American Roulette

American roulette is the classic US version of roulette, found in many land-based casinos and online casino lobbies. Its defining feature is simple: the wheel has two green pockets, 0 and 00, instead of just one. That extra green slot changes the odds, affects the house edge, and makes American roulette different from European and French roulette.

If you are comparing roulette games before placing a bet, this is the version to understand. Below, you will find how American roulette works, how the table is set up, what each bet pays, and why the double zero matters so much.

What Makes American Roulette Different

American roulette is a casino table game where a dealer spins a wheel in one direction and sends a small ball in the opposite direction. Players bet on where the ball will land after it drops into one of the wheel’s numbered pockets.

The biggest difference between American roulette and other versions is the wheel layout. American roulette uses 38 pockets in total: numbers 1 through 36, plus 0 and 00. Those two green pockets increase the house edge and reduce the player’s overall odds compared with European roulette, which has only one zero.

That is why many players check the wheel version before they play, whether they are visiting a casino floor or browsing online roulette games.

Roulette’s European Roots and the American Version

Roulette began in Europe, with early forms of the game appearing in France in the 18th century. Over time, the familiar numbered wheel and betting table developed into the format now recognized worldwide.

When roulette reached the United States, casinos adapted the game. The double-zero pocket was added, creating the American version that became standard in many US casinos. That adjustment gave the house a larger mathematical advantage, and it remains the key feature that separates American roulette from its European counterpart today.

A Closer Look at the American Roulette Wheel

The American roulette wheel has 38 pockets total. These include 36 numbered pockets, running from 1 to 36, along with a single zero and a double zero.

The numbered pockets are colored red and black in alternating fashion, while 0 and 00 are green. Those green pockets are not part of the red/black, odd/even, or high/low outside bets, which is one reason they make the game tougher for players.

Unlike European roulette, the number order on an American wheel is also different. The sequence is designed to spread high and low numbers, as well as red and black pockets, around the wheel rather than placing them in simple numerical order.

How the American Roulette Table Works

The betting table looks like a grid with numbers 1 through 36 arranged in rows and columns. At the top of the layout, you will also see spaces for 0 and 00.

Players place chips directly on numbers or on the lines between numbers to make inside bets. The outer sections of the layout are used for outside bets such as red or black, odd or even, dozens, and columns.

Each chip position represents a different bet. A chip placed on a single number means a straight-up wager, while a chip placed across a dividing line can cover two numbers. The table may look busy at first, but once you understand where chips go, the layout becomes pretty easy to follow.

How to Play American Roulette in 5 Easy Steps

Inside Bets That Offer Bigger Payouts

Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the grid. These bets have lower chances of winning than outside bets, but they pay more.

A straight-up bet covers one number and pays 35:1. This is the highest standard payout on the table.

A split covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17:1. You place the chip on the line between the 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, sometimes called a square bet, covers four numbers and pays 8:1. The chip sits at the corner where the four numbers meet.

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

Outside Bets That Win More Often

Outside bets cover broader sections of the table. They do not pay as much as inside bets, but they hit more often.

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

Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time. You can bet on 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36, and the typical payout is 2:1.

Columns also cover 12 numbers and pay 2:1. These are the three vertical columns on the number grid.

Outside bets are often the starting point for beginners because they are simpler to read and usually last longer with a smaller bankroll.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

Here is a quick look at the standard payouts in American roulette:

These are the standard payouts you will usually see in both retail and online American roulette games. Rules can vary slightly by casino, so it is always smart to check the paytable before you play.

The Real Cost of the Double Zero

The house edge in American roulette is 5.26%. That number comes directly from the two green pockets, 0 and 00, which create more losing outcomes for common even-money bets.

By comparison, European roulette has a house edge of about 2.7% because it uses only one zero. That difference may not sound huge at first, but over time it has a real effect on expected returns.

This is why experienced roulette players often prefer European roulette when both versions are available. Still, American roulette remains widely played in the United States and is a familiar choice across many casino brands.

Smart American Roulette Tips for Beginners

The first tip is to understand the odds before placing any bet. A straight-up wager offers a large payout, but it is much less likely to hit than a red/black bet.

Many beginners start with outside bets because they provide lower variance. You are not changing the house edge, but you are giving yourself a better chance of landing more frequent wins.

Bankroll management matters, too. Set a spending limit before the session starts, stick to bet sizes you can afford, and avoid chasing losses after a bad run.

It is also important to ignore betting systems that claim guaranteed profits. Martingale and other progression strategies can change how you stake, but they do not remove the house edge. Roulette is a game of chance, and every spin is independent.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

American roulette has 38 pockets, while European roulette has 37. The extra 00 pocket in the American version is the main reason the house edge is higher.

American roulette carries a 5.26% house edge, compared with 2.7% for European roulette. That makes European roulette the more favorable game from a player-odds perspective.

In terms of popularity, American roulette has long been common in US casinos, while European roulette is more common in Europe and many international online casinos. Today, US players can often find both versions online, especially in regulated states with broad casino libraries. If table games are your focus, you may also want to compare it with blackjack online to see how house edge and strategy differ.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette

Players can choose between standard online American roulette and live dealer American roulette. The first type uses a random number generator, or RNG, to determine outcomes digitally.

Live dealer roulette streams a real table from a studio or casino floor. A human dealer spins the wheel on camera, and players place bets through an online interface in real time.

RNG roulette is usually faster and works well for quick sessions. Live dealer roulette offers a more realistic casino feel, which many players prefer when they want a social table-game experience from home.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers power American roulette titles in the US-facing market. Evolution is one of the best-known names for live dealer roulette and offers multiple studio-based tables.

Playtech is another established provider with both digital and live casino products. Pragmatic Play Live has expanded its live dealer lineup and is now a familiar name across many casino platforms.

NetEnt has long been recognized for polished RNG table games, while Ezugi remains a solid option in live dealer roulette. The provider available to you will depend on the casino site and the state where you play.

Mobile American Roulette on the Go

American roulette games are built to run smoothly on smartphones and tablets. Most modern casino apps and mobile browser sites let players bet, adjust chip values, and switch between table views with ease.

That means you can play RNG or live dealer roulette from iPhone, Android, and tablet devices without needing a desktop. The best mobile games keep the betting layout clear and responsive, even on smaller screens.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Set time and spending limits before you play, and take breaks if the session stops being fun.

If gambling starts to feel difficult to control, use the responsible gaming tools offered by licensed operators. These may include deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options.

Frequently Asked Questions

American roulette remains one of the most recognizable casino games in the United States. Its double-zero wheel gives it a distinct identity, even if it also makes the odds tougher than European roulette. If you know the table layout, understand the payouts, and keep your bankroll in check, it is an easy game to enjoy in person or online.