American Roulette

American Roulette is the version of roulette most commonly linked with US casinos, both in-person and online. It follows the same basic concept as other roulette games: players place bets on where a ball will land after the dealer spins a wheel. The biggest difference is simple, but important: American Roulette has two green pockets, 0 and 00.

That extra green pocket changes the math of the game. While the betting options look familiar to anyone who has seen roulette before, the double-zero format gives the house a bigger advantage than in European Roulette. If you are comparing roulette variants before playing, that detail matters more than anything else.

From Europe to America: How Roulette Changed Over Time

Roulette began in Europe several centuries ago, with roots in France. Early versions of the game developed from a mix of wheel-based gambling ideas, and the modern format gradually took shape during the 18th century.

As roulette made its way to the United States, casinos adopted a modified wheel that included both a single zero and a double zero. That adjustment helped increase the house edge, and the American version became a standard in many land-based casinos across the country. Today, it remains a well-known casino staple, even as online casinos and live dealer platforms also offer European and French variants.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel: Why 38 Pockets Matter

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

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 are split between red and black, alternating around the wheel in a fixed sequence. The 0 and 00 pockets are both green, which makes them stand out clearly from the rest of the wheel. Those two green spaces are the defining feature of American Roulette, and they are also what push the house edge higher than in other versions.

The Table Layout Made Simple

The American Roulette table includes a betting grid where players place chips before each spin. Most of the layout is arranged in numbered boxes from 1 to 36, along with spaces for 0 and 00.

Beyond the individual numbers, the table also includes sections for broader wagers, such as red or black, odd or even, high or low, dozens, and columns. Players can put chips directly on a number, on the line between two numbers, at the corner of four numbers, or in larger outside betting areas depending on the type of wager they want to make.

How American Roulette Works in Just a Few Steps

Playing American Roulette is straightforward, which is one reason the game remains popular with beginners and longtime casino players alike.

First, you choose your chip value. At most casinos, roulette chips are color-coded so the dealer can identify each player’s bets separately.

Next, you place your bets on the table before betting closes. You can make one bet or combine several bets on the same spin.

After that, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction. Once the ball slows down and drops into a pocket, the winning number is announced.

Any winning bets are then paid according to the standard roulette payout table. Losing bets are cleared, and the next round begins.

The Key American Roulette Bets Every Player Should Know

American Roulette bets are usually divided into two categories: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets focus on specific numbers or small groups, while outside bets cover larger sections of the layout and usually offer better odds of winning, but lower payouts.

Inside Bets

A Straight Up bet is the most specific wager in roulette. You place a chip on a single number, including 0 or 00, and if the ball lands there, it pays 35:1.

A Split covers two adjacent numbers. You place your chip on the line between them, and a win typically pays 17:1.

A Street covers three numbers in a horizontal row. This bet pays 11:1.

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

A Six Line covers six numbers across two adjacent rows. This bet pays 5:1.

Outside Bets

Red or Black is one of the most common roulette wagers. You are betting on the color of the winning number, and it pays 1:1.

Odd or Even works the same way, also paying 1:1, as long as the result is not 0 or 00.

High or Low lets you bet on 1–18 or 19–36. This also pays 1:1.

Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time: 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36. These bets pay 2:1.

Columns also cover 12 numbers, based on the vertical columns on the layout, and they pay 2:1.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

These are the standard payouts used in most casinos and online games. Even when the payouts match other roulette versions, the extra 00 still affects your long-term odds.

The House Edge: Why the Double Zero Matters

The house edge in American Roulette is 5.26%. That figure comes directly from the 38-pocket wheel and the presence of both 0 and 00.

By comparison, European Roulette has only 37 pockets because it uses a single zero. That lowers the house edge to 2.7%, which is one reason many players prefer it when they have the option. If you want a roulette game with better theoretical odds, European Roulette is usually the stronger choice.

Smart American Roulette Tips for New Players

Before placing any bets, it helps to understand how roulette odds and payouts actually work. Bigger payouts usually mean lower chances of winning, while lower-risk bets generally return smaller amounts.

For beginners, outside bets can be a more comfortable place to start. Wagers like red or black, odd or even, and high or low win more often than straight-up number bets, even though they only pay 1:1.

Bankroll management matters, too. Set a budget before you play, decide how much you are willing to risk per spin, and avoid chasing losses after a bad run.

It is also smart to ignore betting systems that claim to beat roulette. Systems like Martingale and similar progressions may change the size of your bets, but they do not remove the house edge. Roulette is a game of chance, and no pattern can guarantee a win.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Most Important Differences

The biggest difference between American Roulette and European Roulette is the number of pockets on the wheel. American Roulette has 38 pockets, including 0 and 00, while European Roulette has 37 pockets with only a single 0.

That one extra pocket raises the house edge in American Roulette to 5.26%, compared with 2.7% in European Roulette. The betting layouts are similar, and many of the same wagers are available in both games, but the math is not the same.

American Roulette is more common in many US casinos, while European Roulette is more closely associated with casinos abroad and with online players looking for lower house edge games. If you want to compare table games side by side, it also helps to review other casino games that use different payout models and house advantages.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette

Players today can choose between standard online American Roulette and live dealer American Roulette. The main difference comes down to how the game is presented.

Regular online roulette uses Random Number Generator technology, often called RNG. The wheel spin and outcome are produced by certified software, and gameplay tends to be fast and easy to use.

Live dealer roulette is streamed from a real studio with an actual wheel, a human dealer, and real-time betting. That format feels closer to a casino floor and appeals to players who want a more social or immersive setup. Both versions can offer real-money play in regulated markets, depending on state law and operator availability.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers produce American Roulette titles for online casinos and live dealer platforms in the US-facing market.

Evolution is one of the best-known names for live dealer roulette, with polished streams and multiple table formats. Playtech also has a strong live casino presence and a long history in table games.

Pragmatic Play Live continues to expand its live dealer library and often appears at newer operator platforms. NetEnt is well known for digital casino content, including RNG roulette titles, while Ezugi remains active in live dealer products used by many online casino brands.

If you are browsing sites by developer, it can be useful to compare table presentation, betting limits, camera quality, and mobile performance before choosing a game.

Mobile American Roulette: Play on the Go

Most modern American Roulette games are built for smartphones and tablets. Whether you are playing an RNG version or a live dealer title, the interface is usually optimized for touch controls and smaller screens.

Players can place bets, adjust chip values, and follow the wheel action without needing a desktop computer. In many cases, mobile browser play works just as smoothly as a dedicated casino app, especially at regulated operators in the US.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make money. Set limits on your time and spending before you start, and stick to them.

If gambling stops being fun, take a break. Many regulated operators offer tools such as deposit limits, session reminders, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion to help players stay in control.

American Roulette FAQ