American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most recognized casino table games in the United States—simple to learn, quick to play, and built around one core moment: where the ball finally settles. It follows the classic roulette format, but with a key twist that changes the math and the strategy.

The biggest difference from other roulette variants is the wheel itself: American Roulette includes two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra green slot affects the odds on every bet, which is why understanding the layout matters before you put chips down.

American Roulette Explained: What It Is and What Makes It Different

American Roulette is played with a spinning wheel, a small ball, and a betting layout where you can wager on a single number, a cluster of numbers, or broad outcomes like red/black. Like all roulette, the goal is to predict where the ball lands.

What makes the American version stand out is the double zero (00) in addition to the single zero (0). That second green pocket increases the total number of outcomes, which slightly reduces the chance of winning any given bet compared to single-zero roulette.

Roulette’s Origins: From Europe to America

Roulette traces its roots to Europe, where early versions of the game gained popularity in France and surrounding regions. Over time, standardized wheels and betting layouts emerged, leading to the single-zero style widely associated with European play.

After roulette crossed the Atlantic and reached the United States, the game evolved into what we now call American Roulette. The most important change was the addition of the 00 pocket, creating a wheel with more outcomes—and a higher house edge—while keeping the same easy-to-follow gameplay that made roulette famous.

Wheel Breakdown: The American Roulette Layout at a Glance

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

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

Colors matter too. The numbers 1–36 alternate red and black (with a fixed pattern on the wheel), while 0 and 00 are green. Those green pockets aren’t just visual flair—they’re the reason American Roulette is statistically tougher than single-zero variants.

Table Layout: How the Betting Grid Works

The table layout is a large grid that mirrors the numbers 1–36 in rows and columns, plus dedicated betting areas for broader wagers. You place chips directly on the section that matches the bet you want to make.

A chip placed squarely on a number is a bet on that number. Move that chip to a line between numbers or the edge of a block and you’re suddenly covering multiple outcomes. The layout is designed so your chip placement instantly shows the dealer exactly what you’re betting—and how it should pay if you win.

Step-by-Step: How to Play American Roulette

Bet Smarter: Inside Bets vs Outside Bets

American Roulette bets are usually grouped into two categories: inside (more precision, bigger payouts) and outside (broader coverage, steadier wins).

Inside Bets: Target Numbers and Tight Combos

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

Straight Up: Bet on a single number. Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. Street: Bet on a row of three numbers by placing a chip on the outer edge of that row. Corner: Bet on four numbers that meet at a corner intersection. Six Line: Bet on two adjacent rows (six numbers total) by placing a chip on the line between them.

Inside bets can deliver standout payouts, but they win less often because they cover fewer numbers.

Outside Bets: Bigger Coverage, More Frequent Hits

Outside bets sit on the perimeter of the grid and cover larger sets of outcomes.

Red or Black: Bet the winning number will be red or black. Odd or Even: Bet the winning number will be odd or even (1–36 only). High or Low: Bet 1–18 (low) or 19–36 (high). Dozens: Bet on 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36. Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers.

Outside bets tend to be easier for beginners because they provide more coverage per chip—at the cost of smaller payouts.

American Roulette Payout Table (Typical)

Payouts are standardized across most casinos and online tables:

Note: The 0 and 00 pockets generally cause most outside bets (like red/black) to lose when they hit, which is part of what creates the built-in casino advantage.

The House Edge: Why American Roulette Runs at 5.26%

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%, and the reason is simple: the wheel has two green pockets (0 and 00). Those extra outcomes reduce the probability of winning while keeping payouts the same as single-zero roulette.

For comparison, European Roulette typically has a 2.7% house edge because it uses only one green pocket (0). Over time, that difference can be significant—especially if you’re playing long sessions or wagering bigger stakes.

Beginner Strategy Tips That Actually Help

Roulette is pure probability—no method can control where the ball lands—but smart choices can improve your experience.

Start by understanding what each bet truly offers: payout size vs how often it can hit. Many new players chase long-shot inside wins and burn through a bankroll quickly.

Outside bets (like red/black or high/low) can be a steadier way to play because you’ll connect more often, even if the payouts are smaller. Set a budget, decide your session limit, and treat wins as a bonus—not an expectation.

Be especially cautious with betting systems that claim “guaranteed” results. They can create the illusion of control, but the math of the wheel doesn’t change, and streaks can get expensive fast. Roulette is a game of chance—keep it fun, keep it controlled.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

The two games look similar, but the details matter:

• Number of pockets : American has 38 (includes 0 and 00); European has 37 (0 only).
• House edge : American 5.26% vs European 2.7% .
• Where it’s most common : American Roulette is a staple in many US casinos, while European Roulette is more common across Europe and in many international online lobbies.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Tables

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats:

RNG (Random Number Generator) Roulette plays instantly with digital spins, quick betting windows, and rapid-fire rounds—great if you like speed and convenience.

Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel from a professional studio. You place bets through an interface, but the spin is physical, hosted by a dealer, and broadcast in real time—ideal if you want the atmosphere of a casino floor without leaving your seat.

Top Software Providers Powering American Roulette

If you’re playing online, the provider behind the game impacts visuals, features, and live studio quality. Major names offering American Roulette titles include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi.

Mobile American Roulette: Play Anywhere, Same Rules

Most modern American Roulette games are built for mobile-first play, meaning they’re optimized for smartphones and tablets with touch-friendly betting grids, smooth streaming for live tables, and quick access to table limits and bet history. Whether you’re playing RNG or live dealer, the rules and payouts stay the same—only the screen size changes.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun and In Your Control

Roulette is best when it stays entertaining. Set deposit and session limits, avoid chasing losses, and take breaks if the game stops feeling enjoyable. Playing with a plan protects both your bankroll and your experience.

American Roulette FAQ: Common Questions Answered