American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino table game where players wager on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. It looks similar to other roulette variants at first glance, but one feature changes the math - and the momentum - of every spin: American Roulette has two green pockets, 0 and 00. That single design choice is the key difference from European Roulette, and it’s why the American wheel carries a higher house edge.

From European Origins to the American Two-Zero Evolution

Roulette traces its roots to Europe, where the game took shape in French casinos and spread across the continent. When roulette reached the United States, the wheel design shifted over time into the version most players recognize in American casinos today. The double zero (00) was added, creating a distinct U.S. variant that delivered a slightly bigger advantage to the house while keeping the core gameplay intact - bet, spin, land, pay.

Wheel Breakdown: 38 Pockets and Two Greens

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

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

The numbers 1-36 alternate red and black around the wheel, while 0 and 00 are green. Those two green pockets are what make American Roulette stand apart - they don’t belong to red/black, odd/even, or high/low groups, and they increase the chance the ball lands outside many common even-money bets.

Table Layout: How the Betting Grid Works

The American Roulette table is built around a numbered grid that lets you place bets on single numbers or broader groups. You place chips directly on the felt in specific areas:

• On a single number for a tight, high-paying wager
• On lines between numbers to cover multiple outcomes
• In larger marked sections for broader bets like dozens, columns, red/black, or odd/even

This layout is why roulette is so approachable - the table shows you exactly what you’re betting on, and the dealer can confirm wagers before the spin.

How to Play American Roulette in 5 Simple Moves

1. Choose your chip value at the table (or your stake size online).
2. Place your bets on the betting grid before the dealer closes betting.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball drops into a numbered pocket when the spin resolves.
5. Winning bets are paid based on the payout rules for the bet type.

Bet Types That Shape Every Spin

American Roulette bets generally fall into two categories: inside bets (smaller number coverage, bigger payouts) and outside bets (more coverage, smaller payouts).

Inside Bets: Higher Payouts, Narrower Targets

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small clusters on the numbered grid.

Straight Up: Bet on a single number (including 0 or 00). This delivers the biggest standard payout, but it’s the hardest to hit.

Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them.

Street: Bet on a row of three numbers by placing a chip at the outer edge of that row.

Corner: Bet on four numbers that meet at a corner by placing a chip at the intersection.

Six Line: Bet on six numbers across two adjacent rows by placing a chip at the outer junction between the rows.

Outside Bets: Bigger Coverage, Smoother Swings

Outside bets cover larger sets of numbers and are typically found in the outer sections of the layout.

Red or Black: Bet on the ball landing on any red or any black number.

Odd or Even: Bet on any odd or any even number (1-36 only).

High or Low: Bet on 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high).

Dozens: Bet on 12-number groups: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36.

Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers on the grid.

American Roulette Payout Table (Quick Reference)

• 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

House Edge: The Real Cost of That Extra 00

American Roulette carries a 5.26% house edge, driven by the addition of the 00 pocket. With two green outcomes instead of one, more spins land outside common group bets, nudging expected returns downward over time.

For comparison, European Roulette (with only a single 0) has a house edge of about 2.7%, which is why many players view it as the more player-friendly wheel.

Smart Strategy Tips That Keep Your Play Under Control

Knowing what you’re playing matters more than chasing “perfect” systems.

Understanding the odds before you bet helps you avoid overestimating how often a number or pattern should hit. If you want steadier results, lean toward outside bets like red/black, odd/even, or high/low - they pay less, but they cover far more outcomes.

Bankroll management is the difference between a fun session and a frustrating one. Set a budget, size your bets consistently, and resist the urge to “fix” losses by doubling up. Be especially wary of any betting system claiming guaranteed wins - roulette outcomes are independent spins, and the wheel doesn’t remember what happened last round. Roulette is a game of chance, and the goal is to keep it entertaining and sustainable.

American vs European Roulette: What Changes When the 00 Disappears?

The biggest differences are straightforward:

• Number of pockets: American has 38 (0 and 00), European has 37 (0 only).
• House edge: American is 5.26%, European is about 2.7%.
• Where you’ll see it most: American Roulette is common across U.S. casinos, while European Roulette is more widely associated with European casino floors and many online lobbies.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Tables

Online American Roulette typically comes in two formats. RNG roulette uses a random number generator to simulate spins instantly, making it great for quick sessions and rapid betting.

Live dealer roulette streams real tables from professional studios, with a human dealer spinning a physical wheel on camera. It’s slower than RNG, but the atmosphere is closer to a casino night - ideal if you want the pacing, the presentation, and the real-world wheel dynamics.

Top Software Providers Bringing American Roulette to Screens

If you’re looking for well-known roulette builds, these developers are major names for table games and live tables:

• Evolution
• Playtech
• Pragmatic Play Live
• NetEnt
• Ezugi

You’ll also see roulette featured at platforms like MovaCoins Casino and PlaySlotsMobile Casino, alongside a wider mix of casino titles and welcome offers.

Mobile American Roulette: Built for Phones and Tablets

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for mobile play, with responsive layouts that make it easy to place inside and outside bets on smaller screens. Expect quick chip selection, pinch-friendly table views, and smooth performance whether you’re playing RNG roulette or watching a live stream.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun, Keep It Controlled

Set limits before you play - deposit limits, time limits, and loss limits can protect your budget and your mood. If the session stops feeling fun, that’s your signal to pause. The best roulette experiences are the ones you can comfortably walk away from.

FAQ: American Roulette Questions Players Ask Most