American Roulette

American Roulette is the familiar casino wheel game now widely played across the United States, combining simple bets with clear payouts and fast action. The defining difference from other roulette variants is the presence of two green pockets on the wheel: single zero ("0") and double zero ("00"). That extra green pocket changes the math behind every bet, and it’s why American Roulette has a higher house edge than other forms of roulette.

A Short History: How Roulette Reached the United States

Roulette began in Europe in the 18th century as a blend of earlier wheel games and math-driven odds. French and English players refined the wheel and table layout, and by the 19th century roulette was a staple in European gaming houses. When the game crossed the Atlantic, American operators adapted the wheel to include a double zero. That addition became standard in many United States casinos, and it’s the hallmark that separates the American wheel from its European cousin.

Wheel Layout: What’s on the American Roulette Wheel

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

• Numbers 1 through 36, arranged to alternate red and black.
• A single zero pocket, marked "0", colored green.
• A double zero pocket, marked "00", also colored green.

The alternating red and black sequence helps create color-based bets like red or black, while the two green pockets create the extra edge the house enjoys.

Table Layout: Where You Place Bets

The American Roulette table features a betting grid and outside betting areas. The grid lists numbers 1–36 in three columns and twelve rows, with spaces for single-number bets and grouped bets. Outside areas let you place wagers on broader categories like red or black, odd or even, and dozens. Players place chips directly on a number, on the line between numbers, or in the larger boxes for outside bets; the dealer collects or pays chips after each spin according to the outcome and table rules.

How to Play American Roulette

Inside Bets Explained

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups directly on the numbered grid. These wagers pay the most because they cover fewer outcomes.

• Straight Up: a single number, highest payout.
• Split: a chip on the line between two numbers.
• Street: covers three numbers in a row.
• Corner: covers four numbers that form a square.
• Six Line: covers two adjacent rows, for six numbers.

Outside Bets Explained

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer lower, steadier payouts.

• Red or Black: bets on color, covers 18 numbers.
• Odd or Even: covers 18 numbers.
• High or Low: covers 1–18 or 19–36.
• Dozens: first, second, or third set of 12 numbers.
• Columns: one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers.

American Roulette Payout Table

Payouts are standard but check individual casino rules and table limits, since some sites list slight variations for side bets or special layouts.

Why the House Edge Is Higher in American Roulette

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%, driven by the two green pockets, "0" and "00". Those pockets mean that some bets lose even when they would win on a single-zero wheel, increasing the casino’s long-term advantage. By comparison, European Roulette, with a single zero only, typically has a house edge around 2.7%.

Practical Strategy Tips for American Roulette

• Understand the odds before you bet; each wager has a predictable payout tied to how many numbers it covers.
• Use outside bets if you prefer lower variance and longer play sessions.
• Set a bankroll, stick to session limits, and avoid chasing losses.
• Be skeptical of betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; roulette outcomes are random, and no system eliminates the house edge.
• Check rules and terms and conditions for special side bets or unique table layouts.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: Key Differences

• Number of pockets: American has 38 pockets, European has 37.
• House edge: American about 5.26%, European about 2.7%.
• Popularity: American Roulette is common in United States casinos and many online sites targeting players in the United States, while European Roulette is favored in Europe and among players seeking lower house edges.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette

Players can choose between RNG-based American Roulette and live dealer games streamed from studios. RNG versions run quickly, offer multiple tables, and often include autoplay and varied bet limits. Live dealer games recreate the land-based experience with a real wheel and dealer, streamed in real time, allowing chat and a slower, more social pace. Both formats pay according to the same rules, so pick the experience you enjoy—and verify licensing and fairness statements on the casino site.

Top Software Providers Offering American Roulette

Major providers known for reliable American Roulette games include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These studios supply polished graphics, multiple camera angles for live tables, mobile-friendly interfaces, and audited random number generators or professionally managed live streams.

Playing on Mobile Devices

American Roulette is optimized for smartphones and tablets, with touch controls, portrait and landscape layouts, and fast load times. Mobile versions preserve clear betting grids and live streams, so you can place inside or outside bets easily on smaller screens. Check that your connection is secure and that the operator is licensed in your state before playing for real money.

Responsible Gambling Reminder

Set deposit, loss, and session limits before you play, and take breaks when needed. If gambling stops being enjoyable, seek help through licensed organizations and support services. Play for entertainment, never as a guaranteed way to make money, and always review the operator’s terms and conditions before wagering.

American Roulette FAQs