American Roulette

American Roulette is the US version of roulette, the classic casino game built around a spinning wheel and a bouncing ball. Players place bets on where the ball will land, whether that is a single number, a color, or a larger group of numbers.

What makes American Roulette different from other versions is the extra green pocket. Instead of having just one zero, this game uses two green pockets - 0 and 00. That single change has a major impact on the odds and is the main reason American Roulette carries a higher house edge than European Roulette.

From Europe to US Casinos: How American Roulette Took Shape

Roulette began in Europe, with roots commonly linked to France in the 18th century. Over time, the game spread across the continent and became a staple in gambling venues thanks to its simple rules and fast pace.

When roulette reached the United States, casino operators adopted a version with both a single zero and a double zero. That format became known as American Roulette, and it remains the standard version in many brick-and-mortar casinos across the US today. While European Roulette is also available online, the double-zero wheel is still strongly associated with American casino floors.

The American Roulette Wheel That Changes the Odds

An American Roulette wheel has 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 0 and 00 are green. That color setup matters because many popular outside bets are tied to red or black. The presence of the two green pockets is what shifts the odds slightly more in the casino’s favor.

The Table Layout Made Easy

The American Roulette table features a betting grid where players place chips before each spin. The layout includes all the individual numbers from 1 to 36, as well as spaces for 0 and 00.

Around the numbered grid, you will also see betting sections for broader wagers like red or black, odd or even, high or low, dozens, and columns. Players can put chips directly on a number, on the line between numbers, or in special outside betting boxes depending on the kind of wager they want to make.

How to Play American Roulette Without the Confusion

Playing American Roulette is straightforward once you know the basic flow of the game. First, you choose your chip value at the table. In many online versions, that simply means selecting how much you want each chip to be worth.

Next, you place one or more bets on the layout. After betting closes, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction. The ball eventually drops into one of the 38 pockets.

If your bet matches the result, you get paid based on the payout for that wager. If not, the chips are collected, and a new round begins.

Inside Bets With Bigger Payout Potential

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. These bets offer higher payouts, but they are less likely to hit.

A straight up bet covers just one number and pays 35: 1. A split covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17: 1. A street 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 That Keep Things Simpler

Outside bets cover larger sections of the table, so they win more often than inside bets, though the payouts are smaller.

Red or black, odd or even, and high or low each cover 18 numbers and typically pay 1: 1. High means 19 to 36, while low means 1 to 18.

Dozens and columns each cover 12 numbers and usually pay 2: 1. These bets are popular with beginners because they are easy to understand and give you a better chance of landing a win on a given spin.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

• 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
• Dozen: 12 numbers, 2: 1 payout
• Column: 12 numbers, 2: 1 payout
• Red or Black: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout
• Odd or Even: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout
• High or Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout

These payouts are standard for most online and land-based American Roulette games, although it is always smart to check the paytable before you play.

The 5.26% House Edge You Should Know

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

For comparison, European Roulette has only 37 pockets because it uses a single zero. That lowers the house edge to about 2.7%. In simple terms, the extra green pocket in American Roulette gives players slightly worse odds over time.

Smart American Roulette Tips for Beginners

The first step is understanding the odds behind each bet. Bigger payouts can look tempting, but they also come with lower hit rates. If you are new to roulette, outside bets can offer a steadier way to learn the game.

Bankroll management matters just as much as bet selection. Set a budget before you start, decide how much you are comfortable risking per spin, and stick to that number.

It is also important to avoid betting systems that claim to beat roulette. No strategy can remove the house edge or guarantee profits. Roulette is a game of chance, and every spin is independent of the one before it.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Real Difference

The biggest difference between American and European Roulette is the number of pockets. American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37.

That one extra pocket changes the house edge in a meaningful way. American Roulette sits at 5.26%, while European Roulette is around 2.7%. Because of that, many players prefer European Roulette when both versions are available.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette is still a familiar sight in many US casinos. European Roulette, however, has become increasingly common online because of its more favorable odds for players.

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

If you want fast gameplay, RNG American Roulette may be the better option. These digital versions use random number generator software to produce each result, and you can usually play at your own pace.

Live dealer American Roulette is a different experience. These games are streamed from real studios with real dealers and physical wheels, creating a setup that feels closer to a traditional casino table. If you enjoy the social and visual side of roulette, live dealer tables can be a better fit.

If you also want to compare game lobbies and live casino options, brand review pages like Betblast Casino and Crystal Slots Casino can help you see what each site offers.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers produce American Roulette titles for online casinos. Evolution is one of the best-known names, especially for live dealer roulette. Playtech also has a long track record in both RNG and live formats.

Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi are also key suppliers in the market. These providers focus on mobile-friendly design, solid streaming quality, and user interfaces that make betting easy on desktop and handheld devices.

Mobile American Roulette Keeps the Action in Your Pocket

Modern American Roulette games are built to run smoothly on smartphones and tablets. That includes both instant-play browser games and titles available through casino apps.

Most mobile versions include the full betting layout, responsive controls, and secure cashier access. Whether you prefer a quick RNG session or a live dealer table, mobile compatibility is now a standard feature across much of the market.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder

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

If the game stops being fun, take a break. Responsible play helps keep roulette enjoyable and within your budget.

American Roulette FAQ