American Roulette

American Roulette is the iconic U.S. version of the classic casino wheel game where you bet on where a small ball will land after the wheel spins. It looks similar to other roulette variants at a glance—but the key difference changes everything: American Roulette has two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra green slot slightly lowers the odds for players compared to single-zero wheels, and it’s the defining feature you should know before you place your first chip.

American Roulette, Explained in Plain English

Roulette is a game of predictions. You choose a bet (like a single number, a color, or a group of numbers), the dealer spins the wheel, and the ball settles into a pocket. If your bet matches the result, you get paid based on what you wagered and how specific your prediction was.

American Roulette stands out because the wheel includes 0 and 00, increasing the total pockets—and the casino’s mathematical advantage—compared to European Roulette.

From Europe to the U.S.: How Roulette Took Shape

Roulette traces its roots to 18th-century Europe, where versions of wheel-based gambling evolved in France and spread across the continent. The modern single-zero roulette wheel gained popularity because it offered clean gameplay and simple probabilities.

When roulette reached the United States in the 19th century, the wheel design changed. The double zero (00) was introduced on many American wheels, creating a distinct variant that became the standard in U.S. casinos. Over time, American Roulette established its own identity: the same core game, but with a slightly tougher edge for players due to that second green pocket.

Know the Wheel: American Roulette Layout at a Glance

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

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

The numbers 1–36 alternate red and black (with a standardized color pattern), while 0 and 00 are green. Those green pockets are not just visual—they’re the reason the payouts don’t perfectly match the true odds.

Read the Table Like a Pro: American Roulette Betting Grid

The table layout is a betting grid that maps to the wheel’s numbers. Players place chips on the felt to indicate what they’re betting on.

Bets can be placed directly on a number (or between numbers) for “inside” wagers, or on larger labeled sections for “outside” wagers like red/black or odd/even. Where your chip sits determines exactly what outcomes you’re covering—so precise placement matters, especially on tighter inside bets.

How to Play American Roulette: Step-by-Step Guide

Bet Smarter: Inside Bets That Target Big Payouts

Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups. They’re higher variance—fewer wins, bigger payouts when you hit.

A Straight Up bet covers a single number (including 0 or 00). A Split covers two adjacent numbers. A Street covers a full row of three numbers. A Corner covers four numbers that meet at an intersection. A Six Line covers two adjacent rows for six numbers total.

Because these bets are more precise, their payouts are higher—but your hit rate will be lower.

Cover More Ground: Outside Bets for Steadier Results

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and tend to hit more often, though with smaller payouts.

You can bet on Red or Black, Odd or Even, or High (19–36) or Low (1–18). You can also bet on Dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36) or Columns (one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers). These are popular choices for beginners because the swings are generally less intense than with inside bets.

American Roulette Payout Table (Quick Reference)

Here are the standard payouts you’ll see in most American Roulette games:

Payouts are typically shown as “to 1,” meaning you also receive your original stake back on top of the winnings.

The Real Cost of 0 and 00: American Roulette House Edge

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%, and the double zero is the reason. With 38 pockets, the casino has more ways to win relative to the payouts offered.

For comparison, European Roulette (with just one green pocket: 0) has a house edge of about 2.7%. That difference adds up over long sessions, especially if you’re playing high stakes or many spins.

Rookie-Proof Strategy Tips That Actually Help

The best way to approach American Roulette is to play with clear expectations. Start by understanding the odds behind each bet—bigger payouts don’t mean better value; they usually mean a lower chance to hit.

If you want a steadier ride, lean on outside bets like red/black or high/low. They won’t hit every time, but they provide more frequent results than single-number plays. Set a bankroll for your session, size your bets so you can handle downswings, and decide ahead of time when you’ll walk away—up or down.

Avoid any betting system that claims guaranteed profits. Roulette outcomes are independent spins, and roulette is a game of chance, not a puzzle you can solve.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

American Roulette and European Roulette play similarly, but they’re not equal under the hood.

American Roulette uses 38 pockets (adds 00), while European Roulette uses 37 pockets (only 0). That single extra green pocket is why American Roulette carries a higher house edge (5.26%) versus European Roulette’s 2.7%. In terms of availability, American Roulette is more common in U.S. casinos, while European Roulette is more common across European venues and many online lobbies.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer: Two Ways to Spin

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats. RNG (Random Number Generator) roulette runs on certified software that generates outcomes instantly—great for quick sessions and rapid gameplay.

Live dealer roulette streams real wheels from professional studios, with a human dealer calling the action in real time. If you like the pace and atmosphere of a casino floor without leaving home, live dealer games deliver that authentic table feel with chat and real-time spins. You can browse roulette options directly on the dedicated American Roulette page.

Top Providers Powering American Roulette Games

Many of the biggest names in iGaming develop high-quality American Roulette titles, including Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. Game features vary by provider—camera angles, betting limits, side bets, and UI polish can all differ—so it’s worth sampling a few to find the style that matches your pace.

American Roulette on Mobile: Built for Anytime Play

American Roulette games are typically optimized for smartphones and tablets, with responsive betting grids and tap-friendly chip controls. Whether you’re playing RNG or live dealer, mobile versions are designed to keep the layout readable and betting smooth—even on smaller screens.

Play With Control: Responsible Gambling Reminder

Set a budget before you play, keep sessions time-boxed, and never chase losses. Roulette should stay in the entertainment lane—if it stops feeling fun, it’s time to pause and reset your limits.

American Roulette FAQ: Your Questions Answered

American Roulette is simple to learn, quick to play, and instantly recognizable—just remember that the 0 and 00 pockets are the built-in twist that separates it from other roulette variants, shaping the odds on every spin.