American Roulette

American Roulette is the version of roulette most commonly seen in casinos across the United States. Its defining feature is the presence of two green pockets — single zero (0) and double zero (00) — which changes the odds and payouts compared with other roulette variants. That small difference has a big impact on house edge and strategy, so it’s worth understanding before you play.

History: From Europe to the United States

Roulette originated in Europe in the 18th century, blending elements from earlier wheel games and chance devices. The single-zero wheel became standard in many European casinos. When roulette crossed the Atlantic in the 19th century, American casinos added the double-zero pocket to create the version now known as American Roulette. The result was a faster-growing house advantage and a uniquely American table layout that spread through land-based and online casinos across the country.

Wheel Layout: 38 Pockets, Two Greens

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total:

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

Numbers alternate red and black around the wheel, while both zero pockets are colored green. That extra green pocket is what increases the house edge compared with single-zero wheels.

Table Layout: Reading the Betting Grid

The American Roulette table features a numbered grid for inside bets and several boxes for outside bets. Players place chips directly on numbers or on lines and sections to cover multiple numbers at once. Outside areas include red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns. Chips are placed on the felt before the dealer spins — once the ball lands and the dealer calls the result, winning chips are paid and losing chips are collected.

How to Play American Roulette

1. Choose your chip value before placing any wagers.
2. Place bets on individual numbers, groups of numbers, or outside options like red/black.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
4. When the ball settles into a pocket, the dealer announces the winning number and color.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing bets are removed. Always check table minimums and maximums before betting.

Inside Bets — Big Payouts for Small Targets

Inside bets are placed directly on the numbered grid and cover one or a few numbers:

• Straight Up — single number, highest payout.
• Split — two adjacent numbers.
• Street — a row of three numbers.
• Corner — a block of four numbers.
• Six Line — two adjacent rows, six numbers total.

Inside bets pay more because they cover fewer numbers, but they hit less often.

Outside Bets — Lower Risk, Broader Coverage

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer more frequent, smaller wins:

• Red or Black — covers 18 numbers.
• Odd or Even — covers 18 numbers.
• High (19–36) or Low (1–18) — covers 18 numbers.
• Dozens — first, second, or third set of 12 numbers.
• Columns — vertical columns of 12 numbers.

Outside bets reduce variance and are a good choice for steady bankroll management.

American Roulette Payout Table

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

Payouts reflect standard casino practice, but always confirm the exact table payouts and rules where you play.

House Edge: Why the 00 Matters

American Roulette carries a house edge of about 5.26%, which comes from the two green pockets. A single-zero wheel, typical in European Roulette, reduces the house edge to about 2.7%. That difference makes single-zero wheels more favorable to players over the long run, while American Roulette remains popular in many United States casinos and some online sites.

Smart Play Tips for American Roulette

• Know the odds before you bet, and match bet size to how long you want to play.
• Use outside bets when you want lower volatility and steadier returns.
• Manage your bankroll with session limits and stop-loss rules.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; no system overcomes the house edge.
• Try free-play or demo modes online to learn the table before staking real money.

American vs European Roulette — Clear Differences

• Number of pockets: American has 38 pockets with 0 and 00, European usually has 37 with only 0.
• House edge: American around 5.26%, European about 2.7%.
• Popularity: American Roulette is more common in casinos in the United States, while European-style tables are typical across European casinos and many online platforms aimed at international players.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette

Online American Roulette comes in two main forms:

• RNG (random number generator) versions that run instantly and offer fast play, flexible stakes, and easy bankroll control.
• Live dealer versions streamed from studios, with real wheels, human dealers, and a social table feel.

Both formats are licensed and audited differently, so check provider credentials, licensing information, and game fairness reports when choosing where to play.

Top Software Providers for American Roulette

Look for games from reputable developers that certify fairness and offer quality streaming:

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

These providers supply a range of roulette options, from classic digital wheels to high-production live dealer tables.

Mobile Play: Roulette on Phones and Tablets

American Roulette is optimized for mobile play, with touchscreen controls, portrait and landscape modes, and fast loading on modern smartphones and tablets. Mobile versions preserve the same bets and payouts as desktop, so you can play legally in states where online gaming is allowed and still enjoy the full feature set.

Responsible Play Reminder

Play within your limits, set deposit and time limits, and never chase losses. Gambling should be entertainment, not a source of income. If you need help, seek support resources and consider self-exclusion tools on the platform you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to the game, start small, use outside bets to learn the flow, and enjoy the experience responsibly.