American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic casino wheel game built around predicting where the ball will land. You can wager on a single number, a small cluster, or broader outcomes like red/black or odd/even, then watch the spin decide the result in seconds.

What separates American Roulette from other versions is simple—and it matters: the wheel has two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra green slot changes the math, slightly reduces hit frequency on most bets, and increases the casino’s built-in advantage compared with single-zero roulette.

From European Roots to an American Favorite

Roulette’s origins trace back to Europe, where early versions took shape in France and spread through major gaming hubs. When roulette crossed the Atlantic and gained traction in the United States, the game evolved into the format most players now recognize as American Roulette.

The defining shift was the addition of the double zero (00) on the wheel. Whether introduced to increase profitability or to standardize layouts across venues, the outcome was the same: American Roulette became its own distinct variant, now widely featured in U.S. casinos and many online lobbies.

The American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Ways to Win (or Miss)

The American Roulette wheel contains 38 pockets total:

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

Numbers 1–36 are colored red or black in an alternating pattern (with a fixed arrangement that differs from European wheels). The 0 and 00 pockets are green, and they’re the key reason American Roulette plays differently from single-zero variants.

The American Roulette Table Layout: Where Your Chips Go

The table is a betting grid designed to let you target outcomes with precision or go broad for steadier hit rates. Players place chips directly on the layout before the spin.

Inside bets are placed on the numbered grid (covering specific numbers or small groups). Outside bets sit around the edges of the grid, letting you cover bigger categories like red/black, odd/even, dozens, and columns. Once bets are down and the dealer calls “no more bets,” the spin decides which section of the layout gets paid.

How to Play American Roulette: Quick Spin, Instant Results

A typical round follows a straightforward flow:

First, choose your chip value at the table limits. Next, place your bets on the layout—either inside, outside, or a mix of both. The dealer then spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction. After the ball slows, it drops into a numbered pocket. If your bet matches the result (or falls within the group you covered), winning bets are paid based on the payout rules for that wager.

American Roulette Bets That Change the Game

American Roulette betting splits into two main categories: inside bets (higher payouts, lower hit rates) and outside bets (lower payouts, higher hit rates).

Inside Bets: Bigger Payouts, Sharper Precision

Inside bets focus on specific numbers or tight groupings on the grid.

A Straight Up bet targets a single number and pays the most. A Split covers two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. A Street covers three numbers in a row by placing a chip at the end of that row. A Corner covers four numbers by placing a chip at the intersection where they meet. A Six Line (also called a double street) covers two adjacent rows for a total of six numbers.

Outside Bets: More Coverage, More Frequent Hits

Outside bets cover larger sets of numbers and generally pay even money or 2:1.

Red or Black, Odd or Even, and High or Low (1–18 / 19–36) each cover 18 numbers. Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time (1–12, 13–24, 25–36). Columns also cover 12 numbers, based on vertical columns on the grid.

American Roulette Payout Table: What Each Bet Typically Returns

Below are standard payouts you’ll see in American Roulette (paid on a winning bet, not including your original stake in the ratio):

The House Edge in American Roulette: Why 00 Matters

American Roulette carries a 5.26% house edge. The reason is the double zero (00)—it adds an extra outcome that doesn’t help most standard bets, slightly tilting probabilities in the house’s favor.

By comparison, European Roulette (single zero only) has a house edge of about 2.7%, which is why many players consider it the more player-friendly version when available.

Smart American Roulette Tips for New Players

The fastest improvement for beginners is understanding what you’re buying with each chip: higher payouts usually mean lower hit frequency. Before you bet, get comfortable with the odds and how many numbers your wager covers.

If you want a steadier ride, lean into outside bets like red/black or high/low—lower payouts, but more frequent wins. Just as important: set a bankroll, keep session limits, and avoid chasing losses. Betting systems that promise guaranteed profit can’t change the wheel’s math; roulette outcomes are independent, and no pattern is “due.” Roulette is a game of chance—play it for entertainment value first.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Real Differences

The headline difference is pockets: American Roulette has 38 (0 and 00), while European Roulette has 37 (0 only). That single extra pocket drives the higher 5.26% house edge in American Roulette versus about 2.7% in European Roulette.

You’ll also see a popularity split: American Roulette is more common in U.S. casinos, while European Roulette is more widely found across European casinos and many international online platforms. If you want to compare more table options and formats, check out our roulette section.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Tables: Pick Your Pace

Online American Roulette typically comes in two styles. RNG (random number generator) roulette is software-driven—quick rounds, rapid betting, and instant results. Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel from a studio (or casino), with a human dealer running the game and players betting through an interface. RNG is ideal when you want speed; live dealer games are great when you want a more authentic table feel and real-time ball drops.

Top Providers Powering American Roulette Online

Many of the strongest American Roulette titles come from major studios known for stable platforms, polished interfaces, and live dealer production. Leading names include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi.

Mobile American Roulette: Spin Anywhere

American Roulette games are typically optimized for smartphones and tablets, with touch-friendly betting grids, clear table limits, and layouts that scale cleanly to smaller screens. Whether you prefer RNG spins on a quick break or a live dealer session with headphones on, mobile makes it easy to jump into a few rounds without sacrificing usability.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun and In Control

Set deposit and session limits before you play, and take breaks—especially after big swings. Never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose, and treat roulette as paid entertainment, not a way to generate guaranteed income.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette