American Roulette

American Roulette is the version of roulette most commonly linked with US casinos. It follows the same basic idea as other roulette games: players place bets on where a ball will land after the wheel spins. The biggest difference, and the one that matters most, is the wheel includes two green pockets: 0 and 00.

That extra green pocket changes the math of the game. Compared with European Roulette, American Roulette gives the house a bigger edge, which affects long-term returns for players. It is still a simple and popular casino game, but understanding that double zero is essential before placing a bet.

From Europe to the US: How American Roulette Took Shape

Roulette began in Europe, with its roots usually traced to 18th-century France. The name "roulette" means "little wheel" in French, and early versions of the game developed from a mix of wheel-based gambling games already popular at the time.

As roulette spread, different versions appeared. When the game reached the United States in the 19th century, casino operators adopted a wheel with both 0 and 00. That format eventually became known as American Roulette, while the single-zero version remained the standard in much of Europe.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel Layout

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

The numbered pockets alternate between red and black, while 0 and 00 are green. That color setup is important because many common bets are based on red or black, odd or even, and high or low. Since the green pockets are neither red nor black, neither odd nor even, and neither high nor low, they are what give the casino its extra advantage.

The number order on the wheel is also different from European Roulette. It is not arranged in simple numerical order, which helps keep outcomes random and prevents easy prediction.

A Quick Look at the American Roulette Table Layout

The table layout shows every possible betting option. In the middle section, you will see the numbered grid covering 1 through 36, along with spaces for 0 and 00. This area is where inside bets are placed.

Around the outside of the grid, there are sections for broader wagers such as red or black, odd or even, 1-18 or 19-36, dozens, and columns. Players place chips directly on the specific part of the layout that matches the bet they want to make. For example, a chip placed on a single number is a straight-up bet, while a chip placed on the line between two numbers is a split bet.

How to Play American Roulette Without Overthinking It

American Roulette Bets That Every Player Should Know

American Roulette bets are usually split into inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets cover fewer numbers and offer higher payouts. Outside bets cover more numbers and usually pay less, but they hit more often.

Inside Bets

A straight-up bet covers one number and pays 35:1. This is the highest standard payout on the table, but it is also one of the hardest bets to win.

A split bet covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17:1. Players place the chip on the line between those two numbers.

A street covers three numbers in a horizontal row and pays 11:1. The chip is placed on the outer edge of that row.

A corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one point and pays 8:1. This is also called a square bet.

A six-line bet covers six numbers across two adjacent rows and pays 5:1. It is placed on the line at the edge of those two rows.

Outside Bets

Red or black covers 18 numbers and pays 1:1. Odd or even also covers 18 numbers and pays 1:1. High or low, meaning 19-36 or 1-18, works the same way.

Dozens cover 12 numbers and pay 2:1. Players can bet on 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36.

Columns also cover 12 numbers and pay 2:1. These bets are tied to one of the three vertical columns on the table.

American Roulette Payout Table Made Simple

These are the standard payouts you will see at most online casinos and live dealer tables. While the payouts look attractive on inside bets, the odds of landing those exact numbers are much lower.

The House Edge: Why the Double Zero Matters So Much

The house edge in American Roulette is 5.26%. That figure comes from the extra 00 pocket, which gives the wheel 38 total outcomes instead of 37.

By comparison, European Roulette has a house edge of 2.70% because it only has one green zero pocket. That makes European Roulette the better option from a pure odds standpoint.

This is the single most important mathematical difference between the two games. If you are comparing roulette variants, the number of zero pockets should be one of the first things you check.

Smart American Roulette Strategy Tips for New Players

The best starting point is understanding the odds of each bet. A straight-up wager offers a big payout, but it is much less likely to hit than an even-money bet like red or black.

Outside bets are often a better fit for beginners because they produce steadier results and smaller swings. They do not remove the house edge, but they can help stretch your bankroll longer.

Bankroll management also matters. Set a budget before you play, decide how much you are willing to risk per spin, and avoid chasing losses if a session goes badly.

It is also wise to stay away from betting systems that claim to guarantee profits. No system can overcome the built-in house edge over time, because roulette is a game of chance and each spin is independent.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Count

American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37. The American version uses both 0 and 00, and the European version uses only a single 0.

That difference leads to a higher house edge in American Roulette, 5.26% versus 2.70% in European Roulette. For players focused on value, European Roulette is generally the more favorable option.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette has long been a standard in US land-based casinos. European Roulette is more common in European markets, though both versions are widely available online in the United States depending on the operator and game library.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette: Two Ways to Play

Online American Roulette usually comes in two main formats. The first is RNG roulette, which uses a random number generator to determine outcomes. These games are fast, easy to use, and often include lower minimum bets.

The second is live dealer roulette, where a real dealer spins a physical wheel in a studio streamed in real time. Live dealer games can feel closer to a casino floor experience, especially for players who enjoy watching the spin and interacting through chat.

If you want a quicker pace, RNG games may be the better choice. If you prefer a more social and realistic setup, live dealer roulette is often the stronger option. Many operators list both in their online casino games sections.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers offer American Roulette to US-facing operators. Evolution is one of the biggest names in live dealer roulette, known for polished studio production and multiple table limits.

Playtech also offers a strong roulette lineup, including both digital and live formats. Pragmatic Play Live has expanded its live dealer catalog, while NetEnt remains well known for RNG table games. Ezugi, now part of Evolution, is another recognizable name for live dealer roulette in regulated markets.

Game quality can vary by provider in terms of camera setup, interface, side bets, and table limits. That is why it helps to compare titles before settling on a favorite.

Mobile American Roulette: Play on Your Phone or Tablet

American Roulette is widely optimized for mobile play. Most modern casino apps and mobile websites let players spin on smartphones and tablets without losing key features from the desktop version.

That includes touch-friendly betting controls, clear wheel animations, and live dealer streaming on supported devices. Whether you play on iPhone, Android, or a tablet, the overall experience is usually smooth as long as you have a stable internet connection.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Setting time and spending limits before you play can help keep the experience enjoyable.

If gambling stops feeling fun, take a break. Many regulated sites also provide tools such as deposit limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion options through their responsible gambling pages.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette remains a familiar casino classic in the United States because it is easy to learn, fast to play, and available almost everywhere roulette is offered. Just remember that the two green pockets, 0 and 00, are what separate it from other versions and what make the game less favorable than its European counterpart.