American Roulette

American Roulette is the US version of the classic casino wheel game, and its defining feature is simple but important: it has two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra double-zero changes the math, raises the house edge, and makes American Roulette different from European and French roulette.

You will find American Roulette in many land-based casinos across the United States, and it is also a standard option at many online casinos and live dealer platforms. If you are comparing roulette versions before playing, understanding that extra green pocket is the first thing to know.

What Makes American Roulette Different

American Roulette uses a wheel with 38 pockets in total. Those pockets include numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero and a double zero. The numbered pockets alternate between red and black, while both 0 and 00 are green.

That two-zero setup is the main reason American Roulette is less favorable to players than European Roulette. European Roulette has only 37 pockets because it includes just one green zero, which lowers the house edge.

From Europe to the US: How American Roulette Took Shape

Roulette began in Europe, with roots tracing back to France in the 18th century. Over time, the game became a casino staple, especially in France and other parts of Europe, where the single-zero wheel became the standard format.

When roulette reached the United States, the game changed. Casino operators added the double-zero pocket, creating the American wheel that is still common today. That extra pocket increased the casino advantage, which is why American Roulette carries a higher house edge than its European counterpart.

Inside the Wheel: American Roulette Layout Explained

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets:

• 1 through 36
• 0
• 00

The numbered pockets are split evenly between red and black, with 18 red numbers and 18 black numbers. The 0 and 00 pockets are green and do not count as red, black, odd, even, high, or low.

The wheel order is not numerical. Instead, the numbers are arranged in a fixed sequence designed to spread values and colors around the wheel. For players, the important part is not memorizing the sequence, but understanding that every spin is independent and random.

How the Table Grid Works

The American Roulette table has a betting grid that mirrors the numbered layout players use to place wagers. Numbers 1 to 36 appear in rows, and the zero spaces, including 0 and 00, sit at the top of the layout.

Players put chips directly on numbers, on lines between numbers, or in larger marked sections for broader bets like red or black, odd or even, and dozens. Where the chip lands determines the bet type and how many numbers it covers.

This setup allows for both precise bets with bigger payouts and wider bets with better odds of landing a win.

How to Play American Roulette Without Confusion

Playing American Roulette is straightforward once you know the sequence.

First, choose your chip value at the table or online interface. Then place your bet or bets on the layout before betting closes.

After that, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction. Once the ball drops into a pocket, the winning number and color are announced.

Any successful bets are then paid according to the payout table. If your number or betting group does not hit, that stake is lost, and the next round begins.

The Most Common American Roulette Bets

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

Inside Bets

A Straight Up bet is placed on a single number. It covers 1 number and typically pays 35: 1.

A Split bet is placed on the line between 2 adjacent numbers. It covers 2 numbers and usually pays 17: 1.

A Street bet is placed at the end of a row of 3 numbers. It covers 3 numbers and pays 11: 1.

A Corner bet goes on the intersection of 4 numbers. It covers 4 numbers and pays 8: 1.

A Six Line bet is placed on the line between 2 adjacent rows. It covers 6 numbers and pays 5: 1.

Outside Bets

Red or Black covers all 18 red numbers or all 18 black numbers. It pays 1: 1.

Odd or Even covers 18 odd or 18 even numbers, excluding 0 and 00. It pays 1: 1.

High or Low covers 1 to 18 or 19 to 36. It also pays 1: 1.

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

Columns cover one full vertical column of 12 numbers. They also pay 2: 1.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

• 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 shown here are standard returns in most online and casino versions of American Roulette. The stake is usually returned in addition to the listed winnings on successful bets.

The Key Number to Know: House Edge

The house edge in American Roulette is 5.26%. That figure comes directly from the wheel’s 38-pocket design and, more specifically, the presence of both 0 and 00.

By comparison, European Roulette has a house edge of 2.70% because it uses only one zero. In practical terms, that means American Roulette generally costs more to play over time, even though the betting options look very similar.

Smart Strategy Tips for New Players

The best starting point is understanding the odds and payouts before you place any money on the table. A Straight Up bet offers a large payout, but it also has a low chance of hitting on any given spin.

Outside bets are often a better fit for beginners because they win more often, even though they pay less. Red or black, odd or even, and high or low can help stretch a bankroll longer than chasing single-number hits.

Bankroll management matters just as much as bet selection. Set a budget before you play, decide how much you are comfortable losing, and avoid increasing stakes just to recover losses.

It is also smart to be skeptical of systems that claim to beat roulette. Martingale-style progressions and similar approaches do not remove the house edge. Roulette is a game of chance, and no betting pattern can guarantee a profit.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Matter

American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37. The American version includes both 0 and 00, while the European version has only a single zero.

That one extra pocket creates the biggest gameplay difference: house edge. American Roulette sits at 5.26%, while European Roulette comes in at 2.70%.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette is more common in US casinos, while European Roulette is widely favored in Europe and by players looking for better odds online. If you want the lower-edge option, European Roulette usually wins that comparison.

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

Online American Roulette usually comes in two main formats. The first is RNG roulette, where a random number generator determines the result. These games are fast, convenient, and easy to play on desktop or mobile.

The second is live dealer roulette, where a real dealer spins a real wheel in a studio streamed to your screen. Live dealer games offer a more authentic casino feel and are popular with players who want a social, table-style experience from home.

If you are browsing casino options, you may also want to compare game libraries and payment support at brands such as CrownPokies Casino and Godz Casino, both of which list broad software selections and live casino content from major providers.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

Several major developers offer strong American Roulette titles online. Evolution is one of the biggest names in live dealer roulette and is especially well known for studio-based table games.

Playtech remains a major player in both RNG and live casino content. Pragmatic Play Live has expanded its live table lineup, while NetEnt is a familiar name for polished digital casino games.

Ezugi is another recognized provider in the live dealer space, particularly for players who want straightforward roulette tables with real-time streaming. The best option often comes down to whether you prefer a simple digital interface or a live studio presentation.

Mobile American Roulette Keeps the Game Within Reach

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. That includes both standard RNG titles and live dealer versions built to run smoothly on mobile browsers and apps.

Mobile play usually includes touch-friendly betting controls, responsive layouts, and secure cashier access. As long as you have a stable internet connection, placing bets from your phone is usually just as easy as playing on a desktop.

A Quick Reminder About Responsible Play

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Set deposit and time limits before you start, and take breaks if play stops being fun.

If you ever feel pressure to chase losses, it is a good time to step back. Responsible gambling tools, including limits and self-exclusion options, are available at many licensed operators.

American Roulette FAQ