American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most recognized casino table games in the United States, built around a spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and a betting grid that gives you dozens of ways to go after a payout. It’s similar to other roulette variants, but one detail changes everything: American Roulette includes two green pockets - 0 and 00.

That extra green slot shifts the math, increases the house edge, and shapes the way many players choose bets, especially online where you can jump between tables in seconds.

American Roulette, Explained in Plain English

In American Roulette, you place chips on a layout predicting where the ball will land. You can bet on a single number, small clusters of numbers, or broad outcomes like red/black. After bets close, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball. When it settles into a pocket, matching bets get paid based on fixed odds.

What separates the American wheel from European Roulette is the second zero (00). Two green pockets means more “non-red/black” outcomes, which affects your long-term expected return.

Roulette’s European Roots - And How the American Wheel Changed

Roulette traces back to Europe, where it developed into the single-zero format that’s now commonly called European Roulette. As the game reached the United States and spread through early American gambling halls, the wheel evolved into the double-zero version.

That change wasn’t cosmetic - adding 00 increased the casino’s advantage while keeping gameplay familiar. Over time, the 0/00 wheel became the standard in many US venues and remains a staple online.

The American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Pockets, Two Greens

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

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

Numbers 1-36 are split between red and black, arranged in an alternating pattern designed to balance color distribution across the wheel (not in strict numerical order). The 0 and 00 pockets are green, and they’re the key reason American Roulette plays “tougher” than single-zero roulette over the long run.

The American Roulette Table Layout: Where Your Chips Actually Go

The betting layout is a grid that mirrors the numbers 1-36 in three columns and twelve rows. You place chips directly on the area that matches your intended bet.

A chip placed on a single number is a straight-up bet. Put it on the line between two numbers and you’re playing a split. Place it on the edge of an outside section and you’re betting categories like red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, or columns. The layout is built to make bet sizing and coverage easy once you understand what each area represents.

How to Play American Roulette: Quick Game Flow

Start with your chip value, then decide how aggressive you want your coverage to be.

Choose your chip denomination. Place your bets on the table layout before betting closes. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball. The ball drops into a numbered pocket. Winning bets are paid based on the payout table, and then the next round starts.

Online, this cycle can move quickly - especially on RNG tables - so it helps to know your bet types before you click.

American Roulette Bets That Drive the Action

Roulette betting is usually split into inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets target precision and higher payouts. Outside bets cover more numbers and hit more often, but pay less.

Inside Bets: Higher Payouts, Tighter Targets

Inside bets are placed within the numbered grid and cover specific numbers or compact groups.

Straight Up covers 1 number and pays 35: 1. Split covers 2 adjacent numbers and pays 17: 1. Street covers 3 numbers in a row and pays 11: 1. Corner covers 4 numbers in a block and pays 8: 1. Six Line covers 6 numbers across two streets and pays 5: 1.

These bets can feel electric because one hit can swing a session fast, but the tradeoff is that they land less frequently.

Outside Bets: More Coverage, Smoother Swings

Outside bets sit on the outer sections of the layout and cover larger groups of numbers.

Red or Black covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. Odd or Even covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. High or Low (1-18 vs 19-36) covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. Dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1. Columns (12 numbers per column) cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1.

Outside bets are often where beginners find their rhythm, because they reduce variance and keep you in the game longer.

American Roulette Payout Table (Typical)

• Straight Up: 1 number, 35: 1 payout (example: Bet on 17)
• Split: 2 numbers, 17: 1 payout (example: Bet between 17-20)
• Street: 3 numbers, 11: 1 payout (example: Bet on 19-20-21)
• Corner: 4 numbers, 8: 1 payout (example: Bet on 19-20-22-23)
• Six Line: 6 numbers, 5: 1 payout (example: Bet on 13-18)
• Dozens / Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1 payout (example: Bet on 1st dozen)
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout (example: Bet on Red)

Payouts are fixed, so your main decision is how many numbers you want to cover and how volatile you want your session to be.

The House Edge in American Roulette: Why It’s 5.26%

American Roulette has a 5.26% house edge. The reason is simple: the wheel has 38 pockets, and the extra 00 increases the casino’s advantage while payouts remain based on the 36-number structure.

By comparison, European Roulette (with a single 0 and 37 pockets total) has a house edge of about 2.70%. That gap is significant over many spins, especially for high-volume players.

Smart Strategy Tips for American Roulette Beginners

Start by learning what each bet actually covers and what it pays. When you understand the odds, you can choose bets that match your risk tolerance instead of guessing.

Outside bets are a solid training ground because they hit more frequently and help you manage bankroll swings. Keep your session budget clear - decide what you’re willing to spend before you place the first chip. Be skeptical of betting systems that promise guaranteed profit; roulette outcomes are independent spins, and no pattern is “due.”

Most importantly, treat roulette as entertainment. You can win big in short bursts, but it’s still a game of chance.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Matter

The biggest differences come down to wheel pockets, house edge, and where each version is most common.

American Roulette uses 38 pockets (0 and 00) and carries a 5.26% house edge. European Roulette uses 37 pockets (single 0) with a 2.70% house edge. American Roulette is widely seen in US casinos and many online lobbies, while European Roulette is more common across Europe and in international casino catalogs.

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

Online American Roulette generally comes in two formats.

RNG roulette is software-driven with instant results, fast table changes, and flexible bet sizing. Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel from a studio, with a human dealer handling spins and payouts in real time. Live tables are ideal if you want the real-casino pacing and presentation, while RNG tables are great for quick sessions and practice.

Best Software Providers Powering American Roulette Online

If you’re choosing where to play, the provider behind the table matters. Some of the most recognized developers offering roulette titles include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi.

If you want to compare game catalogs and payment options in one place, you can also check the casino reviews for Rizzio Casino and AU33 Casino.

Mobile American Roulette: Built for Phones and Tablets

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for mobile play, with responsive layouts that keep the betting grid readable and the chip controls easy to use. Whether you choose RNG or live dealer, you can usually expect smooth gameplay on both smartphones and tablets, provided your connection is stable.

Responsible Gambling: Keep the Game Under Control

Set a budget, set a time limit, and stick to both. If you find yourself chasing losses or playing past your comfort zone, take a break and reset. Roulette is at its best when every bet is within your limits.

FAQ: American Roulette Questions Players Ask Most