American Roulette

American Roulette is a roulette variant built around the same core idea as the European game - pick where you think the ball will land, place your chips, and get paid if you’re right. The big difference is on the wheel: American Roulette includes two green pockets, 0 and 00, which changes the odds and increases the casino advantage compared to other versions.

That extra green slot is the reason American Roulette feels a little tougher - but it also keeps gameplay punchy, with huge payouts still on the table when you nail a number.

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

Roulette traces its origins to Europe, where the wheel-and-table format evolved into the version most players recognize today. As the game made its way across the Atlantic, US casinos adopted roulette and modified the wheel by adding the double zero (00). That single design change created American Roulette as its own distinct variant - and it’s been a staple on casino floors in the United States ever since.

American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Pockets, One Extra Green Trap

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

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

The numbers 1-36 are split into red and black pockets in an alternating pattern (though not perfectly alternating all the way around). The 0 and 00 are green, standing apart from the rest and acting as the key difference-maker for odds and house edge.

American Roulette Table Layout: Where Your Chips Actually Go

The table is a betting grid that mirrors how the numbers are organized. Numbers 1-36 appear in rows and columns, and the layout includes additional betting areas around the grid for broader bets like red/black or dozens.

You place chips directly on:

• A number (for a single-number bet)
• A line between numbers (to cover two numbers)
• The edge or corner where multiple numbers meet (to cover 3-4 numbers)
• Labeled sections like Red , Black , Odd , Even , 1st 12 , or 2 to 1 (columns)

The exact spot your chip touches defines what you’re betting - and how many numbers you’re covering.

How to Play American Roulette: From Chip to Payout

A round is easy to follow, even if you’re brand-new:

1. Choose your chip value at the table.
2. Place your bets on the layout before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket (including 0 or 00).
5. Winning bets are paid based on the payout rules for that bet type.

In online versions, the process is the same - you just place bets by tapping/clicking instead of physically placing chips.

Types of American Roulette Bets (And What They Pay)

Roulette bets fall into two main families: inside bets (tighter coverage, bigger payouts) and outside bets (wider coverage, steadier hit rate).

Inside Bets: Bigger Swings, Bigger Paydays

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small clusters on the grid.

Straight Up: Bet on one single number. Typical payout: 35: 1

Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. Typical payout: 17: 1

Street: Bet on a row of three numbers by placing a chip at the outer edge of that row. Typical payout: 11: 1

Corner: Bet on four numbers that meet at a corner by placing a chip at the intersection. Typical payout: 8: 1

Six Line: Bet on six numbers (two adjacent streets) by placing a chip at the intersection of the two rows. Typical payout: 5: 1

Outside Bets: More Coverage, Smoother Ride

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and usually pay even money or close to it.

Red or Black: Covers 18 numbers. Typical payout: 1: 1

Odd or Even: Covers 18 numbers (excluding 0 and 00). Typical payout: 1: 1

High or Low: Low is 1-18, High is 19-36 (18 numbers each). Typical payout: 1: 1

Dozens: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36 (12 numbers). Typical payout: 2: 1

Columns: One of three vertical columns (12 numbers). Typical payout: 2: 1

American Roulette Payout Table (Quick Reference)

• 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 / Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1

House Edge in American Roulette: Why the 00 Matters

American Roulette has a 5.26% house edge, and it comes directly from having both 0 and 00 on the wheel. Those extra green pockets increase the number of losing outcomes for most common bets.

For comparison, European Roulette (which typically has only a single 0) has a lower house edge of about 2.7%. If you’re choosing purely on odds, the European wheel is friendlier - but American Roulette remains hugely popular for its classic US feel and widespread availability.

American Roulette Strategy Tips That Actually Help Beginners

Roulette is a game of chance, but smart habits can stretch your play and reduce mistakes.

Start by understanding the odds behind each bet. Inside bets can pay big, but they hit less often. If you want a steadier pace, outside bets like red/black or odd/even usually keep the action moving longer.

Set a bankroll before you begin and keep your bet sizing consistent. A simple rule that helps many players is to avoid raising stakes just to chase losses.

Be cautious with betting systems that promise guaranteed wins. No progression system can remove the house edge or change the randomness of the spin - the best “strategy” is disciplined decision-making and knowing when to stop.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Change Everything

American and European Roulette look similar, but three core differences matter:

• Number of pockets : American has 38 (0 and 00). European has 37 (0 only).
• House edge : American is 5.26% . European is about 2.7% .
• Where you see it most : American Roulette is more common in US casinos , while European Roulette is more common across Europe and many online lobbies .

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

Online American Roulette typically comes in two formats:

RNG (Random Number Generator) roulette plays instantly, with outcomes generated by certified software. It’s quick, smooth, and ideal if you like rapid rounds.

Live dealer roulette streams from professional studios with real wheels and dealers. You get the atmosphere, the pacing, and the real-time feel, with chat and camera angles that replicate a casino table.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

If you’re looking for polished roulette games with strong presentation and reliable gameplay, these developers are major names in the space: Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi.

You’ll often see their tables featured at top platforms, including options covered in our casino reviews like Kingpari Casino, Double Down Casino Vegas, and SpinTexas Casino.

Mobile American Roulette: Full Table Action on Your Phone

American Roulette games are built to run cleanly on smartphones and tablets, with tap-to-bet controls, zoomable layouts, and portrait-friendly interfaces. Whether you prefer quick RNG spins on a break or a live dealer session at night, mobile play keeps the table within reach.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun and In Control

Set time and deposit limits before you play, and treat roulette as entertainment - not a way to recover losses. If it stops being enjoyable, take a break and reset your limits before your next session.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)