American Roulette

American Roulette is the version of roulette most closely tied to US casinos. It uses a wheel with 38 pockets, including the numbers 1 through 36, plus two green pockets marked 0 and 00. That extra double-zero pocket is the feature that sets it apart from other roulette variants, and it has a direct impact on the odds.

If you have played or watched roulette before, the basic idea will look familiar. Players place bets on where a small ball will land after the wheel spins. You can bet on a single number, a group of numbers, or broad outcomes like red or black. The game is simple to follow, which helps explain why it remains a staple in both land-based casinos and online casino lobbies.

From Europe to the US: How American Roulette Took Shape

Roulette began in Europe, with roots in 18th-century France. The name itself comes from the French word for “little wheel.” Early versions of the game gradually became popular across the continent, especially in France and later in Monte Carlo.

Once roulette reached the United States, casino operators adopted a modified wheel that added the 00 pocket. That change created what we now know as American Roulette. Over time, the double-zero format became standard in many US casinos, while European casinos generally kept the single-zero wheel.

Wheel Secrets Every Player Should Know

The American Roulette wheel has 38 total pockets. Those pockets include 36 numbered spaces and two green spaces labeled 0 and 00.

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 are split between red and black in an alternating pattern around the wheel. The 0 and 00 are always green. This color structure matters because some of the most common outside bets are based on color, like red or black.

While the wheel may seem random at first glance, its layout is fixed. American Roulette wheels are designed so that high and low numbers, as well as red and black numbers, are spread out around the wheel rather than grouped together.

Table Layout Made Simple

The American Roulette table includes a betting grid where all number-based wagers are placed. The numbers 1 through 36 appear in rows, with spaces for 0 and 00 at the top of the layout.

Players put chips directly on the numbers or on the lines between numbers to indicate different bet types. There are also clearly marked outside betting sections for red or black, odd or even, 1 to 18, 19 to 36, dozens, and columns.

This setup gives roulette its flexibility. One player can bet on a single number, while another can spread smaller wagers across broad outcomes on the same spin.

How American Roulette Works Step by Step

Playing American Roulette is straightforward. First, you choose your chip value at the table or in the online game interface.

Next, you place your bets on the layout before betting closes. Once all bets are in, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction.

As the ball slows down, it drops into one of the 38 pockets. If your number or betting section matches the result, the casino pays your winnings based on the standard payout table.

Inside Bets That Offer Bigger Payouts

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. These wagers carry higher payouts because they cover fewer outcomes.

A Straight Up bet covers one number and pays 35: 1. This is the most direct roulette bet and also the riskiest.

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. This bet is placed at the outer edge of the row.

A Corner covers four numbers that meet at one point and pays 8: 1. It is also called a square bet at some tables.

A Six Line covers six numbers across two adjacent rows and pays 5: 1. You place the chip at the shared outer corner of those two rows.

Outside Bets That Keep Volatility Lower

Outside bets cover larger sections of the table, so they win more often but pay less.

Red or Black covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. Odd or Even also covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. High or Low, meaning 19 to 36 or 1 to 18, follows the same 1: 1 payout.

Dozens cover 12 numbers each and pay 2: 1. You can choose the first dozen, second dozen, or third dozen.

Columns also cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1. These bets are tied to one of the three vertical columns on the layout.

For beginners, outside bets are usually the easiest place to start because the action is simpler and the swings are smaller.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

Here is a quick look at the standard payouts in American Roulette.

• 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 across most online and land-based American Roulette games.

The House Edge: Why the Double Zero Matters

The house edge in American Roulette is 5.26%. That number comes from the presence of both 0 and 00 on the wheel.

On even-money bets like red or black, players are betting on 18 winning numbers out of 38 total pockets, not 18 out of 36. The two green pockets are what tilt the math toward the casino.

By comparison, European Roulette has only one zero, which lowers the house edge to 2.7%. That difference may look small, but over time it has a real effect on expected returns.

Smart Strategy Tips for New Players

The first thing to understand is that roulette is a game of chance. No strategy can remove the house edge or guarantee profits.

That said, beginners can still make better decisions by learning the odds before placing bets. Outside bets like red or black, odd or even, and dozens are often easier to manage than loading up on single numbers.

Bankroll management matters, too. Set a spending limit before you play, decide how much you are willing to risk per spin, and avoid chasing losses.

It is also wise to be skeptical of betting systems that claim to beat roulette. Approaches like Martingale and similar progression systems can change the size of your wagers, but they do not change the underlying odds.

American vs European Roulette: The Difference That Counts

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

That extra 00 pocket gives American Roulette a higher house edge at 5.26%, compared with 2.7% in European Roulette. From a value standpoint, European Roulette is generally the better choice for players.

Still, American Roulette remains highly popular in US casinos because it is the format many domestic players know best. In Europe, the single-zero version is more common.

Online American Roulette or Live Dealer: Which Fits You Better?

Online players usually have two ways to play American Roulette. The first is RNG roulette, where a random number generator determines the result. These games are fast, convenient, and often available at a wide range of stakes.

The second is live dealer roulette, where a real dealer spins a physical wheel from a studio streamed in real time. Live games offer a more social, table-like feel and can be a strong option for players who want a closer match to a casino floor experience.

If you are comparing platforms, a casino like Jackoro Casino may appeal to players who want a crypto-friendly setup, while Grand Falls Casino offers a broader gaming mix that includes casino play, sportsbook options, poker, esports, and racebook wagering.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette

Several major game developers offer strong American Roulette titles online. Evolution is one of the best-known names for live dealer roulette and is widely used across regulated and offshore markets.

Playtech and Pragmatic Play Live are also major live casino providers, with polished studios and mobile-friendly interfaces. NetEnt has long been a familiar name in digital table games, and Ezugi remains a recognized option for live dealer content.

Some casinos also feature roulette from other software networks. The overall experience can vary based on interface, camera quality, side bets, table limits, and whether the game is RNG-based or live.

Mobile American Roulette on the Go

American Roulette games are now built to run smoothly on smartphones and tablets. Most modern casino sites offer browser-based play without requiring a download, and many also provide dedicated mobile apps.

The mobile experience usually includes the full betting grid, quick chip selection, and responsive controls. Live dealer games are also commonly optimized for smaller screens, making it easy to play from almost anywhere with a stable connection.

Responsible Play Still Comes First

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Set deposit and session limits, take breaks, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.

If the game stops being fun, step away. Responsible play habits matter just as much online as they do in a casino.

FAQ: Fast Answers About American Roulette

American Roulette remains one of the easiest casino games to learn, but understanding the double zero is essential before you play. Once you know how the wheel, bets, payouts, and house edge work, you can approach the game with clearer expectations and make smarter choices at the table.