American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino table game built around a spinning wheel, a small ball, and a wide range of betting options. Players bet on where the ball will land, either on a single number or on larger groups like red or black, odd or even, and more.

The biggest thing that sets American Roulette apart from other roulette versions is simple: it has two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra double-zero pocket changes the odds and gives the game a higher house edge than European Roulette.

From European Roots to an American Casino Staple

Roulette began in Europe, with early versions taking shape in France during the 18th century. The game grew in popularity because it was easy to understand on the surface, but still offered plenty of betting variety.

After roulette reached the United States, casino operators adopted a version with an added 00 pocket. That format became known as American Roulette, and it remains common in many brick-and-mortar casinos across the US today, as well as in online casino lobbies.

The Wheel Layout That Changes the Odds

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

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 are split between red and black, alternating around the wheel in a set sequence. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, which makes them stand out visually and mathematically. Those two green sections are the reason American Roulette carries a higher house edge than the European version, which uses only one zero.

The Table Grid Made Simple

The American Roulette table layout mirrors the numbers on the wheel, but it is arranged as a betting grid. Numbers 1 through 36 appear in rows, and there are extra betting boxes around them for outside wagers such as red or black, odd or even, high or low, dozens, and columns.

Players place chips directly on different areas of the felt depending on the bet they want to make. A chip placed on a single number means a straight-up bet, while a chip on a line, corner, or border can cover multiple numbers at once.

How American Roulette Works in Five Easy Steps

Playing American Roulette is straightforward, even for beginners. First, you choose your chip value at the table or in the online game interface.

Next, you place your bets on the betting layout before betting closes. Once all bets are in, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the other.

The ball eventually drops into one numbered pocket, which becomes the winning result. Any winning bets are then paid according to the game’s payout table, and a new round begins.

The Most Popular American Roulette Bets Explained

American Roulette bets are usually divided into two groups: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets cover fewer numbers and pay more, while outside bets cover larger sections of the layout and usually pay less.

Inside Bets With Higher Payout Potential

A straight-up bet is placed on a single number and pays 35: 1 if that exact number hits. This is the highest standard payout on the table, but it also has the lowest chance of winning.

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

A street bet covers three numbers in a single row. It pays 11: 1.

A corner bet, sometimes called a square bet, covers four numbers that meet at one corner. It pays 8: 1.

A six-line bet covers two adjacent rows, or six numbers total. It pays 5: 1.

Outside Bets That Cover More Numbers

Red or black bets each cover 18 numbers and pay 1: 1. Odd or even bets also cover 18 numbers and pay 1: 1, and the same goes for high or low bets, with low covering 1 to 18 and high covering 19 to 36.

Dozens bets cover 12 numbers at a time. You can bet on 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36, and these bets typically pay 2: 1.

Column bets also cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1. These follow the vertical columns on the layout.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

Here is a quick look at the standard American Roulette payouts:

• 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

These payouts are standard in most online and live dealer versions, though it is always smart to check the game rules before playing.

Why the House Edge Is Higher in American Roulette

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That figure comes from the presence of both 0 and 00, which reduce the player’s overall chances on every standard bet.

By comparison, European Roulette has only one green zero pocket, which lowers the house edge to 2.7%. That difference may not look huge at first glance, but over time it matters, especially for players who put in a lot of spins.

Smart Strategy Tips for New Roulette Players

A good starting point is to understand what each bet covers and what it pays. Betting on a single number can look appealing because of the 35: 1 payout, but it is far less likely to hit than an outside bet.

Many beginners prefer outside bets such as red or black, or odd or even, because they offer steadier action with lower variance. They do not change the house edge, but they can help your bankroll last longer.

Bankroll management is also important. Set a budget before you play, decide how much you are willing to risk per spin, and avoid chasing losses if the session goes sideways.

It is also worth skipping betting systems that claim to guarantee profits. No system can remove the built-in house edge, because roulette is a game of chance and each spin is independent.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

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

That extra 00 pocket gives American Roulette a 5.26% house edge, compared with 2.7% in European Roulette. For that reason, many value-focused players prefer European Roulette when both options are available.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette has long been a familiar sight in US casinos. European Roulette is also widely available online, but American Roulette still holds a strong place in the US market because of its traditional casino presence.

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

Online American Roulette generally comes in two formats. The first is RNG roulette, where a random number generator determines the result. These games are fast, easy to use, and ideal for players who want quick sessions.

The second is live dealer roulette, where real dealers run the game from a studio and the action is streamed in real time. Live dealer tables can feel closer to a land-based casino, with real wheels, real dealers, and often side chat features.

If you like speed and convenience, RNG roulette may be the better fit. If you want a more social and authentic table experience, live dealer American Roulette is worth a look.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers offer American Roulette titles online. Evolution is one of the best-known names, especially for live dealer roulette streamed from professional studios.

Playtech also has a strong footprint in both RNG and live casino products. Pragmatic Play Live is another major supplier for live table games, while NetEnt has long been known for polished digital casino titles. Ezugi remains a recognizable live dealer brand as well.

Players browsing an online casino can often find roulette from these providers alongside blackjack, baccarat, and other table games. If you want to compare casinos carrying leading studios, pages like 7Games Casino, Silversands Deluxe Casino, and Coolbet Casino may help show what each brand offers.

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

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. That includes both browser-based versions and dedicated casino apps where available.

The mobile experience usually includes touch-friendly betting controls, smooth wheel animations, and secure cashier access. Whether you prefer quick RNG spins or full live dealer sessions, mobile roulette is now a standard part of the online casino experience.

A Quick Reminder About Responsible Play

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

If you ever feel like gambling is becoming difficult to control, use the responsible gaming tools offered by your casino, such as account limits, cool-off periods, or self-exclusion.

Common American Roulette Questions Answered

American Roulette remains one of the easiest casino games to learn, which helps explain its staying power in both land-based and online casinos. If you understand the 0 and 00 difference, know the basic bets, and keep your bankroll in check, you will be in a much better position to enjoy the game for what it is: a fast-moving game of chance with simple rules and plenty of variety.