American Roulette
American Roulette is one of the most iconic casino table games in the United States—built around a spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and a betting layout that lets you play it safe or take a sharper shot at a bigger payout. The main difference from other roulette variants is simple but massive for your odds: American Roulette adds a second green pocket, meaning the wheel has both 0 and 00.
That extra green slot changes the math behind every spin, which is why it’s worth knowing exactly what you’re playing before you place your first chip.
What Makes American Roulette Different (and Why It Matters)
American Roulette uses a wheel with two green zero pockets: 0 and 00. European Roulette typically has only a single green 0. More green pockets means more outcomes where the house wins on many common bets—so the American version carries a higher house edge.
If you like the classic Las Vegas-style experience and lots of betting options, American Roulette delivers. If you’re hunting for better odds, understanding this difference is your edge before the wheel even moves.
Roulette’s Origins: From Europe to the American Casino Floor
Roulette traces its roots to Europe, where the game evolved into the single-zero format that spread through major gambling hubs. As roulette crossed the Atlantic and gained traction in the United States, the format shifted into what many players now recognize as American Roulette.
The defining change was the addition of 00—a move that increased the casino’s advantage and became standard across many US casino floors. Over time, American Roulette became the go-to variant in countless stateside venues, while Europe largely kept the single-zero wheel.
American Roulette Wheel Layout: Every Pocket Counts
The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:
- Numbers 1–36
- Single zero (0)
- Double zero (00)
Numbers 1–36 are split between red and black, arranged in an alternating pattern that’s easy to spot once you’ve watched a few spins. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, and those two green slots are the key reason American Roulette plays differently from other versions.
American Roulette Table Layout: How the Betting Grid Works
The roulette table layout is a betting grid that mirrors the number set on the wheel. Players place chips on clearly marked areas to bet on:
- A single number (like 17)
- Small clusters of numbers (like 17–20)
- Larger groups (like all reds, or 1–18)
You place chips directly on a number or on the lines between numbers to indicate combination bets. Outside betting areas—like Red/Black and Odd/Even—sit along the edges of the grid and are designed for simpler, broader wagers.
How to Play American Roulette
- Choose your chip valueChoose your chip value at the table (online you’ll select a chip denomination).
- Place your betsPlace your bets by putting chips on the areas you want to cover before the betting window closes.
- The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ballThe dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
- The ball lands in a numbered pocketAfter a few seconds, the ball slows and lands in a numbered pocket.
- Winning bets are paid outIf your bet covers that result, winning bets are paid out based on standard roulette payouts, and the next round begins.
Types of American Roulette Bets (Inside vs Outside)
Roulette bets fall into two main groups: inside bets (tighter coverage, higher payouts) and outside bets (wider coverage, lower payouts).
Inside Bets: Bigger Payout Potential per Spin
Inside bets target specific numbers or small number clusters on the grid:
Straight Up: Bet on a single number (including 0 or 00). Typical payout is 35:1. Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. Typical payout is 17:1. Street: Bet on a row of three numbers by placing a chip at the end of the row. Typical payout is 11:1. Corner: Bet on four numbers by placing a chip at the intersection of four squares. Typical payout is 8:1. Six Line: Bet on two adjacent streets (six numbers total) by placing a chip on the line between the rows. Typical payout is 5:1.
Inside bets can swing your results quickly—great when you’re aiming for a standout hit, but they’ll also produce more losing spins than broad coverage bets.
Outside Bets: More Coverage, Smoother Swings
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and are popular with beginners:
Red or Black: Bet that the result lands on any red or black number. Typical payout is 1:1. Odd or Even: Bet that the result is odd or even (1–36). Typical payout is 1:1. High or Low: Bet 1–18 (low) or 19–36 (high). Typical payout is 1:1. Dozens: Bet on 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36. Typical payout is 2:1. Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers. Typical payout is 2:1.
Outside bets won’t pay as much per win, but they can help your bankroll last longer and keep you in the action.
American Roulette Payout Table (Quick Reference)
| Bet type | Numbers covered | Typical payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 1 | 35:1 |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 |
| Corner | 4 | 8:1 |
| Six Line | 6 | 5:1 |
| Dozens / Columns | 12 | 2:1 |
| Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low | 18 | 1:1 |
The House Edge in American Roulette: The Cost of 00
American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That edge is driven by the extra green pocket—00—which increases the number of outcomes that don’t fall into standard even-money groups.
By comparison, European Roulette (with only a single zero) has a house edge of about 2.7%, which is nearly half. Same style of game, very different long-term cost.
Smart Strategy Tips for American Roulette Beginners
The most useful “strategy” in roulette is playing with clear expectations—because outcomes are random and every spin is independent.
Start by understanding the odds behind each bet so you’re not surprised by how often inside bets miss. If you want steadier sessions, use outside bets like Red/Black, Odd/Even, or High/Low to reduce volatility.
Most importantly, manage your bankroll: decide your session budget, size bets accordingly, and set a win/stop-loss limit so you stay in control. Be cautious with betting systems that claim guaranteed profits—roulette is a game of chance, and no progression system changes the underlying math.
American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Quick Comparison
The difference comes down to wheel pockets, odds, and where you’ll see each variant most often.
American Roulette has 38 pockets (1–36, 0, 00) and a 5.26% house edge. European Roulette has 37 pockets (1–36, 0) and around a 2.7% house edge.
In general, American Roulette is more common across US casinos, while European Roulette is widely seen in European casinos and many online lobbies that cater to players seeking lower house edge.
Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette: Two Ways to Play
Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats. RNG roulette uses a certified random number generator to produce outcomes instantly—perfect if you want quick rounds and flexible bet sizing.
Live dealer roulette streams a real roulette wheel from a professional studio, combining real spins with online convenience. If you like seeing the ball drop and enjoy the pacing of a real table, live dealer games bring that vibe to your screen.
Best Software Providers for American Roulette Games
Several top-tier developers power high-quality American Roulette titles, including Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. Provider differences often come down to interface, camera angles (for live games), table limits, side features, and how quickly you can place complex bets.
Mobile American Roulette: Spin Anywhere, Anytime
Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with layouts designed for tapping chips, zooming into the betting grid, and tracking recent results without clutter. Whether you’re playing RNG or live dealer, mobile support makes it easy to jump into a session whenever you have a few minutes.
Responsible Gambling: Keep the Game Fun
Roulette is best when it stays entertainment-first. Set a budget, keep your stakes comfortable, and take breaks—especially after big swings. If you ever feel pressure to chase losses, that’s your cue to pause and reset your limits.
American Roulette FAQ
What is American Roulette?
American Roulette is a roulette variant played on a 38-pocket wheel featuring numbers 1–36 plus 0 and 00.
What is the difference between American and European Roulette?
American Roulette has 0 and 00 (38 pockets), while European Roulette has only 0 (37 pockets). That extra pocket increases the house edge in the American version.
Why does American Roulette have a higher house edge?
Because the wheel includes two green pockets, which adds an extra losing outcome for many bets and pushes the house edge to 5.26%.
What is the best bet in American Roulette?
In terms of volatility, outside bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) are often considered the most beginner-friendly because they cover 18 numbers and pay 1:1—though the house edge remains the same across standard bets.
Can you play American Roulette online for real money?
Yes. Many regulated casinos offer American Roulette in both RNG and live dealer formats, often with multiple table limits.
Is American Roulette fair?
In regulated environments, yes—outcomes are either produced by certified RNGs or captured from real live wheels, and the rules/payouts are standardized. It’s fair in operation, but it’s still designed with a built-in house edge.
Is 0 or 00 more likely to hit?
No. On a fair American wheel, every pocket—including 0 and 00—has the same probability on each spin.
Do roulette betting systems work?
They can change how your bankroll rises and falls, but they don’t change the odds or remove the house edge—so there’s no system that guarantees long-term profit.
American Roulette is all about choosing how you want to play each spin: wide coverage for steadier pacing, or pinpoint inside bets when you’re aiming for a high payout. Once you understand the 0 and 00 factor and match your bets to your budget, you’re ready to enjoy the game on your terms.