American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino table game where a spinning wheel and bouncing ball decide the winning number. What makes it different from other roulette variants is simple but significant: American Roulette has two green pockets - 0 and 00. That extra green slot slightly shifts the math in the casino’s favor, which impacts the odds on every bet you place.

American Roulette Explained in Plain English

In American Roulette, you bet on where the ball will land after the wheel spins. You can target a single number, a small cluster of numbers, or larger groups like red/black or odd/even. If your pick matches the result, you get paid based on the bet type’s payout.

The standout detail is the wheel’s double-zero (00). European Roulette typically has only a single zero (0), so American Roulette offers one extra outcome that reduces the likelihood of any single bet hitting.

Roulette’s Origins - And How the American Wheel Was Born

Roulette traces its roots to Europe, where the game gained popularity in French casinos and evolved into the single-zero format many players recognize today. When roulette crossed the Atlantic and took off in the United States, the wheel design changed. American casinos adopted a double-zero pocket (00), creating the American Roulette format that became a staple across U.S. gambling floors and later online lobbies.

American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Ways to Win (Or Miss)

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

• Numbers 1-36
• A single zero (0)
• A double zero (00)

Numbers 1-36 are split between red and black, arranged in a non-sequential order around the wheel to keep outcomes unpredictable. The zero pockets are green, and they’re the key reason American Roulette plays differently than European Roulette.

American Roulette Table Layout: Where Bets Turn Into Action

The table layout is a betting grid that mirrors the number set and groups them into betting zones. Players place chips directly on the felt to indicate what they’re betting on. Put a chip on a single number for a precise shot, or place it on lines and blocks to cover multiple numbers at once. The outer areas of the grid handle broader bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low, which are popular for players who want steadier hit frequency.

How to Play American Roulette: A Simple Runthrough

Start with the basics and you’ll be placing bets confidently in minutes:

1. Choose your chip value at the table.
2. Place one or more bets on the grid before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball settles into a numbered pocket (including 0 or 00).
5. Winning bets are paid based on the payout table, and losing chips are collected.

American Roulette Bets That Keep Every Spin Interesting

American Roulette betting is usually split into inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets offer bigger payouts but hit less often. Outside bets hit more often but pay less.

Inside Bets: Bigger Payouts, Tighter Targets

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers in the inner grid.

Straight Up covers 1 number and is the boldest option.

Split covers 2 adjacent numbers by placing the chip on the line between them.

Street covers a row of 3 numbers by placing the chip at the edge of that row.

Corner covers 4 numbers by placing the chip at the intersection of four squares.

Six Line covers 6 numbers by placing the chip on the line between two adjacent rows.

Outside Bets: Broader Coverage, More Frequent Hits

Outside bets cover larger sets of numbers and are placed on the outer parts of the layout.

Red or Black covers all red numbers or all black numbers.

Odd or Even covers all odd numbers or all even numbers.

High or Low covers 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high).

Dozens covers 12 numbers at a time (1-12, 13-24, 25-36).

Columns covers 12 numbers aligned in one of the three vertical columns.

American Roulette Payout Table: What Each Bet Typically Pays

Here’s the standard payout structure you’ll see in most American Roulette games:

• 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

The House Edge in American Roulette: Why 00 Matters

American Roulette has a 5.26% house edge, and the double zero is the reason. With 38 total outcomes, your bets have slightly lower probability of hitting than in single-zero roulette.

For comparison, European Roulette typically has a 2.7% house edge because it uses 37 pockets (1-36 plus a single 0). That one-pocket difference is small visually, but it’s meaningful over long sessions.

Smart Strategy Tips for American Roulette Beginners

American Roulette is a game of chance, and no strategy can force a win. What you can do is make choices that keep play controlled and enjoyable.

Know the odds before you bet. A Straight Up payout looks massive, but it’s also the hardest to hit.

Use outside bets if you want lower variance. Red/black, odd/even, and high/low give you more frequent wins, even though the payouts are smaller.

Manage your bankroll with intention. Set a session budget, pick a base bet size you’re comfortable with, and avoid chasing losses when the wheel runs cold.

Be skeptical of “guaranteed win” betting systems. They can create bigger swings and can drain a bankroll quickly when variance hits.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Change Everything

American Roulette uses 38 pockets and includes both 0 and 00. European Roulette uses 37 pockets with only a single 0. That’s why American Roulette carries the higher house edge (5.26% vs 2.7%).

In terms of popularity, American Roulette is more common in U.S. casinos, while European Roulette dominates many European venues and is often offered online alongside the American version.

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

Online American Roulette generally comes in two formats. RNG roulette uses a random number generator to determine outcomes, delivering rapid results and instant gameplay. Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel from a studio, with a human dealer running the game and results captured by camera and sensors for a more authentic casino feel.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette Games

Many top studios build American Roulette in both digital and live formats, including Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. Provider choice can affect the look and feel, table limits, side features, and how smooth the interface plays on desktop and mobile.

Mobile American Roulette: Smooth Spins Anywhere

Modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with tap-friendly betting grids, clear number displays, and quick chip controls. Whether you prefer a fast RNG table or a live stream, mobile play makes it easy to jump in for a few spins without sacrificing usability.

Where to Play: Casino Options Worth Checking Out

If you’re looking for places to play roulette alongside a broader casino lineup, Brionis Casino offers a welcome package listed as 345% up to €2000 + 225 Free Spins (bonus split across the first three deposits), plus support via chat and email. Players who prefer crypto-first platforms may lean toward Allstars.io Casino, which lists a 30% Daily Rakeback. If you like a straightforward casino-only setup, Ronin Slots Casino advertises a 50 Free Spins offer with code RON-WELCOMEFS (cashout cap applies).

Always review bonus terms and wagering requirements before committing a deposit.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun, Keep It Controlled

Set deposit and loss limits, take breaks, and treat roulette as paid entertainment rather than a way to generate income. If the game stops feeling enjoyable, it’s time to pause and reset.

FAQ: American Roulette Quick Answers