American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino game in which players wager on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. Its defining feature is a pair of green pockets: 0 and 00. That extra pocket distinguishes it from European Roulette and gives the house a higher edge.

Players can bet on one number, a small group of numbers, or broader outcomes such as red or black. Every spin is independent, so no number or color is “due” to appear.

A Brief History of Roulette

Roulette developed in Europe, with early versions appearing in France during the 18th century. The game crossed the Atlantic as it gained popularity, and American casino operators adapted the wheel by adding a double-zero pocket.

That change created the 38-pocket American wheel. The single-zero European wheel has 37 pockets, which gives it a lower house edge on standard bets.

American Roulette Wheel Layout

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets:

• Numbers 1 through 36
• One green pocket marked 0
• One green pocket marked 00

The numbered pockets alternate between red and black. The two green pockets are separate from that pattern. Because the 0 and 00 are neither red nor black, odd nor even, and high nor low, they affect many outside bets.

American Roulette Table Layout

The betting layout usually sits beside the wheel. Its numbered grid lets players place chips on individual numbers or combinations of adjacent numbers. Separate areas are marked for outside bets, including red or black, odd or even, dozens, and columns.

Players place chips directly on the relevant number or line. For example, a chip on a single number is a straight-up bet, while a chip on the line between two numbers is a split bet. Table rules and minimums can vary by casino.

How to Play American Roulette

1. Choose a chip value, then exchange cash or credits for roulette chips if required.
2. Place chips on one or more betting areas before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball settles into one numbered pocket.
5. The dealer marks the winning number and pays winning wagers according to the payout table.

A losing bet is collected, and the next round begins. Check the table’s rules for its minimum and maximum wagers before playing.

Inside and Outside Bets

Inside bets cover individual numbers or compact groups on the grid. They pay more when they win, but they cover fewer pockets.

Outside bets cover broader groups, so they can win more often than a single-number bet. They still carry risk, and the green pockets make most outside bets lose when the ball lands on 0 or 00.

Inside bets

• Straight Up: One number, pays 35: 1.
• Split: Two adjacent numbers, pays 17: 1.
• Street: Three numbers in one row, pays 11: 1.
• Corner: Four numbers meeting at a grid intersection, pays 8: 1.
• Six Line: Six numbers across two adjacent rows, pays 5: 1.

Outside bets

• Red or Black: 18 numbers, pays 1: 1.
• Odd or Even: 18 numbers, pays 1: 1.
• High or Low: 18 numbers - 1–18 or 19–36 - pays 1: 1.
• Dozens: 12 numbers in a group - 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36 - pays 2: 1.
• Columns: 12 numbers in one vertical column, pays 2: 1.

The 0 and 00 are not included in these outside-bet groups, so they generally cause those wagers to lose.

American Roulette Payout Table

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

Payouts shown are typical for standard American Roulette. Confirm the rules at the table, as game variations may differ.

House Edge: The Cost of the Double Zero

The standard house edge in American Roulette is about 5.26%. It comes from the 0 and 00 pockets: they give the wheel 38 outcomes, while standard even-money bets cover only 18. The payout schedule does not fully offset that difference.

For comparison, European Roulette has a house edge of about 2.7% on standard bets because its wheel has only one zero pocket. A lower house edge does not guarantee a win, but it means the game’s built-in mathematical advantage is smaller.

Beginner Tips for American Roulette

• Know the odds: Review which pockets each bet covers and how its payout works.
• Consider outside bets: They cover more numbers than single-number wagers, though the house edge remains.
• Set a bankroll and limits: Choose a spending limit before play and stop when you reach it.
• Treat betting systems cautiously: No progression or pattern can guarantee a win or change the outcome of a spin.

Roulette is a game of chance. Previous results do not predict the next spin, and there is no strategy that removes the house edge.

American Roulette vs. European Roulette

The main difference is the wheel: American Roulette has 38 pockets, including 0 and 00, while European Roulette has 37, including a single 0. That extra American pocket raises the standard house edge to about 5.26%, compared with about 2.7% for European Roulette.

American Roulette is a familiar option in casinos across the United States. European Roulette is common in European casinos and is also offered by some online casino platforms. Game availability depends on the casino and, for online play, on local rules.

Online American Roulette and Live Dealer Games

Online American Roulette may use a random number generator to determine each result. These games typically display the wheel and betting layout on screen, making it easy to place wagers from a computer or mobile device.

Live dealer versions stream a real wheel and dealer from a studio, with betting and results shown in real time. The format may feel closer to a traditional casino table, while the rules and odds depend on the specific game. Look for the game rules and fairness information before playing.

Software Providers

Roulette games are offered by a range of software providers, including Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. The selection, game format, and availability can vary by casino and location, so check the casino’s game lobby and local access requirements.

Mobile American Roulette

Many online roulette games are designed for smartphones and tablets. Mobile layouts generally adapt the wheel and betting grid to a smaller screen, allowing players to select chips and place bets with taps. Check that the game runs smoothly on your device before wagering.

Play Responsibly

Set a time limit and spending limit before you play, and never wager money needed for bills or other essentials. Take breaks, and stop if gambling no longer feels like entertainment. Play only where online casino gambling is legal and available to you, and follow the applicable age requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette