American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino wheel game where you predict where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel. You can bet on a single number, a cluster of numbers, or broad outcomes like red/black and odd/even.

What separates American Roulette from other roulette variants is one crucial detail: it has two green pockets — 0 and 00. That extra green slot subtly shifts the odds, increases the house advantage, and makes the American version play differently than European-style wheels.

Roulette’s European Roots—and How the U.S. Version Took Shape

Roulette traces back to Europe, where early versions of the wheel game gained popularity in France and neighboring regions. Over time, rules and layouts standardized, and the single-zero wheel became the dominant format in many European casinos.

When roulette crossed the Atlantic and spread through the United States, the game evolved into what many players now recognize as American Roulette. The most defining change was the addition of the double zero (00), creating a larger wheel and a higher built-in casino edge. That version became the familiar staple across many U.S.-based casinos and later influenced online casino libraries as well.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel Layout (38 Pockets Total)

The American Roulette wheel contains 38 pockets:

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

The numbers 1 through 36 alternate red and black (with some exceptions in placement patterns, depending on wheel arrangement), while 0 and 00 are green. Those two green pockets are the key reason American Roulette outcomes have slightly less favorable odds for players compared to single-zero roulette.

American Roulette Table Layout: How the Betting Grid Works

The table layout mirrors the number set on the wheel, letting you place chips on different areas depending on how specific—or how broad—you want your bet to be.

The main grid shows numbers 1–36 in rows and columns. Around that grid are sections for common outside bets such as red/black, odd/even, and high/low. Players place chips directly on:

• a single number (inside a square),
• a line between numbers (splits),
• an edge where multiple numbers meet (corners),
• or an outside betting box for larger coverage.

How to Play American Roulette in 5 Simple Steps

American Roulette Bets That Put You in Control

Roulette bets are typically divided into inside bets (precise, higher payouts) and outside bets (broader coverage, steadier returns).

Inside Bets: Precision Picks with Bigger Payouts

Inside bets target specific numbers or tight number groups:

Straight Up: A bet on a single number (including 0 or 00). Split: A bet on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. Street: A bet covering three numbers in a row by placing a chip at the row’s edge. Corner: A bet covering four numbers that meet at one corner. Six Line: A bet covering six numbers across two neighboring streets.

These bets hit less often than outside bets, but the payouts are higher when they land.

Outside Bets: Wider Coverage for Lower Volatility

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and are popular for beginners:

Red or Black: Bet on the color of the winning number. Odd or Even: Bet on whether the result is odd or even (1–36 only). High or Low: Bet on 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 on the grid.

Outside bets typically pay less, but they give you more ways to connect with the next spin.

American Roulette Payout Table (Typical)

Below are the standard payouts used in most American Roulette games:

Payouts are usually shown as “to 1,” meaning you win that amount plus keep your original stake if you hit.

The House Edge in American Roulette: Why the Double Zero Matters

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That edge is largely driven by the presence of the 00 pocket, which increases the total number of outcomes to 38 while keeping most payouts the same.

For comparison, European Roulette (with only a single zero) has a house edge of about 2.7%—nearly half. If you’re deciding between variants, that single difference can significantly impact long-term results.

Practical Strategy Tips for Smarter American Roulette Play

Roulette is a game of chance—no betting pattern can change the math of the wheel—but you can still play more intelligently.

Understand the true odds before you bet. A straight-up number can pay 35:1, but it’s a 1-in-38 outcome on an American wheel. If you prefer steadier results, outside bets like red/black or high/low offer more coverage, even though green pockets can still spoil those bets.

Bankroll management matters. Decide your session limit up front, size your bets so you can handle normal losing streaks, and avoid chasing losses. Be especially cautious with systems that claim “guaranteed wins”—roulette doesn’t offer guarantees, and variance can break rigid progressions quickly.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences That Affect Your Game

The two versions look similar, but the details change your expected return.

American Roulette has 38 pockets (0 and 00), while European Roulette has 37 pockets (0 only). That single extra pocket increases the house edge from ~2.7% to 5.26%. In terms of real-world presence, American Roulette is widely seen in U.S. casinos, while European Roulette is more common across European casinos and many online lobbies offering single-zero options.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer: Two Ways to Play

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats:

RNG Roulette uses a random number generator to produce outcomes instantly. It’s quick, convenient, and ideal if you like rapid rounds and low friction play.

Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel from a professional studio (or casino floor), with a dealer handling the spin. If you want the real wheel visuals, paced gameplay, and the live-table atmosphere, live dealer is the closest match to an in-person session.

You can browse available options directly on our American Roulette page.

Top Software Providers Powering American Roulette Online

If you’re picking games based on production quality, betting features, or live-stream reliability, these developers are among the most recognized for roulette titles:

Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Ezugi.

Each provider brings its own style—different table limits, user interfaces, camera angles in live studios, and side-feature variations depending on the casino platform.

Mobile American Roulette: Wheel Action Anywhere

American Roulette games are built to run smoothly on smartphones and tablets, with layouts that scale to smaller screens and betting grids designed for tap controls. Whether you’re playing RNG or live dealer, mobile optimization typically includes quick chip selection, clean zoom options, and stable streaming for live tables on Wi‑Fi or strong cellular connections.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun, Keep It Controlled

Set a budget before you play, stick to time limits, and treat roulette as paid entertainment—not a way to generate income. If it stops being enjoyable or you feel pressure to chase losses, take a break and use available responsible gambling tools like deposit limits or cooling-off periods.

Frequently Asked Questions