American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most recognizable casino table games in the US. It uses a spinning wheel, a small ball, and a betting layout where players can wager on single numbers, color groups, odd or even, and other outcomes.

The biggest difference between American Roulette and other roulette variants is the wheel itself. American Roulette has two green pockets, 0 and 00, while European Roulette has only one green zero. That extra pocket changes the odds and raises the house edge.

From Europe to US Casinos: The Story Behind American Roulette

Roulette began in Europe, with roots in France dating back to the 18th century. The word “roulette” means “little wheel,” which fits the game perfectly. Over time, it spread across casinos in France and other parts of Europe, where single-zero roulette became the standard format.

When roulette reached the United States in the 19th century, casinos adopted a modified version with both 0 and 00 on the wheel. That double-zero format became known as American Roulette, and it remains a staple in many land-based and online casinos that cater to US players today.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel

The American Roulette wheel has 38 total pockets. Those pockets include numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero and a double zero.

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 are split between red and black, alternating around the wheel in a set sequence. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, making them stand out from the rest of the layout. Those two green slots are the reason the game carries a higher house edge than European Roulette.

How the American Roulette Table Layout Works

The table layout is a betting grid that mirrors the numbered options available in the game. The numbers 1 through 36 are arranged in rows, and the 0 and 00 sit at the top of the grid.

Players place chips directly on specific numbers or on the lines between numbers to make inside bets. They can also place chips in larger marked sections around the main grid for outside bets, such as red or black, odd or even, high or low, dozens, or columns. Once betting closes, no more wagers can be added for that spin.

How to Play American Roulette Without the Confusion

Playing American Roulette is straightforward, even for beginners. First, you choose your chip value at the table. In online games, this usually means selecting the stake size before placing wagers.

Next, you put your chips on the betting areas you want. After that, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction. When the ball lands in a pocket, the winning number and color are determined, and all successful bets are paid according to the payout table.

The Most Important American Roulette Bets to Know

American Roulette bets are split into two main groups: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets cover specific numbers or smaller clusters, while outside bets cover broader sections of the board.

Inside Bets

A Straight Up bet is the simplest inside bet. You place your chip on one number, and if that exact number hits, it pays 35: 1.

A Split bet covers two adjacent numbers. You place the chip on the line between them, and the typical payout is 17: 1.

A Street covers three numbers in a single row. The payout is usually 11: 1.

A Corner bet covers four connected numbers by placing the chip where the corners meet. It normally pays 8: 1.

A Six Line covers six numbers across two adjacent rows. This bet typically pays 5: 1.

Outside Bets

Outside bets are more common among casual players because they cover more numbers and hit more often, although the payouts are lower.

A Red or Black bet covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. The same payout applies to Odd or Even and High or Low, with High covering 19 to 36 and Low covering 1 to 18.

Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time: 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36. Columns also cover 12 numbers, based on the vertical columns on the table layout. Both Dozens and Columns pay 2: 1.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

• 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: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Red or Black: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• Odd or Even: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• High or Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1

These are standard payouts in most versions of American Roulette, whether you play online or at a physical casino.

Why the House Edge Is Higher in American Roulette

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That number comes from the extra 00 pocket on the wheel. Since most standard payouts are based on 36 numbers, but the wheel contains 38 pockets, the casino keeps a bigger mathematical advantage over time.

By comparison, European Roulette has a house edge of 2.70% because it uses only one green zero. That lower edge is one reason many strategy-minded players prefer the European version when both options are available.

Smart American Roulette Tips for Beginners

The best starting point is understanding the odds before you bet. A Straight Up wager offers a big payout, but it lands less often than an outside bet like red or black.

Outside bets can be useful for lower-risk play because they cover larger sections of the wheel. They do not remove the house edge, but they can help you stretch your bankroll longer.

Bankroll management matters, too. Set a session budget before you play, decide how much each spin should cost, and avoid chasing losses after a rough run.

It is also important to ignore betting systems that claim guaranteed wins. No system can overcome the fixed house edge in roulette over the long run. American Roulette is a game of chance, and every spin is independent of the last one.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

The biggest difference is the number of pockets. American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37.

That one extra pocket creates a major difference in house edge. American Roulette sits at 5.26%, while European Roulette is 2.70%.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette has long been common in US casinos, while European Roulette is more widely found in Europe and often preferred by players looking for better odds. Online casinos frequently offer both formats side by side.

Online American Roulette or Live Dealer: Which Version Fits You?

Players today can choose between standard online American Roulette and live dealer roulette. Standard online games use a random number generator, often called RNG, to produce outcomes digitally. These versions are fast, convenient, and usually available at a wide range of bet limits.

Live dealer American Roulette is streamed from a real studio with a human dealer spinning an actual wheel in real time. That setup gives a more authentic casino feel while still letting you play from home. Many top live casino titles come from providers such as Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, and Ezugi.

If you want to compare live roulette options at different casinos, you can also check brand reviews like Kingpari Casino, Jackoro Casino, or Book of Bet Casino.

Top Software Providers Powering American Roulette Games

Several major developers produce American Roulette games for online casinos. Evolution is one of the best-known names in live dealer roulette, with polished studios, multiple camera angles, and broad table selection.

Playtech also has a strong presence in live casino gaming, while Pragmatic Play Live continues to expand its roulette catalog for mobile and desktop players. NetEnt has been a familiar name in RNG table games, and Ezugi remains a widely used provider for live dealer roulette in many markets.

These companies help shape the online roulette experience through video quality, user interface, bet limits, mobile compatibility, and extra features like statistics displays and racetrack betting.

Mobile American Roulette Is Built for On-the-Go Play

Most online American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. That includes both instant-play browser versions and dedicated casino apps where available.

Mobile roulette usually keeps the same betting options, payouts, and core gameplay found on desktop. Live dealer titles may require a stronger internet connection, but many now run smoothly on modern iOS and Android devices.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Set deposit limits, session limits, and time limits before you start playing.

If gambling stops feeling fun, take a break. Responsible play is always the better move.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette remains popular because it is easy to learn, quick to play, and packed with betting variety. Once you understand the wheel, the table layout, and the impact of the 0 and 00 pockets, you can make smarter choices and enjoy the game with realistic expectations.