often lands more often.

Outside bets can be a practical starting point for beginners because they are easier to follow and come with lower volatility. They will not remove the house edge, but they may help your bankroll last longer.

Bankroll management also matters. Set a budget before you play, decide how much you are willing to risk, and avoid increasing bets just because you had a loss.

It is also wise to ignore systems that claim guaranteed profits. No betting pattern can overcome the built-in house edge in a game of chance. Roulette outcomes are independent spins, whether you are betting on red, black, or a favorite number.

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 extra 00 pocket raises the American Roulette house edge to 5.26%, compared with 2.70% in European Roulette. Aside from that, the games look very similar and use many of the same bets.

American Roulette is more common in US casinos, while European Roulette is more common in European casinos and many online platforms. If you are playing in the US market, you will often see both versions offered side by side.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Tables

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats. The first is RNG roulette, where software generates the outcome. This version is fast, easy to access, and often includes features like quick re-bet options and autoplay where allowed.

The second is live dealer roulette, which is streamed from a real studio or casino floor. A live host spins a physical wheel, and players place bets through a digital interface. Many players prefer live dealer games because they recreate the atmosphere of a casino table while still being easy to access from home.

If you also enjoy wagering on sports, it is worth noting that many operators now combine casino products with sportsbooks under one account.

Top Software Providers for American Roulette

Several major game studios offer American Roulette for US-facing audiences. Evolution is one of the best-known names in live dealer roulette, with polished studio production and a wide range of table limits.

Playtech also offers strong roulette products, including live dealer titles used by many operators. Pragmatic Play Live has become a major player in the live casino space, especially on mobile-friendly platforms.

NetEnt is well known for RNG table games and slots, while Ezugi remains a recognizable name in live dealer content. Game availability depends on the casino, the state, and local regulations.

Mobile American Roulette on Phones and Tablets

American Roulette games are built to work smoothly on smartphones and tablets. Most modern casino sites and apps support touch controls, portrait or landscape play, and quick chip selection for smaller screens.

That means you can play RNG roulette or live dealer tables on the go, provided online casino gambling is legal in your state. Performance will vary based on your device and internet connection, but most leading platforms are optimized for mobile use.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Set deposit, time, and loss limits before you start, and stick to them.

If the game stops being fun, take a break. If gambling is causing stress or financial problems, seek help through responsible gambling resources available in your state.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette remains one of the most recognizable casino games in the US because it is simple to learn, quick to play, and packed with betting variety. Just remember that the 0 and 00 are what define the game, and they are also what make the odds tougher than European Roulette.