American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic casino wheel many players in the United States recognize. The defining feature is the presence of two green pockets — single zero (“0”) and double zero (“00”). That extra green pocket changes the odds compared with other roulette variants, and it’s the key thing to know before you play.

A short history: From Europe to the United States

Roulette began in Europe in the 18th century, evolving from early wheel games and mechanical inventions. The version with a single zero became the standard in many European casinos. When roulette crossed the Atlantic, operators in the United States added a double zero to the wheel. That change created what we now call American Roulette, and it became the predominant wheel in many United States casinos.

American Roulette wheel layout — what’s on the wheel

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total. That includes:

• Numbers 1–36
• Single zero (“0”)
• Double zero (“00”)

Numbers 1–36 alternate red and black, while both “0” and “00” are green. The extra green pocket increases the house’s edge compared with single-zero wheels.

Table layout — how betting looks on the felt

The American Roulette table has a rectangular betting grid for numbers 1–36, plus sections for “0” and “00.” Chips are placed directly on the numbers for inside bets, or on the outside betting areas for larger group bets. Outside areas include color, odds/even, high/low, dozens, and columns. Dealers place the winning marker and pay winners once the ball settles.

How to play American Roulette — quick play guide

1. Choose a chip value.
2. Place bets on the table before the dealer closes betting.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and drops the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing bets are cleared.

Inside bets — precision wagers on the grid

Inside bets target specific numbers or small groups on the numeric grid:

• Straight up — bet on a single number.
• Split — bet on two adjacent numbers.
• Street — bet on three numbers in a row.
• Corner — bet on four numbers forming a square.
• Six line — bet on two adjacent rows, covering six numbers.

These bets pay higher odds, but cover fewer numbers.

Outside bets — broader, lower-variance options

Outside bets cover larger swaths of the wheel and come with lower payouts:

• Red or Black — color bets.
• Odd or Even — parity bets.
• High or Low — 19–36 or 1–18.
• Dozens — 1–12, 13–24, 25–36.
• Columns — one of the three vertical columns on the grid.

Outside bets are useful for players seeking steadier, lower-risk play.

American Roulette payout table

• 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 / Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1

Payouts reflect standard casino rules, and specific casinos may post exact terms and conditions.

House edge — why the double zero matters

American Roulette carries a house edge of 5.26%. That edge comes from having both “0” and “00,” which are green pockets that cause many even-money bets to lose. By comparison, European Roulette, with a single zero, typically has a house edge of about 2.7%. The extra zero in American Roulette is the main reason for the higher house advantage.

Practical tips for playing American Roulette

• Understand the odds before you bet, and check the payout table at the table or online.
• Use outside bets when you want lower risk and more frequent smaller wins.
• Manage your bankroll: set a session limit, and stick to it.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; roulette is a game of chance, and no system removes the house edge.
• Read the casino’s terms and conditions on wagers and payouts.

American Roulette versus European Roulette — quick comparison

• Number of pockets — American has 38 pockets, European has 37.
• House edge — American ~5.26%, European ~2.7%.
• Popularity — American Roulette is more commonly found in United States casinos, while single-zero wheels dominate many European venues. The different wheel setups directly affect odds and long-term play outcomes.

Online RNG versus live dealer American Roulette

Online platforms offer two main formats: RNG (random number generator) roulette and live dealer roulette streamed from real studios. RNG versions are faster, available 24/7, and run on certified algorithms. Live dealer games deliver a real wheel, real dealer, and social interaction via video stream, which some players prefer for authenticity. Both options can be played on desktop or mobile, and both should be provided by reputable developers and audited platforms.

Top software providers offering American Roulette

Look for games from established developers with audited RNGs or certified live streams, such as Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These studios supply both RNG and live dealer options, clear user interfaces, and reliable playback on desktop and mobile.

Mobile play — roulette on phones and tablets

Most American Roulette titles are optimized for smartphones and tablets. Mobile versions preserve the table layout and betting options, and live dealer streams adapt to smaller screens. Check that the casino supports your device, and verify secure connectivity for real-money play.

Where to try American Roulette online

You can test American Roulette at reputable casinos that list reliable software and secure banking. For example, try Winx96 Casino, SpinBoss Casino, or Moon Bet Casino. Always review each site’s terms and conditions, deposit options, and payout speeds before playing for real money.

Responsible play reminder

Keep gambling recreational. Set deposit, loss, and time limits, and never chase losses. If play stops being enjoyable, take a break and seek support resources. Responsible gambling protects your entertainment and finances.

Frequently asked questions

If you want to practice, try free-play versions first to get comfortable with bets and pacing before committing real money.