American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most popular roulette styles you’ll find in casinos across the United States, and it’s also widely available online. It plays fast, feels familiar, and offers plenty of classic bets, but it comes with one big twist that changes the math.

The key difference is simple: American Roulette has two green pockets - “0” and “00” - while most other roulette variants only have a single zero.

American Roulette, Explained in Plain English

American Roulette is a wheel-and-ball game where you bet on where the ball will land after the dealer spins the wheel. You can bet on a single number, a small group of numbers, or broad categories like red or black.

Because the wheel includes both “0” and “00,” the casino has a larger built-in advantage than in single-zero roulette. That doesn’t make it “rigged,” but it does mean your long-term odds are a little tougher.

From European Roots to American Casino Floors: A Quick Roulette History

Roulette traces back to Europe, where the game developed into what most players recognize today - a numbered wheel, a betting layout, and even-money and high-payout options.

After roulette made its way to the United States, the double zero (“00”) became part of the standard wheel in many American gambling houses. That extra green pocket helped casinos smooth out volatility and increase the house edge, and over time, that version became the classic “American Roulette” format.

The American Roulette Wheel Layout: Why 38 Pockets Matter

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

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

The numbers 1-36 alternate red and black around the wheel, while both “0” and “00” are green. Those two green pockets are the entire reason American Roulette plays differently from European Roulette from an odds perspective.

The American Roulette Table Layout: Where Your Chips Actually Go

The table layout is a betting grid that mirrors the numbers and bet types you can play. The main grid shows numbers 1-36 arranged in rows and columns, with “0” and “00” placed separately.

You place chips directly on the area that matches your bet:

• On a number for a straight-up bet
• On a line between numbers for splits
• On larger marked areas for outside bets like red/black, odd/even, dozens, and columns

In online roulette, you usually tap or click the exact spot on a digital layout, and the game automatically stacks and tracks your chips.

How to Play American Roulette: A Simple Step-by-Step

If you’ve never played before, here’s the flow you can expect at most online and live dealer tables:

1. Choose your chip value.
2. Place your bets on the table before the timer ends (online) or before the dealer calls “no more bets” (live).
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid based on the payout table, and losing bets are collected.

That’s it - the rest is choosing bet types that match your comfort level and bankroll.

Inside Bets That Bring the Heat (and the Higher Risk)

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or tight groups. They can pay big, but you’ll hit them less often.

Straight Up A bet on one 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 on three numbers in a row by placing a chip at the end of the row.

Corner A bet on four numbers that meet at a corner by placing a chip on the intersection.

Six Line A bet on six numbers across two adjacent streets by placing a chip on the outside line between the rows.

Outside Bets That Keep Things Steady

Outside bets cover bigger groups, so they tend to hit more often, with smaller payouts. Many beginners start here because it’s easier to follow and usually feels more balanced.

Red or Black You’re betting the winning number will be red or black.

Odd or Even You’re betting the winning number will be odd or even.

High or Low Low is 1-18, and high is 19-36.

Dozens Bet on 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36.

Columns Bet on one of the three vertical columns in the number grid.

American Roulette Payout Table (Quick Reference)

Here’s the typical payout structure you’ll see at American Roulette tables:

• Straight Up: 1 number covered, 35: 1 payout
• Split: 2 numbers covered, 17: 1 payout
• Street: 3 numbers covered, 11: 1 payout
• Corner: 4 numbers covered, 8: 1 payout
• Six Line: 6 numbers covered, 5: 1 payout
• Dozens / Columns: 12 numbers covered, 2: 1 payout
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 18 numbers covered, 1: 1 payout

Payouts can vary slightly by platform, so always check the in-game help panel or table rules before you start placing larger bets.

The Real Cost of “00”: American Roulette House Edge

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. The reason is the double zero - it adds one extra losing outcome compared to a single-zero wheel, which shifts the odds away from the player.

For comparison, European Roulette typically has a 2.7% house edge because it only has one green pocket (0). That gap is why many odds-focused players prefer the European layout when it’s available.

Smart American Roulette Strategy Tips (No Nonsense)

Roulette is a game of chance, but you can still play in a way that feels more controlled and clear.

Understand the odds before you bet High payouts are tempting, but inside bets are long shots by design.

Use outside bets for lower risk Even-money bets like red/black or odd/even can help your bankroll last longer, even though the house edge stays the same.

Manage your bankroll carefully Set a budget for the session, size your bets consistently, and avoid chasing losses when momentum turns against you.

Skip “guaranteed win” systems Progressions can look logical on paper, but they can’t remove the house edge, and they can push you into bigger bets than you planned.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Matter

The two games look similar, but the experience changes once you factor in the wheel design.

Number of pockets

• American Roulette: 38 pockets (0 and 00)
• European Roulette: 37 pockets (0 only)

House edge

• American Roulette: 5.26%
• European Roulette: about 2.7%

Popularity American Roulette is the classic format in many casinos across the United States, while European Roulette is more common in European casinos and is often favored online by players comparing long-term value.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer: Which Feels Better?

Online American Roulette usually comes in two main formats:

RNG (digital) roulette The outcome is generated by a certified random number generator. It’s fast, private, and great if you want quick spins and lower minimum bets.

Live dealer roulette A real dealer spins a real wheel in a studio, streamed to your device. It’s closer to a casino vibe, with chat, real-time pacing, and a more social feel.

Both can be fair when offered by licensed, regulated operators, so it really comes down to whether you want speed or atmosphere.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette (Names Players Trust)

If you’re browsing tables at legitimate online casinos, you’ll often see American Roulette titles from major developers like:

Evolution Playtech Pragmatic Play Live NetEnt Ezugi

These studios are known for consistent streaming quality (for live tables), smooth interfaces, and clearly posted rules.

Mobile American Roulette: Spin Anywhere, Anytime

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, so you can place bets, zoom the table, and track results without needing a desktop.

A quick tip: on smaller screens, outside bets are often easier to tap accurately than inside number clusters, especially when you’re playing faster sessions.

Where to Play: Casino Options and Payment Convenience

If you’re comparing casinos, focus on licensing, game providers, banking speed, and support. Many players also look for flexible deposit methods and clear bonus terms.

For more casino comparisons, you can also check operator reviews like Spinita Casino and Mino Casino to see game selection, support options, and welcome offers in one place. Always read wagering requirements and withdrawal rules before you opt into any promotion.

Responsible Gambling Reminder: Keep It Fun and Controlled

American Roulette is exciting, but it’s still real-money gambling. Set a spending limit, take breaks, and use tools like deposit limits, time-outs, or self-exclusion if you feel your play is drifting out of balance. If it stops being fun, it’s time to pause.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette