American Roulette

American Roulette is the familiar casino wheel game where players bet on which numbered pocket a small ball will land in after the dealer spins the wheel. The defining feature that sets American Roulette apart from other roulette variants is the presence of two green pockets — single zero (0) and double zero (00). Those two green pockets change the odds, and that’s the reason American Roulette carries a higher house edge than single-zero versions.

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How American Roulette evolved — a brief history

Roulette originated in Europe, with roots in eighteenth-century France where the single-zero wheel became popular in French gaming rooms. When roulette crossed the Atlantic in the nineteenth century, American operators introduced the double-zero pocket to increase house advantage and maximize casino revenue. That two-zero layout became the standard in many United States casinos, and it remains common in both land-based and online venues today.

Wheel layout — how the American wheel is built

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

• Numbers 1 through 36.
• A single zero pocket, marked “0.”
• A double zero pocket, marked “00.”

The numbered pockets alternate red and black, creating a clear visual pattern, while the 0 and 00 pockets are green. The two green pockets are the simple reason some bets pay less favorably compared with single-zero wheels.

Table layout — placing chips where it counts

The American Roulette betting grid shows individual numbers, rows, columns, and outside sections for larger groups of numbers. Players buy chips, choose a chip color or denomination, and place chips on specific numbers or on outside areas like red/black, odd/even, dozens, or columns. Dealers accept bets until they announce “no more bets,” then spin the wheel, release the ball, and settle winning wagers according to the payout table.

How to play American Roulette — step by step

1. Choose your chip value or color.
2. Place bets on the table — on single numbers, groups, colors, or ranges.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and drops the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball loses momentum and lands in one pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid, and losing chips are cleared. Payouts follow the standard table below; bonus terms and gaming rules apply where relevant.

Inside bets — big payouts, narrower chances

Inside bets are placed directly on specific numbers or small clusters:

• Straight up — single number, highest payout.
• Split — covers two adjacent numbers.
• Street — covers a row of three numbers.
• Corner — covers four numbers that meet at a corner.
• Six line — covers two adjacent rows, six numbers total.

These bets offer larger payouts, but cover fewer numbers, so wins are less frequent.

Outside bets — wider coverage, steadier returns

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer more frequent, but smaller, payouts:

• Red or Black — covers 18 numbers.
• Odd or Even — covers 18 numbers.
• High (19–36) or Low (1–18) — covers 18 numbers.
• Dozens — cover 12 numbers per bet (1–12, 13–24, 25–36).
• Columns — cover 12 numbers each, aligned vertically on the table.

Outside bets are useful for players who prefer lower volatility and steadier bankroll swings.

American Roulette payout table

Bet type — Numbers covered — Typical payout 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

Payouts reflect standard casino rules, and individual sites may have specific terms that apply to promotions or wagering requirements.

House edge — why two zeros matter

American Roulette’s house edge is 5.26%. That percentage comes from having two green pockets out of 38 total pockets, which increases the long-term advantage for the house compared with single-zero wheels. For comparison, European Roulette typically uses a single zero and has a house edge around 2.7%. The extra zero in the American layout roughly doubles the house advantage, so bet sizing and game choice should reflect that difference.

Practical strategy tips for American Roulette

• Know the odds before you place a bet — each bet type has different payout and probability.
• Use outside bets for lower risk and more frequent returns.
• Manage your bankroll with session limits, deposit caps, or timed breaks.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; roulette is a game of chance.
• Treat bonuses carefully — read wagering requirements and eligible games before claiming a promotion.

American vs European Roulette — quick comparisons

• Number of pockets — American: 38 pockets with 0 and 00; European: 37 pockets with a single 0.
• House edge — American: 5.26%; European: about 2.7%.
• Popularity — American wheels are more common in United States casinos, while European-style single-zero wheels dominate many venues in Europe and international online rooms.

Online American Roulette vs live dealer roulette

RNG (random number generator) American Roulette uses software to simulate spins and is fast, available anytime, and offers various bet limits and rule variants. Live dealer American Roulette streams real tables from studios, with a live dealer handling the wheel and ball in real time. Live dealer games provide social interaction and realism, while RNG tables give quicker rounds and often lower minimum bets. Choose the format that fits your pace and budget.

Best software providers for American Roulette

Top providers known for quality roulette include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. Some online casinos also offer tables from Real Time Gaming and other studios; software choice affects table features, graphics, and betting limits, so check the provider before you play.

Mobile American Roulette — play on the go

Modern American Roulette tables are optimized for smartphones and tablets. Mobile games offer touch controls, portrait and landscape layouts, and quick access to bets and game history. Whether you use a phone or tablet, look for responsive design and fast-loading games to keep spins smooth.

Responsible gambling — keep it fun and in control

Set deposit and loss limits, use session timers, and never bet money you can’t afford to lose. Many licensed operators provide self-exclusion tools, and promotional offers often carry wagering requirements and eligibility rules — read the terms and conditions before you accept any bonus. If gambling stops being enjoyable, seek help from professional support services.

Frequently asked questions