American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino table game where players bet on which numbered pocket a small ball will land in after the dealer spins the wheel. The key difference that sets American Roulette apart from other variants is the presence of two green pockets—single zero (0) and double zero (00). That extra green pocket changes the odds and payouts compared with other roulette wheels.

A quick look at roulette history and how the American wheel evolved

Roulette began in Europe in the 18th century, developing from earlier games that mixed chance and simple wheel mechanics. When roulette crossed the Atlantic, American casinos adapted the wheel by adding the double zero, creating the American layout familiar today. That change was aimed at increasing the house advantage, and it became the standard in many United States casinos.

American Roulette wheel layout — what’s on the wheel

The American Roulette wheel contains 38 pockets in total:

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

Numbers 1–36 alternate red and black, while both zero pockets are green. The additional green pocket is what raises the house edge compared with single-zero wheels.

American Roulette table layout — how the betting grid works

The betting layout mirrors the wheel and gives you multiple ways to place chips. The grid shows numbers 1–36, arranged in three columns and twelve rows, plus separate areas for 0 and 00. Outside the numbered grid you’ll find sections for even-money bets, dozens, and column bets.

To place a bet, you put chips directly on a number or on the lines and boxes that represent groups of numbers. Dealers accept chips until they announce “no more bets,” then spin the wheel and launch the ball.

How to play American Roulette — simple step-by-step

1. Choose your chip value and buy in at the table.
2. Place bets on any area of the betting grid you prefer.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball settles into a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing chips are collected.

Play legally and responsibly in your state, and always check table minimums and rules before betting.

Inside bets — higher risk, higher reward

Inside bets cover specific numbers or tight clusters on the grid:

• Straight Up — one number, placed directly on the number.
• Split — two adjacent numbers, placed on the line between them.
• Street — three numbers in a row, placed at the end of the row.
• Corner — four numbers that meet at a corner.
• Six Line — two adjacent rows, covering six numbers.

These bets offer the biggest payouts, because they cover fewer numbers and therefore have lower chances of winning.

Outside bets — broader coverage, steadier returns

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and tend to be lower risk:

• Red or Black — covers 18 numbers by color.
• Odd or Even — covers 18 numbers by parity.
• High or Low — covers 1–18 or 19–36.
• Dozens — first, second, or third sets of 12 numbers.
• Columns — one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers.

Outside bets pay less per win, but they hit more often and are suitable for conservative bankrolls.

American Roulette payout table

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

Payouts are standard, but always confirm the table rules where you play.

House edge in American Roulette — why it matters

American Roulette carries a house edge of 5.26%, driven by the presence of both 0 and 00. By comparison, European Roulette, which has a single zero, typically has a house edge around 2.7%. That difference affects long-term expected returns, so the choice of wheel matters when managing risk and strategy.

Practical strategy tips for American Roulette

• Understand the odds before you bet—inside bets pay more, but they win less often.
• Use outside bets for lower variance and steadier sessions.
• Manage your bankroll with clear session limits and bet sizes you can afford to lose.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; roulette is a random game of chance.
• Play lower-house-edge games when possible, or mix American sessions with single-zero tables if available.

American Roulette vs European Roulette — side-by-side

• Number of pockets: American 38 pockets, European 37 pockets.
• House edge: American about 5.26%, European about 2.7%.
• Popularity: American Roulette is common in United States casinos, while single-zero layouts dominate many European venues.
• Rule variations: Some European tables offer “en prison” or “la partage,” which reduce house edge; those rules are rare on American wheels.

Online American Roulette vs live dealer roulette

Online RNG roulette is automated and offers instant play across many stakes, formats, and mobile devices. Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel and dealer from a studio, giving an authentic table feel, live chat, and human interaction. Both options let you play American layouts, and regulated platforms in the United States will use geolocation tools to ensure legal access.

Play American-style live tables on sites powered by major studios, or choose RNG versions for faster, low-commitment spins. If you want to try a platform’s selection, read a review first—see our Cashy Casino review for an example of a site with large game libraries and welcome offers, and check terms and conditions before claiming any bonus.

Best software providers for American Roulette

Top developers offering American Roulette or live American-style tables include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These providers supply polished interfaces, mobile-optimized play, and licensed RNGs or professionally run live streams.

For live dealer options on a sportsbook-and-casino brand, see our Chanze Casino review to compare providers and live table availability.

Mobile American Roulette — play on the go

Modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with responsive layouts, simple touch controls, and portrait or landscape modes. Mobile play often supports quick deposits, fast withdrawals, and account management, making it easy to manage sessions from anywhere within legal play areas.

Responsible gambling — play smart

Set deposit, loss, and time limits, and stick to them. If you notice gambling is affecting your life or finances, seek help and use site tools for self-exclusion or cooling-off periods. Casinos and platforms provide support resources and account controls—use them to keep play enjoyable and sustainable.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re ready to try American Roulette, compare table rules, software providers, and bonus terms before you play, and always gamble responsibly.