American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most iconic casino table games, and it’s especially popular across brick-and-mortar gambling floors in the United States. The goal is simple: predict where the ball will land on a spinning wheel, then collect payouts based on the bet you chose.

The biggest difference between American Roulette and other versions is right on the wheel. American Roulette has two green pockets - “0” and “00” - which slightly shifts the odds in the casino’s favor.

What Makes American Roulette Different (And Why It Matters)

Roulette comes in a few common variants, but American Roulette stands out because of the extra green pocket. European Roulette has one green “0,” while American Roulette adds the “00.”

That second green pocket changes the math behind every bet you place, which is why the house edge is higher in American Roulette than in European Roulette.

A Quick History of Roulette - From Europe to American Casino Floors

Roulette traces its roots back to Europe, where wheel-based games evolved into the version players recognize today. As roulette traveled and gained momentum, it eventually reached the United States, where casinos introduced a wheel with an extra green pocket.

That small tweak - the addition of “00” - helped casinos increase their advantage, and American Roulette became the standard layout in many local gambling venues.

American Roulette Wheel Layout - The 38-Pocket Breakdown

An American Roulette wheel has 38 total pockets:

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

The numbers 1-36 are split between red and black, arranged in a fixed (but non-sequential) order around the wheel. The “0” and “00” pockets are green, and they’re the key reason American Roulette plays differently from European Roulette.

American Roulette Table Layout - How the Betting Grid Works

The table layout is basically a betting map. The main grid shows numbers 1-36 in rows and columns, and it includes areas for placing bets on single numbers, small clusters, or large groups.

You place your chips directly on the section that matches your bet. 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 bet. Outside betting areas (like red or black) sit around the main number grid and cover broader outcomes.

How to Play American Roulette - A Simple Step-by-Step

If you’ve never played before, here’s the flow you can expect at most online and live tables:

1. Choose your chip value (your stake per chip).
2. Place bets on the table by putting chips on the matching betting areas.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid based on standard roulette payouts.

Once payouts are settled, a new round starts and you can place fresh bets.

American Roulette Bets Explained - Inside vs Outside

American Roulette bets are usually grouped into two categories: inside bets (tighter coverage, bigger payouts) and outside bets (broader coverage, smaller payouts).

Inside Bets - Bigger Payouts, More Swingy Results

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small number groups:

Straight Up: Bet on one number by placing a chip directly on it.

Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them.

Street: Bet on three numbers in a row by placing a chip at the end of that row.

Corner: Bet on four numbers that form a square by placing a chip at the intersection.

Six Line: Bet on six numbers (two adjacent rows) by placing a chip on the outside line that joins the two rows.

These bets can feel exciting because a hit pays well, but you’ll miss more often, so the bankroll ride can be choppier.

Outside Bets - More Coverage, Smoother Pace

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and are popular with beginners who want more balance:

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 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high).

Dozens: Bet on 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36.

Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns on the grid.

Outside bets don’t pay as much per win, but they land more frequently, which can help you keep a steadier rhythm at the table.

American Roulette Payout Table - What Each Bet Typically Pays

Here are the standard payouts you’ll see in American Roulette:

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

Keep in mind: “0” and “00” don’t count as red, black, odd, even, high, or low, which is why those outside bets aren’t quite a true fifty-fifty.

The House Edge in American Roulette - Why It’s 5.26%

American Roulette has a 5.26% house edge. The reason is the extra green pocket - “00” - which reduces the probability of winning across the board without improving payouts.

For comparison, European Roulette (with a single “0”) has a lower house edge of about 2.70%. If you’re an odds-focused player, that difference is real, especially over long sessions.

Smart American Roulette Strategy Tips - Keep It Simple and Clear

Roulette is a game of chance, but you can still play in a way that feels more controlled and fair to your bankroll.

Start with these practical tips:

Understand the odds before betting - especially how “0” and “00” impact outside bets.

Use outside bets for lower risk - red or black, odd or even, and high or low are common “stay in the game longer” options.

Manage your bankroll carefully - set a session budget, pick a base bet size, and don’t chase losses.

Skip any system that promises guaranteed wins - no betting pattern can remove the house edge, even if it feels like it builds momentum short-term.

If you want variety without overcomplicating things, mix a small inside bet (for upside) with an outside bet (for stability).

American Roulette vs European Roulette - The Key Differences

These two versions look similar at a glance, but they play differently where it counts:

Number of pockets: American Roulette has 38 pockets (adds “00”). European Roulette has 37 pockets.

House edge: American Roulette is 5.26%. European Roulette is about 2.70%.

Popularity: American Roulette is widely seen in United States casinos, while European Roulette is more common in many European venues and online lobbies that emphasize lower house edge options.

If you have a choice online, European Roulette is usually the better value, but American Roulette is still a classic, and plenty of players enjoy its familiar layout.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette - Two Ways to Spin

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

RNG roulette: The outcome is generated by a certified random number generator. It’s fast, smooth, and great for quick sessions.

Live dealer roulette: A real wheel is streamed from a studio, and a live dealer runs the game. It’s closer to the casino-floor vibe, and it can feel more social and grounded.

Both can be fair when offered by licensed, regulated platforms. The right pick comes down to whether you want speed (RNG) or atmosphere (live dealer).

Best Software Providers for American Roulette - Who Builds the Top Tables?

If you’re comparing roulette lobbies, providers matter because they shape the interface, camera quality, betting limits, and extra features.

Some of the biggest names offering roulette titles include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. In many casino catalogs, you’ll also find American Roulette-style tables through platforms like Real Time Gaming, depending on the site’s software lineup.

Mobile American Roulette - Play Smoothly on Phones and Tablets

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for mobile, so you can place bets, adjust chip sizes, and follow the action on a smartphone or tablet without feeling cramped.

A quick tip: on smaller screens, outside bets are usually easier to tap accurately than busy inside-bet clusters, especially if you’re playing fast.

Where to Play American Roulette Online - What to Look For

Before you sign up anywhere, prioritize clarity and security. Check that the casino is properly licensed where you live, uses reputable software, and clearly lists banking methods, withdrawal steps, and bonus terms.

If you’re comparing platforms, these brand pages can help you size up features like software, payments, and support:

• Oreon Bet Casino
• Brionis Casino
• Grand Falls Casino

Always read bonus wagering requirements and game contribution rules before you opt in, because some promotions don’t treat table games the same way they treat slots.

Responsible Gambling Reminder - Keep the Fun in Balance

Roulette should feel exciting, not stressful. Set a budget, use deposit limits if they’re available, and take breaks to keep your play balanced. If gambling stops feeling fun, use time-out tools or self-exclusion options, and reach out for support.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette