American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most recognizable casino table games in the US. It uses a spinning wheel and a small ball, and players bet on where the ball will land. The version is easy to spot because it has two green pockets, 0 and 00, which is the main feature that sets it apart from other roulette variants.

That extra green pocket changes the math of the game in a big way. Compared with European Roulette, American Roulette gives the house a larger edge, which is why many players like to understand the rules and odds before they put chips on the table.

From Europe to the US: How American Roulette Took Shape

Roulette began in Europe centuries ago, with roots often tied to France. The game became popular because of its simple setup, fast rounds, and wide range of betting options.

When roulette made its way to the United States, the wheel changed. American casinos adopted a version with both a single zero and a double zero, creating the 38-pocket wheel now associated with American Roulette. That format became a standard in many land-based casinos across the country and later in online casino lobbies as well.

The Wheel Detail That Changes Everything

The American Roulette wheel has 38 total pockets. These include numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero, 0, and a double zero, 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 green, making them stand out from the rest. Those two green pockets are more than a visual detail - they are the reason American Roulette carries a 5.26% house edge.

How the American Roulette Table Works

The table layout gives players a betting grid with all the numbers from 1 to 36, along with spaces for 0 and 00. You can place chips directly on a single number or position them on lines and corners to cover multiple numbers at once.

Around the numbered grid, the table also includes larger betting areas for outside bets. These sections let you wager on outcomes like red or black, odd or even, high or low, dozens, and columns. It is a flexible layout, which is one reason roulette appeals to both beginners and longtime casino players.

How to Play American Roulette Without Overthinking It

Playing American Roulette is straightforward. First, you choose your chip value based on the table limits and your bankroll.

Next, you place your chips on the betting areas you want before the dealer closes betting. The dealer then spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction.

After the ball slows down and drops into a pocket, the winning number is announced. Any winning bets are paid according to the standard payout table, and a new round begins shortly after.

Inside Bets That Offer Bigger Payouts

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the main betting grid. These bets usually carry higher payouts, but they also hit less often.

A Straight Up bet covers just one number and pays 35: 1. A Split covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17: 1. A Street covers three numbers in a row and pays 11: 1.

A Corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one corner and pays 8: 1. A Six Line covers six numbers across two adjacent rows and pays 5: 1. These are common choices for players looking for larger returns from a smaller area of the layout.

Outside Bets That Keep Things Simpler

Outside bets cover larger sections of the table, so they have better odds of winning on any given spin. The trade-off is lower payouts.

Red or Black, Odd or Even, and High or Low each cover 18 numbers and pay 1: 1. High refers to 19 through 36, while Low refers to 1 through 18.

Dozens and Columns each cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1. The first dozen includes 1 through 12, the second dozen covers 13 through 24, and the third dozen covers 25 through 36. Column bets follow the vertical columns on the table layout.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

• 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 the standard ones you will usually see in both online and live American Roulette games.

The House Edge Every Player Should Know

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That percentage comes from the extra double zero pocket, which reduces the player’s overall odds compared with single-zero roulette.

European Roulette, by comparison, has 37 pockets and a house edge of 2.7%. That difference may not sound huge at first, but over time it matters. If two games use the same stakes and payout rules, the European version is mathematically better for the player.

Smart American Roulette Tips for Beginners

The best place to start is by learning what each bet covers and what it pays. Roulette moves quickly, so understanding the odds before you bet can help you avoid rushed decisions.

Many beginners prefer outside bets because they win more often, even though the payouts are smaller. That can make it easier to stretch a bankroll and stay in the game longer.

Bankroll management is just as important. Set a spending limit before you play, use bet sizes that fit your budget, and avoid raising stakes too aggressively after losses.

It is also wise to ignore betting systems that claim to guarantee profits. No pattern can remove the house edge, and every spin is independent. Roulette is a game of chance, not a strategy puzzle that can be solved.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

The biggest difference between American and European Roulette is the number of pockets on the wheel. American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37 because it includes only one green zero.

That difference leads directly to the house edge gap. American Roulette sits at 5.26%, while European Roulette is 2.7%. For players focused on better odds, European Roulette is usually the stronger option.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette remains a familiar sight in many US-facing casino environments. European Roulette is also common online, especially at operators with broad international game catalogs.

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

Players today can choose between standard online American Roulette and live dealer roulette. RNG roulette uses software to generate random results, and it is often faster, quieter, and easier for quick sessions.

Live dealer roulette is streamed from a real studio with a human dealer spinning a physical wheel in real time. That format feels closer to a land-based casino table and often includes chat features and multiple camera angles.

Major live casino platforms and game studios now offer both formats. If you want a more interactive setup, live tables can be a good match. If you prefer speed and convenience, RNG roulette may be the better fit.

Top Software Providers Behind Popular American Roulette Games

Several major developers offer American Roulette titles online. Evolution is one of the most recognizable names in live dealer roulette, while Playtech and Pragmatic Play Live also have strong live casino portfolios.

NetEnt has long been known for RNG table games, and Ezugi remains a familiar option in live dealer lobbies. You will often find these providers at casinos with broad table game selections, including VVegas Casino, which lists both Evolution Gaming and Playtech among its software partners.

Where to Find American Roulette Online

American Roulette is often available at casinos with strong table game libraries and live dealer support. For example, 8ty8 Casino includes providers such as Evolution and Ezugi, both known for roulette content.

Players who prefer broad slot-heavy platforms may still find roulette options at sites like Brionis Casino, although game selection can vary by provider mix and region. Before signing up anywhere, it is worth checking the casino’s cashier, supported currencies, and live casino catalog.

Playing American Roulette on Mobile Is Easier Than Ever

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. Whether you are using iPhone, Android, or a mobile browser, the table layout is usually designed to remain clear and responsive on smaller screens.

Live dealer games also work well on mobile, provided you have a stable internet connection. That means you can switch between desktop and mobile play without learning a different interface.

A Quick Reminder About Responsible Gambling

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Set deposit and session limits before you play, and never chase losses.

If the game stops feeling fun, take a break. Responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion, can help players stay in control.

American Roulette FAQ