American Roulette

American Roulette is the version of roulette most commonly associated with US casinos. It follows the same basic idea as other roulette games: players place bets on where a ball will land after the dealer spins the wheel. The biggest difference is simple but important: American Roulette has two green pockets, 0 and 00.

That extra green pocket changes the odds and raises the house edge compared to European Roulette. If you are new to roulette, understanding that one detail will help you make better betting decisions from the start.

Roulette’s European Roots and How the American Game Took Shape

Roulette began in Europe, with the modern game taking shape in France during the 18th century. The name “roulette” means “little wheel” in French, and the game spread through casinos across France and later other parts of Europe.

When roulette reached the United States in the 19th century, casino operators adopted a version with both a single zero and a double zero. That format became known as American Roulette. Over time, it became the standard wheel in many land-based US casinos, while European casinos largely stuck with the single-zero version.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel Layout

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

The numbers 1–36 are split between red and black pockets in an alternating pattern around the wheel. The 0 and 00 are both green, which makes them stand out visually and function differently from the other numbers. Because neither zero is red or black, odd or even, or high or low, those pockets are what give the casino its built-in edge.

How the American Roulette Table Layout Works

The betting table is separate from the wheel and displays a grid of numbers where players place their chips. Numbers 1 through 36 appear in rows, while the 0 and 00 sit at the top of the layout.

Players can place chips directly on individual numbers or on the lines between numbers to cover multiple outcomes. There are also larger betting areas around the main grid for even-money bets, dozens, and columns. Once you understand where each area sits, reading the table becomes straightforward.

How to Play American Roulette in 5 Simple Steps

The Most Important American Roulette Bets to Know

American Roulette bets fall into two main categories: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets cover specific numbers or smaller groups, while outside bets cover broader sections of the table.

Inside bets offer bigger payouts, but they hit less often. Outside bets pay less, but they give you better chances of landing a winning spin.

Inside Bets With Bigger Payout Potential

A straight-up bet is placed on a single number. It covers just one outcome and typically pays 35:1.

A split bet covers two adjacent numbers by placing the chip on the line between them. It usually pays 17:1.

A street bet covers three numbers in a horizontal row. This bet normally pays 11:1.

A corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one point on the grid. It usually pays 8:1.

A six-line bet covers six numbers across two adjacent rows. It typically pays 5:1.

Outside Bets That Offer Lower Risk

Red or black covers all red numbers or all black numbers. Odd or even covers all odd numbers or all even numbers. High or low covers 1–18 or 19–36. Each of these bets covers 18 numbers and typically pays 1:1.

Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time: 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36. Columns also cover 12 numbers, based on one of the three vertical columns on the layout. Both dozens and columns usually pay 2:1.

These bets are popular with beginners because they are easy to understand and hit more often than inside bets.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

These are the standard payouts you will see in most casinos and online roulette games. Even when a bet looks close to even odds, the 0 and 00 still work in the house’s favor.

The House Edge: Why American Roulette Is Tougher Than European Roulette

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That number comes directly from the extra 00 pocket on the wheel.

European Roulette has only 37 pockets because it uses a single zero. That lowers the house edge to about 2.7%, which is why many players see European Roulette as the better-value option.

The rules and betting structure feel very similar in both games, but the math is meaningfully different. If you are comparing roulette versions, this is the key number to remember.

Smart American Roulette Strategy Tips for Beginners

The first tip is to understand the odds before you bet. A straight-up win looks attractive because of the 35:1 payout, but it only covers one number out of 38.

Outside bets like red/black or odd/even can be useful for lower-risk play because they cover more outcomes. They do not remove the house edge, but they can reduce variance and make your bankroll last longer.

Bankroll management matters, too. Set a budget before you play, decide how much you are willing to risk per spin, and stick to your limits. Roulette is a game of chance, and no betting pattern can change the underlying probabilities.

It is also wise to avoid betting systems that claim guaranteed wins. Systems like Martingale may sound convincing, but they do not eliminate the house edge, and table limits can stop a progression quickly. If you want a broader look at smart casino habits, pages like responsible gambling can help frame roulette as entertainment rather than income.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Matter

American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37. The extra pocket is the 00, and that one addition is what pushes the house edge from 2.7% to 5.26%.

American Roulette is more common in traditional US casinos, while European Roulette is the standard in many casinos overseas. Online casinos often offer both, so players can choose based on preference and value.

If you want better odds, European Roulette is usually the stronger option. If you want the classic US casino version, American Roulette is the game you will see most often.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Games

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats: RNG games and live dealer games. RNG roulette uses a random number generator to produce results, while live dealer roulette is streamed from a real studio with an actual wheel and dealer.

RNG games are faster and often include extra features like quick betting options, autoplay, and flexible limits. Live dealer games feel closer to a casino floor experience, with real-time action and human interaction.

Both formats can be fair when offered by licensed operators that use tested software. If you are comparing table games in general, a guide to online casino games can help you see where roulette fits among blackjack, baccarat, and slots.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

Several major developers offer American Roulette for US-facing casino platforms. Evolution is one of the best-known names, especially for live dealer roulette.

Playtech also has a strong reputation in live casino gaming, while Pragmatic Play Live continues to expand its roulette catalog. NetEnt is known for polished RNG table games, and Ezugi remains a familiar provider in live dealer casinos.

The exact provider lineup depends on the casino and state availability, but these companies are among the most recognized names in the space.

Mobile American Roulette Is Built for On-the-Go Play

Most American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. Whether you play in a browser or through a casino app, the table layout is typically adjusted for smaller screens without losing core features.

Mobile players can usually place all the same bets, check recent results, and switch between camera angles in live dealer games. As long as you have a stable internet connection, playing on mobile is smooth and convenient.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder

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

If gambling stops being fun, take a break. Many regulated operators offer deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion tools that can help you stay in control.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette remains one of the most recognizable casino table games in the US. If you understand the wheel, the table, the bet types, and the impact of the double zero, you will have a much clearer picture of how the game works before placing your first chip.