American Roulette

American Roulette is a casino table game built around a spinning wheel, a small ball, and a wide range of betting options. Players wager on where the ball will land after the dealer spins the wheel. Bets can be placed on a single number, colors, odd or even numbers, groups of numbers, and more.

What makes American Roulette different from other roulette versions is simple but important: it has two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra double-zero pocket changes the odds and gives the casino a bigger edge than European Roulette.

From Europe to the US: How American Roulette Took Shape

Roulette began in Europe several centuries ago, with roots commonly linked to France. The name “roulette” means “little wheel” in French, and the game became a staple in European gambling halls thanks to its simple rules and fast pace.

After roulette made its way to the United States, the game evolved into the version now known as American Roulette. The biggest change was the addition of the 00 pocket. That one adjustment increased the total number of wheel pockets and permanently changed the math of the game in US casinos.

What the American Roulette Wheel Looks Like

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

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 are split between red and black. The 0 and 00 pockets are green. As the wheel spins, the dealer releases the ball in the opposite direction, and the winning number is whichever pocket the ball finally drops into.

That 38-pocket layout is the reason American Roulette has different odds from European Roulette, which uses only 37 pockets because it has just one green zero.

How the American Roulette Table Works

The table layout mirrors the wheel’s possible outcomes and gives players many ways to bet. The main grid shows numbers 1 through 36 in rows, with spaces for 0 and 00 at the top.

Players place chips directly on the table in specific areas depending on the bet they want to make. A chip placed on a single number is a straight-up bet. A chip placed on a line between two numbers is a split bet. Chips can also be set on the outside betting sections for bets like red or black, odd or even, or high or low.

Because so many betting spots are available, roulette appeals to both cautious players and higher-risk players.

How to Play American Roulette Without Overcomplicating It

Playing American Roulette is straightforward once you know the order of events. First, you choose your chip value at the table or in the online interface. Then you place your bets before the betting window closes.

After betting ends, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball. The ball moves around the wheel, slows down, and lands in one numbered pocket. If your bet matches the result, the dealer pays it based on the standard payout table.

That’s the full cycle of the game, and then a new round begins.

The Core Bet Types Every Player Should Know

American Roulette bets are usually divided into inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets cover specific numbers or smaller number groups. Outside bets cover broader sections of the board and usually offer better chances of winning, though with smaller payouts.

Inside Bets With Bigger Payout Potential

Inside bets are placed on the numbered grid itself. These are the most precise bets on the table.

A Straight Up bet covers 1 number and pays 35: 1.

A Split bet covers 2 adjacent numbers and pays 17: 1.

A Street bet covers 3 numbers in a horizontal row and pays 11: 1.

A Corner bet covers 4 numbers that meet at one point and pays 8: 1.

A Six Line bet covers 6 numbers across two adjacent rows and pays 5: 1.

Inside bets can deliver larger returns, but they also hit less often than broader outside wagers.

Outside Bets That Keep Risk Lower

Outside bets are easier for beginners to understand and generally win more often.

A Red or Black bet covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1.

An Odd or Even bet covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1.

A High or Low bet covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. Low covers 1 to 18, while High covers 19 to 36.

A Dozens bet covers 12 numbers and pays 2: 1. You can bet on 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36.

A Columns bet covers 12 numbers and pays 2: 1. These are the three vertical columns on the betting layout.

Outside bets do not remove the house edge, but they can help beginners stretch a bankroll longer.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

Here is the standard American Roulette payout structure:

• 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 payouts are standard in most casinos and online roulette games, though the exact presentation may vary slightly by software provider.

The House Edge Secret Most Beginners Miss

The house edge in American Roulette is 5.26%. That figure comes directly from the extra 00 pocket.

If the wheel had only numbers 1 to 36 plus a single 0, the edge would be lower. That is why European Roulette carries a house edge of about 2.7%, roughly half of the American version. The extra green pocket makes a noticeable difference over time, especially for players who log a lot of spins.

Smart American Roulette Tips for New Players

The best starting point is understanding that roulette is a game of chance. No betting pattern can change the built-in math of the wheel.

It helps to learn the odds before placing wagers. Outside bets like red or black, odd or even, and high or low can reduce short-term volatility, even though they do not improve the house edge.

Bankroll management matters, too. Set a session budget, decide how much you are willing to risk per spin, and avoid chasing losses. Many players also benefit from ignoring betting systems that claim guaranteed profits. Systems like Martingale may sound appealing, but they do not remove the casino edge.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Matter

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

That extra 00 pocket raises the American version’s house edge to 5.26%, compared with 2.7% in European Roulette. As a result, European Roulette is generally considered the better-value option for players focused on long-term odds.

American Roulette is still widely found in US casinos and on many casino sites aimed at American players. European Roulette is more common in Europe and also appears often online because of its more favorable math.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette

Players today can choose between standard online American Roulette and live dealer roulette. Standard online roulette uses a random number generator, often called RNG, to determine results. These games are fast, easy to use, and usually work well on both desktop and mobile.

Live dealer roulette streams a real table from a studio, with an actual dealer spinning a physical wheel in real time. That format creates a more authentic casino feel and often includes chat features and multiple camera angles.

Many casinos offer both options, so the better choice depends on whether you prefer speed and convenience or a more realistic table-game setup.

Top Software Providers Behind Great American Roulette Games

Several major developers offer strong American Roulette titles online. Evolution is one of the best-known names in live dealer roulette, especially for players who want a polished studio experience.

Playtech also has a long history in online table games and live casino content. Pragmatic Play Live is another major provider with growing visibility in roulette and other live dealer titles. NetEnt remains a familiar name for digital casino games, while Ezugi is a solid option for live dealer roulette tables.

Players browsing online casinos may also find roulette titles from brands that work with these suppliers, including Rekabet, DaytonaSpin Casino, and Duckysino Casino. Game selection, betting limits, and live dealer availability can vary by site.

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

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. That includes both RNG versions and many live dealer tables.

On mobile, players can usually place chips with taps, switch bet sizes quickly, and follow the wheel action without losing much functionality. As long as the casino platform is well-designed and your connection is stable, mobile roulette can feel nearly the same as desktop play.

A Quick Reminder About Responsible Play

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 the game stops being fun, take a break. Staying in control is more important than any single spin.

Common American Roulette Questions Answered

American Roulette remains one of the easiest casino games to learn because the rules are simple and the betting options are easy to understand after a few spins. If you know how the 0 and 00 affect the odds, understand the payout structure, and play within your limits, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what to expect from the game.