American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic casino wheel many players in the United States recognize. The defining feature is simple but important: the wheel has two green pockets, a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). That extra green pocket changes the odds, the house edge, and how you might approach betting compared with other roulette variants.

A Short History: From Europe to the United States

Roulette traces its roots to 18th-century France, where early wheels and betting layouts began taking shape. When the game crossed the Atlantic, American casinos adapted it to local preferences. The double zero pocket was added in the United States, creating the version now widely known as American Roulette. Over time, that layout became a staple in land-based casinos across the country and later in online game lobbies targeted to United States players.

Wheel Blueprint: What’s on an American Wheel

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total:

• Numbers 1–36, alternating red and black
• A single zero pocket labeled “0,” colored green
• A double zero pocket labeled “00,” also green

The alternating red and black sequence makes color bets visually obvious, while the two green pockets are the reason payouts and odds differ from other variants.

Table Layout: Where to Place Your Chips

The American Roulette table shows a numbered grid corresponding to the wheel, plus outside betting areas. Players place chips directly on numbers or on sections of the grid:

• Inside bets go on specific numbers or tight groups
• Outside bets cover larger groups, colors, or even/odd ranges. Dealers manage the spin, announce “no more bets,” and pay winning chips according to the payout table. Always check the table limits and read the casino’s terms and conditions before wagering.

How to Play American Roulette

Inside Bets: Targeted Plays for Bigger Payouts

Inside bets are placed on the numbered grid and cover fewer numbers, offering higher payouts:

• Straight Up: a single number
• Split: a bet between two adjacent numbers
• Street: a row of three numbers
• Corner: a block of four numbers
• Six Line: two adjacent rows, covering six numbers

These bets pay more, but they win less often because they cover fewer pockets.

Outside Bets: Lower Risk, More Frequent Wins

Outside bets cover larger groups and tend to produce more frequent, smaller payouts:

• Red or Black: color bets covering 18 numbers
• Odd or Even: 18 numbers linked to parity
• High or Low: 1–18 or 19–36, 18 numbers each
• Dozens: 12-number groups (1–12, 13–24, 25–36)
• Columns: 12 numbers in a vertical column on the layout

Outside bets are suited to players who prefer steady action over high-risk, high-reward plays.

American Roulette Payout Table

Payouts may vary slightly by operator, so always confirm on the specific table you’re playing.

House Edge: Why the Double Zero Matters

The extra double zero pocket creates a house edge of 5.26% in American Roulette. That edge comes from the two green pockets reducing the player’s chance to win on even-money and numbered bets. For comparison, European Roulette, which has a single zero, typically carries a house edge around 2.7%. If minimizing house edge is a priority, the single-zero European variant is the better choice.

Smart Tips for American Roulette Players

• Understand the odds for each bet type before wagering.
• Use outside bets for lower volatility and more frequent payouts.
• Manage your bankroll with session limits, stop-loss levels, and time boundaries.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; no system can change the math of the wheel.
• Check table limits and the casino’s terms and conditions before play.

Roulette is a game of chance, so plan bets around entertainment value and responsible spending.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: Quick Comparison

• Number of pockets: American has 38 pockets, European has 37.
• House edge: American about 5.26%, European about 2.7%.
• Popularity: American Roulette is far more common in United States land-based casinos, while European Roulette dominates many European venues and some online lobbies.

Both versions deliver classic roulette action, but the extra zero in the American version is the main strategic and mathematical difference.

RNG vs Live Dealer: Pick the Experience You Want

Online American Roulette comes in two main formats:

• RNG (random number generator) tables, where spins are automated and fast
• Live dealer tables, streamed from studios or casino floors with real dealers and a slower, more social pace

If you want a real-table feel, try the live options—many platforms offer multiple camera angles and chat features. For quicker sessions, RNG tables can deliver back-to-back spins.

Try live dealer tables to see how streamed American Roulette compares to RNG play.

Top Developers Powering American Roulette

Major providers build high-quality American Roulette games and live tables:

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

These developers offer polished graphics, reliable game engines, and mobile-optimized interfaces.

Mobile Play: Roulette on Phones and Tablets

American Roulette is fully optimized for smartphones and tablets. Modern games adapt layouts and controls to touchscreens, so you can place inside or outside bets with taps and swipes. Mobile versions support portrait and landscape modes, fast deposits, and secure withdrawals—check that your state allows online casino play before signing up.

Play Responsibly: Keep It Fun

Set deposit, loss, and time limits before you start. Treat roulette as entertainment, not a source of income. If gambling stops being enjoyable, take a break and seek help resources. Always review the casino’s terms and conditions, bonus rules, and payout policies before wagering real money.

American Roulette FAQ