American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the best-known versions of roulette, especially in casinos across the United States of America and in many online lobbies. At first glance it looks almost identical to European Roulette, but one detail changes the maths significantly - American Roulette has two green pockets: 0 and 00. That extra ‘00’ is the reason the game carries a higher house edge than other popular variants.

American Roulette Explained in Plain English

American Roulette is a casino table game where you wager on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel. You can bet on a single number, a small cluster of numbers, or bigger categories such as red or black. If your selection matches the result, you’re paid according to the bet type.

The headline difference versus European Roulette is simple: American Roulette includes both 0 and 00, giving the wheel more pockets and tilting the odds further in the casino’s favour.

From European Salons to American Casino Floors: A Quick History

Roulette’s roots trace back to Europe, where early versions evolved into what most players now recognise as ‘classic’ roulette. As the game crossed the Atlantic and gained popularity in the United States of America, the American layout developed with a double zero added to the wheel.

That change helped differentiate the game in local casinos and, crucially, increased the casino’s long-term advantage. Today, both formats thrive online, but American Roulette remains strongly associated with the United States of America-style casino experience.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel: The Layout That Changes Everything

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total:

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

Numbers 1 to 36 are coloured red or black in an alternating pattern (with a set arrangement that stays consistent for the wheel). The two zero pockets are green, which is important because they don’t count as red, black, odd, even, high, or low. That’s one of the main ways the house edge shows up in everyday play.

How the American Roulette Table Works: The Betting Grid Made Simple

The table layout is essentially a map of possible bets. The main grid shows numbers 1 to 36 in rows and columns, and there are separate areas for outside bets such as red/black, odd/even, and dozens.

You place chips directly on the felt where your bet applies. 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. A chip covering a larger labelled box (like ‘1st 12’) represents a dozen bet.

How to Play American Roulette Step by Step

Playing a round is straightforward, even if the betting options look busy at first:

1. Choose your chip value at the table (online, you’ll select a virtual chip denomination).
2. Place your bets on the relevant areas of the table before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball settles into a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid out according to the payout rules for that bet type, and losing bets are collected.

The Bets Everyone Uses in American Roulette (and What They Pay)

Roulette betting is usually split into inside bets (specific numbers or tight groups) and outside bets (broader categories). Inside bets can pay more but land less often, while outside bets hit more frequently but pay less.

Inside Bets: Higher Risk, Bigger Potential Returns

Inside bets are placed on the numbered grid, targeting individual numbers or small clusters.

A straight up bet covers one number and offers the biggest payout, but it’s also the least likely to hit. Split bets cover two adjacent numbers. Street bets cover a row of three numbers. Corner bets cover a block of four. Six line bets cover two adjacent streets (six numbers total).

These bets are popular with players who enjoy the ‘big hit’ feeling, but they come with more variance - you can go several spins without a win.

Outside Bets: Simpler, Safer Feeling (But Still Chance-Based)

Outside bets cover larger groups, so they win more often than inside bets.

Common outside bets include red or black, odd or even, and high (19-36) or low (1-18). Dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) and columns (the three vertical columns on the grid) are also staples, offering a middle ground between frequency and payout.

Outside bets are often where beginners start because they are easy to understand and help your bankroll last longer, even though the house edge is still there.

American Roulette Payout Table: Quick Reference

Here’s a clear look at the typical payouts you’ll see on an American Roulette table:

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

Payouts are generally standard across casinos, although table limits (minimums and maximums) can vary.

The Real Cost of the Double Zero: American Roulette House Edge

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. The main reason is the extra green pocket (00), which increases the total pockets to 38 while keeping most payouts the same as on European tables.

For comparison, European Roulette (with only a single zero) has a house edge of about 2.7%. In practical terms, that means the European wheel is usually better value for the player over time, even though no version can be ‘beaten’ reliably in the long run without an advantage not offered in standard play.

Smart American Roulette Tips That Actually Help Beginners

The best approach to roulette is to keep it simple and treat it as entertainment first.

Understanding the odds before you place chips is the biggest advantage a beginner can give themselves - it stops you chasing unlikely outcomes without realising it. Many players prefer outside bets early on because the wins come more often, which can make sessions feel steadier.

Bankroll management matters just as much as bet selection. Decide your budget, keep stakes consistent, and avoid increasing bets aggressively to ‘recover’ losses. Most importantly, skip any betting system that claims it can guarantee wins - roulette is a game of chance, and short-term streaks can go either way without warning.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences That Matter

The differences are easy to summarise, but they have a real impact on value and playing style.

American Roulette uses 38 pockets because it includes both 0 and 00. European Roulette uses 37 pockets with only a single zero. That one extra pocket is what pushes American Roulette’s house edge higher.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette is a familiar sight in casinos associated with the United States of America, while European Roulette is more common across Europe and is often the preferred choice for players who prioritise lower house edge.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer: Two Ways to Play

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats.

RNG (random number generator) roulette is computer-run, fast, and available at any time, making it ideal for quick sessions and mobile play. Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel and dealer from a studio, giving you a more authentic casino feel, with chat features and real-time dealing.

Both formats can be fair when offered by properly regulated operators, but they suit different moods - RNG for speed, live dealer for atmosphere.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette Games

If you’re browsing online roulette lobbies, these developers are among the most recognisable names for high-quality roulette tables and live streams:

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

You’ll often see multiple American Roulette options from these studios, including different camera angles, table limits, side bets, and VIP-style rooms.

Where to Play American Roulette Online: Brand Options to Know

Some online casinos place American Roulette alongside a wider mix of table games and live dealer rooms. If you’re comparing platforms, look at factors such as payment options, table limits, and the range of roulette variants.

You can also explore brand details and features via internal reviews such as RedRacer Casino and Unlimluck Casino, particularly if you’re checking game libraries and cashier methods before depositing.

Mobile American Roulette: Built for Phones and Tablets

Most modern American Roulette games are optimised for mobile play. On smartphones and tablets, the betting grid is typically redesigned for tapping and zooming, and live dealer tables adjust to vertical or horizontal viewing.

For the smoothest sessions, a stable connection matters more than raw device power, especially for live streams.

Responsible Gambling: Keep Roulette Fun, Not Stressful

Set a budget before you play, and consider using deposit limits, time reminders, and reality checks. If gambling stops feeling enjoyable, take a break and seek support.

For free, confidential help, visit GambleAware and BeGambleAware. If you need to block access to online gambling sites, GamStop is a widely used self-exclusion option.

American Roulette FAQ: Fast Answers to Common Questions