American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic US version of roulette found in many casinos and online casino lobbies. It uses a wheel with 38 pockets and gives players a wide range of betting options, from single-number wagers to even-money bets like red or black.

The biggest difference between American Roulette and other roulette variants is the wheel itself. American Roulette has two green pockets, 0 and 00, while European Roulette has only one green pocket, 0. That extra double-zero pocket raises the house edge and changes the odds for players.

If you are comparing roulette games before you play, this is the first detail to check. It has a direct impact on payout value over time, even though the standard payouts often look the same across different versions.

From Europe to US Casino Floors: A Quick History of Roulette

Roulette began in Europe, with roots in France dating back to the 18th century. The name “roulette” means “little wheel” in French, and the game became popular across European gambling houses thanks to its simple rules and fast pace.

When roulette made its way to the United States, casinos adopted a modified version of the wheel. Over time, the double-zero pocket was added, creating what is now known as American Roulette. That change gave casinos a stronger mathematical advantage, and it became the standard version in many US gambling venues.

Today, American Roulette remains a staple in land-based casinos across the country, while European Roulette is more common in international markets and many online platforms.

Inside the Wheel: American Roulette Layout

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. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, making them stand out from the rest of the wheel. As the wheel spins, the red and black numbers alternate, though the sequence is not simply numerical order.

That mix of colors matters because many common bets rely on it. Players can wager on red or black, odd or even, high or low, or choose more precise bets that target individual numbers or sections of the betting grid.

How the American Roulette Table Works

The table layout is separate from the wheel but designed to match the available bets. The main betting grid shows numbers 1 through 36 in rows of three, along with spaces for 0 and 00.

Players place chips directly on the area that matches the bet they want to make. A chip on a single number is a straight-up bet. A chip on the line between two numbers creates a split bet. A chip at the corner of four numbers creates a corner bet.

Around the number grid, you will also see betting boxes for outside wagers such as red or black, odd or even, 1-18, 19-36, dozens, and columns. This layout makes it easy for players to mix low-risk and high-risk bets in the same spin.

How to Play American Roulette Without Confusion

Playing American Roulette is straightforward, even for beginners. First, you choose your chip value at the table or online interface.

Next, you place your bets on the betting layout before time runs out. You can put chips on one bet or spread them across several different areas.

After betting closes, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction. The ball bounces around the wheel and eventually settles into one numbered pocket.

Once the winning pocket is confirmed, the dealer removes losing bets and pays winning bets according to the payout table. Then a new round begins.

The Most Common American Roulette Bets

American Roulette bets fall into two main categories: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets target specific numbers or small number groups. Outside bets cover broader sections of the table and usually offer lower payouts with better hit frequency.

Inside Bets

A Straight Up bet covers one number. This is the most precise bet on the table, and it typically pays 35:1.

A Split bet covers two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. It usually pays 17:1.

A Street bet covers three numbers in a horizontal row. It normally pays 11:1.

A Corner bet covers four numbers by placing a chip where the corners meet. It typically pays 8:1.

A Six Line bet covers six numbers across two adjacent rows. It usually pays 5:1.

Inside bets can deliver bigger payouts, but they are harder to hit because they cover fewer outcomes.

Outside Bets

Red or Black covers 18 numbers and pays 1:1. Odd or Even also covers 18 numbers and pays 1:1.

High or Low covers either 1-18 or 19-36, again paying 1:1. These are often called even-money bets, though the presence of 0 and 00 means they do not win exactly half the time.

Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. They typically pay 2:1.

Columns also cover 12 numbers and pay 2:1. These are based on the vertical columns shown on the betting grid.

Outside bets are often the easiest starting point for beginners because they are simpler to understand and hit more often than inside wagers.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

These are the standard payouts you will see in most US casinos and online roulette games. While the payouts stay familiar, the extra 00 pocket is what makes American Roulette less favorable than single-zero versions.

Why the House Edge Is Higher in American Roulette

The house edge in American Roulette is 5.26%. That figure comes directly from the wheel’s 38-pocket design, especially the addition of the double-zero pocket.

Here is the key point: payouts are based on odds that would be fairer on a wheel with fewer non-winning pockets for player bets. Because 0 and 00 are green and do not count as red, black, odd, even, high, or low, they tilt the math toward the casino.

By comparison, European Roulette has only 37 pockets and a house edge of about 2.7%. That is why many experienced roulette players prefer European tables when they are available.

Smart American Roulette Tips for New Players

The first rule is to understand the odds before putting money on the table. A straight-up bet looks attractive because of the 35:1 payout, but it is much less likely to win than an outside bet.

If you want a lower-risk approach, outside bets like red or black, odd or even, and high or low are often the simplest option. They pay less, but they can help your bankroll last longer during a session.

Bankroll management matters as much as bet selection. Set a budget before you play, decide how much you are willing to lose, and avoid increasing bet size just because a few spins did not go your way.

It is also smart to ignore betting systems that claim they can beat roulette with guaranteed results. Systems like Martingale may change the pattern of your bets, but they do not remove the house edge. Roulette is a game of chance, and every spin is independent.

If you are also comparing other casino table games, it helps to review broader online casino games options before choosing where to spend your bankroll.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

The most important difference is the number of pockets on the wheel. American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37.

American Roulette includes both 0 and 00. European Roulette has only a single 0. That extra pocket increases the house edge in the American version to 5.26%, compared with 2.7% in European Roulette.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette is more common in US casinos, especially traditional brick-and-mortar properties. European Roulette is more common in Europe and is also widely available online for players who want a lower house edge.

Online American Roulette or Live Dealer: Which One Fits Better?

Players today can choose between RNG American Roulette and live dealer American Roulette. RNG games use software to generate outcomes and are ideal for quick play, lower stakes, and solo sessions.

Live dealer roulette is streamed from a real studio with an actual dealer spinning a physical wheel. It gives the experience a more authentic casino feel and often includes chat features and multiple camera angles.

Both formats can be found at regulated operators, depending on your state. If you also enjoy betting on sports, some operators combine casino products with a sportsbook under one account.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major gaming companies supply American Roulette titles to US-facing casinos and live dealer platforms. Evolution is one of the best-known names, especially for live dealer roulette.

Playtech also offers strong roulette content, including traditional digital and live formats. Pragmatic Play Live has expanded its live dealer footprint with polished studio products.

NetEnt is well known for RNG table games and online casino content, while Ezugi remains a familiar name in live dealer roulette. The exact lineup depends on the casino, the state, and local licensing rules.

Mobile American Roulette Is Built for On-the-Go Play

American Roulette games are now optimized for smartphones and tablets, making it easy to play from almost anywhere in a regulated state. Most online casinos offer mobile browser support, and many also have dedicated iOS and Android apps.

The mobile version typically includes the same betting options, payouts, and game rules as the desktop version. Live dealer games also run on mobile, though a stable internet connection is especially important for smooth streaming.

Play Responsibly and Set Real Limits

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Before you play, set deposit limits, session limits, and a clear spending cap.

If gambling stops being fun, take a break or use responsible gambling tools offered by licensed operators. In the US, help is available through organizations such as the National Council on Problem Gambling.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette remains one of the most recognizable table games in the US because it is easy to learn, widely available, and packed with betting variety. Just remember that the 0 and 00 make a real difference, so knowing the odds before you play can help you make smarter choices at the table.