American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic roulette variant most players recognize from United States casino floors. You’ll still get the same core thrill - place your bets, watch the wheel spin, and hope the ball drops your way - but the math shifts slightly compared to other versions.

The key difference is simple and important: American Roulette has two green pockets, “0” and “00.” That extra green slot changes the odds, the house edge, and how you might want to bet.

From European Roots to an American Twist

Roulette’s origins trace back to Europe, where early versions of the wheel evolved into what many players now call European Roulette - a wheel featuring numbers 1 through 36 plus a single green “0.”

After roulette made its way to the United States, the game was adapted into American Roulette by adding the “00” pocket. That one change increased the casino’s advantage, and it became the standard layout in many brick-and-mortar casinos across the country.

The American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Pockets and Two Green Trouble Spots

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

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

The numbers 1-36 are split into red and black pockets in an alternating pattern (with a few sequence quirks depending on wheel arrangement). The “0” and “00” are green, and they’re the reason American Roulette has a higher house edge than European Roulette.

The American Roulette Table Layout: Where Your Chips Actually Go

The roulette table is essentially a betting grid that maps to the wheel’s numbers. Players place chips directly on the felt in specific zones to indicate what they’re betting on.

Inside bets are placed on the numbered grid (individual numbers or small clusters). Outside bets sit around the edges of the grid and cover larger groups like red or black, odd or even, dozens, and columns. In live casinos and live dealer games, the dealer will confirm bets once the “no more bets” call happens.

How to Play American Roulette Step by Step (No Jargon, Just Action)

Here’s the basic flow:

1. Choose your chip value at the table (online, you’ll pick a chip denomination on-screen).
2. Place your bets on the felt - either inside, outside, or a mix.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket (including 0 or 00).
5. Winning bets are paid based on the payout rules for the bet type.

That’s it. Everything else is just deciding how aggressive or balanced you want your bets to be.

Inside Bets: Bigger Payouts, Higher Volatility

Inside bets target specific numbers or tight groups of numbers. They can pay big, but they’ll miss more often - so expect more swings.

Common inside bets include:

Straight Up - bet on a single number. Split - bet on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. Street - bet on a row of three numbers by placing a chip at the end of the row. Corner - bet on four numbers by placing a chip on the intersection of four squares. Six Line - bet on six numbers by placing a chip on the line between two adjacent rows.

Outside Bets: Steadier Momentum With Smaller Wins

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers. They usually pay less, but they hit more often, which many beginners find more comfortable.

Popular outside bets include:

Red or Black - bet on the color of the winning pocket (excluding green). Odd or Even - bet on whether the number is odd or even (excluding green). High or Low - 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). Dozens - 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Columns - one of the three vertical columns on the grid.

American Roulette Payout Table (The One You’ll Actually Use)

• Straight Up: 1 number, 35: 1 payout
• Split: 2 numbers, 17: 1 payout
• Street: 3 numbers, 11: 1 payout
• Corner: 4 numbers, 8: 1 payout
• Six Line: 6 numbers, 5: 1 payout
• Dozens / Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1 payout
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout

Payouts are “to 1,” meaning a 35: 1 win returns $35 profit plus your original stake.

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

American Roulette carries a 5.26% house edge. That edge comes directly from the double zero, which adds an extra losing pocket for most bets.

For comparison, European Roulette (with only a single zero) has a house edge of about 2.70%. If you’re the type of player who values fairness and a little more balance in the long run, that difference matters.

American Roulette Strategy Tips That Keep You Grounded

Roulette is pure chance - there’s no reliable way to predict where the ball will land. Still, you can play smarter and protect your bankroll.

A few practical tips:

Understand the odds before you bet - especially on inside bets, which can drain a budget fast. Use outside bets when you want lower risk and steadier pacing. Manage your bankroll with simple rules, like a fixed session budget and a stop-loss. Avoid betting systems that claim “guaranteed” wins - they can’t change the house edge, and they often encourage chasing losses.

If you treat roulette as entertainment first, your decisions stay clearer, and the experience stays fun.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: What Changes for Players

The differences are straightforward, but they affect everything from value to vibe:

• Number of pockets - American has 38 (includes 0 and 00), European has 37 (only 0).
• House edge - American is 5.26%, European is about 2.70%.
• Popularity - American Roulette is common in United States casinos, while European Roulette is more common across Europe and in many online catalogs.

If you’re comparing versions late at night and wondering which one to play, the simplest answer is: European Roulette usually offers better odds, while American Roulette is the “classic” United States-style experience.

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

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats:

RNG roulette - the outcome is generated by a certified random number generator. It’s fast, private, and great for quick sessions. Live dealer roulette - a real dealer spins a real wheel on camera, streamed from a studio. It feels more like a real casino, with a slower pace and more atmosphere.

If you like speed and convenience, RNG is a strong fit. If you want that “table energy” and human interaction, live dealer can feel more natural.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette (Who Builds the Good Stuff)

When you’re choosing where to play, game providers matter because they shape the interface, speed, camera quality (for live games), and side features.

Some of the most recognized roulette developers include:

• Evolution
• Playtech
• Pragmatic Play Live
• NetEnt
• Ezugi

You’ll often see multiple versions of American Roulette across different lobbies, so it’s worth testing a few to find the layout and pacing you like.

Mobile American Roulette: Built for Phones and Tablets

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with touch-friendly betting grids, quick chip selection, and clean views of the wheel. Whether you prefer RNG play or live dealer streams, mobile roulette is typically smooth as long as you have a stable connection.

If you’re picking a casino specifically for mobile play, prioritize licensed operators with reliable payment options, and easy-to-find responsible gaming tools. For more casino comparisons and bonus info, you can also check the Rekabet review or the Winberry Casino review (use each as a quick reference point for game libraries, support options, and promo structures).

Responsible Gambling Reminder: Keep It Fun, Keep It Balanced

American Roulette is exciting, but it’s still real-money gambling. Set a budget, use deposit limits when available, and take time-outs if you feel your play is getting tense or impulsive. The goal is entertainment, not chasing losses.

American Roulette FAQ