American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most popular versions of roulette you’ll find in land-based casinos across the United States and at many online casino sites. It’s the classic “pick a bet, watch the wheel spin, hope your number hits” game, built around simple choices and quick results.

What makes it “American” comes down to one huge detail on the wheel: it has two green pockets - “0” and “00.” That extra green slot changes the math, raises the house edge, and is the main reason American Roulette plays a little tougher than other variants.

The Real Difference: Two Green Pockets (0 and 00)

Roulette variants can look similar at a glance, but the pocket count is everything. American Roulette includes both a single zero and a double zero, which means there are more outcomes that don’t favor player bets.

In practical terms, you can make the same kinds of bets you’d make on other roulette wheels, but your long-term odds are slightly worse because there are 38 total pockets instead of 37 or 36.

Roulette’s European Roots, and How the American Wheel Was Born

Roulette traces back to Europe, where the game evolved into the single-zero format that many players now call “European Roulette.” As roulette crossed the Atlantic and gained traction in the United States, casinos introduced the double zero.

The “00” wasn’t added as a gimmick - it increased the casino’s advantage, while keeping gameplay familiar. That’s how American Roulette became the standard in many United States casino environments, especially in older, traditional venues.

A Quick Tour of the American Roulette Wheel Layout

The American Roulette wheel has a total of 38 pockets:

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

The numbers 1 through 36 are colored red or black in an alternating pattern (with a specific sequence around the wheel), while the two zero pockets are green. Those green pockets are the built-in edge for the house - they don’t count as red or black, odd or even, or high or low.

How the American Roulette Table Layout Works

The table is where strategy feels real, because it’s where your bets physically go. The felt layout is essentially a betting grid showing numbers 1 through 36 in rows and columns, plus separate areas for outside bets like red or black, odd or even, and dozens.

You place chips directly on:

• A number (or the line between numbers) for inside bets
• A labeled box like “RED” or “1st 12” for outside bets

Your chip placement tells the dealer exactly what you’re betting and what it covers - no complicated forms, no second-guessing, just clear positioning.

How to Play American Roulette Step by Step

If you’re new, the pace can look fast, but the actual flow is simple.

1. Choose your chip value (the dealer will help set you up).
2. Place your bets on the table layout before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball drops into a numbered pocket - that’s the winning number and color.
5. Winning bets are paid based on the payout table, and then a new round begins.

Online, the steps feel the same - you pick chip size, tap the betting areas, and watch the result. The main difference is whether you’re playing computer-generated spins or a live dealer game.

The American Roulette Bets That Matter Most

American Roulette bets are usually split into two families: inside bets (tighter coverage, bigger payouts) and outside bets (wider coverage, steadier results).

Inside Bets: Higher Payouts, More Swingy Results

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small clusters. They’re exciting, but expect variance - you can go several spins without a hit.

Straight Up: Bet on a single number (including 0 or 00). Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. Street: Bet on three numbers in a horizontal row. Corner: Bet on four numbers that meet at a corner intersection. Six Line: Bet on six numbers across two adjacent streets.

Outside Bets: Lower Risk, More Frequent Hits

Outside bets cover larger sections of the layout. These are the go-to bets for many beginners because they tend to hit more often, even though they pay less.

Red or Black: Bet that the winning number is red or black. Odd or Even: Bet that the winning number is odd or even. High or Low: Bet 1 to 18 (low) or 19 to 36 (high). Dozens: Bet on 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36. Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers.

American Roulette Payout Table (Typical)

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

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

These payouts are “typical” because the structure is standardized, but table rules can vary slightly by casino, especially online, so it’s always smart to check the game info panel.

The House Edge in American Roulette (and Why It’s Higher)

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That edge comes directly from having two green pockets (0 and 00). Even-money bets like red or black feel close to fifty-fifty, but the green pockets are the spoiler that pushes the odds in the house’s favor over time.

For comparison, European Roulette (with a single green zero) has a house edge of about 2.7%. That’s a meaningful difference if you’re playing long sessions or betting bigger amounts.

Smart American Roulette Strategy Tips for Beginners

Roulette is a game of chance, and no strategy can change that. What you can do is play with more clarity, better balance, and fewer avoidable mistakes.

Start with these practical habits:

• Learn what each bet actually covers before you place chips - small placement differences can change everything.
• Use outside bets (like red or black, or high or low) when you want lower volatility and a steadier rhythm.
• Set a bankroll for the session and stick to it, especially if you’re chasing momentum after a loss.
• Be skeptical of betting systems that claim “guaranteed wins.” They can increase bet sizes quickly, and roulette variance can outlast any pattern.

If you want the best odds available, consider choosing European Roulette when it’s offered, but if you love the feel of the American wheel, you can still keep things controlled by sizing bets wisely.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: What Players Should Know

These two games are close cousins, but the differences affect both odds and overall vibe.

Key differences:

• Number of pockets: American has 38 (0 and 00), European has 37 (only 0).
• House edge: American is 5.26%, European is about 2.7%.
• Popularity: American Roulette is common in United States casinos, while European Roulette is more common across Europe and is widely offered online.

If you’re comparing games late at night and want the simplest shortcut - fewer green pockets is generally better for the player.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette

When you play online, you’ll usually see two formats:

RNG roulette: The spin result is generated by a random number generator. It’s fast, private, and great for quick sessions. Live dealer roulette: A real dealer spins a physical wheel on camera, streamed from a studio. It’s slower, more social, and feels closer to a real casino table.

If you like speed and convenience, RNG is solid. If you want that real-wheel energy and a more natural pace, live dealer roulette tends to feel more reassuring and transparent.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette Games

Game quality matters, especially for live dealer streams, mobile performance, and table features like racetrack betting and statistics panels. Some of the most recognized providers for roulette include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi.

If you’re choosing a casino, it can help to check the provider list on the site, because it often tells you what the roulette lobby will feel like before you even deposit.

Mobile American Roulette: Spin Anywhere, Anytime

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with touch-friendly betting grids, clear chip controls, and quick re-bet options. Whether you prefer RNG tables or live dealer streams, mobile play is usually smooth as long as your internet connection is stable.

A good tip on smaller screens: stick to a few bet types you recognize (like outside bets or a small set of inside numbers) so the layout stays easy to manage.

Where to Play American Roulette Online (Casino Options to Compare)

If you’re shopping around for a place to play, focus on licensing, game providers, payout speed, and bonus terms - not just the headline offer. You can also check dedicated casino reviews to compare platforms side by side, like Oreon Bet Casino, Slim King Casino, or VVegas Casino.

Always read the bonus conditions, including wagering requirements, game contribution rules, and withdrawal limits, before you opt in.

Responsible Gambling Reminder: Keep It Fun and In Control

Roulette is exciting because it’s unpredictable, but that also means it’s easy to get carried away. Set a budget, use deposit limits or time-outs when available, and treat every session like entertainment, not income.

If gambling stops feeling fun, take a break, lower your stakes, or use self-exclusion tools offered by reputable operators.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette