American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most recognizable casino classics, and it’s the version you’ll see most often at casinos across the United States. It follows the familiar roulette formula—place your bets, watch the wheel spin, and hope the ball drops your way—but it comes with one key twist that changes the math.

The biggest difference between American Roulette and other roulette variants is the wheel itself: American Roulette has two green pockets, “0” and “00.” That extra pocket nudges the odds in the casino’s favor, which is why many players compare versions before they put their money on the felt.

What Makes American Roulette Different (And Why It Matters)

At a glance, roulette wheels look nearly identical, but American Roulette stands out because it has two green zero pockets. European Roulette typically has only one green “0,” while French Roulette also uses a single zero and may include extra table rules.

That second green pocket (“00”) is the real headline. It slightly lowers the probability of hitting any specific bet, which raises the house edge. If you’re choosing between roulette variants online, this is the detail you want clarity on before you start stacking chips.

The Surprising History of Roulette (From Europe to America)

Roulette’s roots trace back to Europe, where early versions of the spinning wheel game developed over time into the roulette format players recognize today. As roulette spread and evolved, different regions introduced their own wheel layouts and table traditions.

When roulette reached the United States, the wheel design shifted into what we now call American Roulette—most notably by adding the “00” pocket. That change helped casinos increase their advantage, and the double-zero wheel became the dominant standard in many American gambling venues.

American Roulette Wheel Layout: The 38-Pocket Breakdown

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

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

The numbers 1 through 36 alternate red and black around the wheel (with a specific order that’s standardized for American wheels). The “0” and “00” pockets are green, and they’re the only green slots on the wheel—easy to spot, and very important to your odds.

American Roulette Table Layout: How the Betting Grid Works

The roulette table is basically a betting map. The main grid shows numbers 1 through 36 in rows and columns, plus sections around the outside for broader bets like red or black, odd or even, and high or low.

You place chips directly on the area that matches the bet you want:

• On a single number for a straight-up bet
• On the line between two numbers for a split
• On the edge of a row for a street
• In the corner where four numbers meet for a corner bet
• On outside boxes for even-money and group bets

Once bets are placed, the dealer confirms “no more bets,” spins the wheel, and the outcome decides which areas win.

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

Inside Bets: Bigger Payouts, Higher Variance

Inside bets cover specific numbers or small clusters on the number grid. These are the “swingy” bets: you’ll hit less often, but the payouts are larger when you do.

Straight Up (1 number) Bet on a single number (including 0 or 00). This is the classic “pick your lucky number” wager.

Split (2 numbers) Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing your chip on the line between them.

Street (3 numbers) Bet on three numbers in a horizontal row by placing your chip on the outer edge of that row.

Corner (4 numbers) Bet on four numbers that meet at one corner by placing your chip at the intersection.

Six Line (6 numbers) Bet on two adjacent streets (six numbers total) by placing your chip on the line between the two rows.

Outside Bets: More Momentum, Smoother Swings

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, so they tend to hit more often. They won’t pay as much, but many beginners like them because the bankroll swings feel more balanced.

Red or Black (18 numbers) Bet that the ball lands on any red pocket or any black pocket (green loses).

Odd or Even (18 numbers) Bet that the result is an odd or even number (again, green loses).

High or Low (18 numbers) Low covers 1–18, and high covers 19–36.

Dozens (12 numbers) Bet on 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36.

Columns (12 numbers) Bet on one of the three vertical columns on the grid.

American Roulette Payout Table (Quick Reference)

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

These payouts are standard across most regulated online casinos and land-based tables, which makes it easy to switch between platforms without relearning the basics.

House Edge in American Roulette: The Real Cost of the “00”

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%, and it’s mainly caused by the extra green pocket. With 38 total pockets, your bets are competing against more outcomes than on a single-zero wheel.

For comparison, European Roulette (with 37 pockets and only one green zero) has a house edge of about 2.7%. That difference adds up over time, especially if you play longer sessions or bet higher limits.

Smart American Roulette Strategy Tips That Actually Help

There’s no way to control where the ball lands—roulette is a game of chance—so the goal is to play with clarity and protect your bankroll while you enjoy the ride.

A few practical tips that hold up:

• Know the odds before you bet. Bigger payouts usually mean lower hit frequency.
• Lean on outside bets if you want lower volatility. Even-money bets can keep your session steadier, even though the house edge stays the same.
• Set a bankroll and stick to it. Decide your session budget ahead of time, and consider using smaller bet sizes to extend play.
• Skip “guaranteed win” systems. Progressions can create the illusion of control, but they don’t change the math, and they can ramp losses quickly.

If you want a smoother learning curve, start with small outside bets, then mix in inside bets once you’re comfortable with the table layout and pacing.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: Side-by-Side Differences

If you’re comparing roulette variants, these are the differences players care about most:

• Number of pockets: American has 38 (0 and 00); European has 37 (0 only).
• House edge: American is 5.26%; European is about 2.7%.
• Where it’s most popular: American Roulette is widely featured in casinos across the United States, while European Roulette is more common in European venues and is also widely offered online.

If your main goal is better odds, European Roulette is usually the stronger pick. If you want the classic double-zero experience, American Roulette delivers the authentic layout many players grew up seeing.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette: Two Ways to Spin

Online American Roulette typically comes in two formats:

RNG roulette (digital) uses a random number generator to produce outcomes. It’s fast, consistent, and great if you like quick spins and easy autoplay-style pacing. If you’re browsing options at an online casino hub like online roulette, you’ll usually see multiple wheel themes and betting limits.

Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel from a professional studio, with a live dealer taking bets in real time. It’s a more social, “real table” vibe, and it slows the pace in a good way for many players—especially if you like watching the physical ball and wheel.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette Games

If you’re playing online, the provider behind the game matters for stability, visual quality, and live dealer production value. Some of the biggest names offering American Roulette include:

Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi.

You’ll often find multiple versions from these studios, including standard American Roulette, VIP-style live tables, and tables with different betting limits.

Mobile American Roulette: Built for Phones and Tablets

Most regulated online casinos offer American Roulette that’s optimized for mobile play, meaning you can place bets comfortably on a touchscreen without pinching and zooming. The layout usually includes quick-bet buttons, clean chip controls, and easy access to game history.

If you like playing on the go, look for casinos that offer smooth in-browser play or a dedicated app, plus fast cashier options for deposits and withdrawals.

Responsible Gambling Reminder: Keep It Fun, Keep It Balanced

Roulette should feel like entertainment, not pressure. Set a budget before you play, consider using deposit limits or session timers, and take breaks when the game stops feeling fun. If you ever feel like you’re chasing losses, that’s a good moment to pause and reset.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette