American Roulette

American Roulette is a casino wheel game where players wager on where a ball will land. Its defining feature is the pair of green pockets: a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). That extra pocket changes the odds and gives the game a higher house edge than European Roulette.

Players can bet on one number, a group of numbers, or broad outcomes such as red or black. The more numbers a bet covers, the more often it can win, but its payout is generally lower.

From European Wheels to the American Double Zero

Roulette developed in Europe, with early versions taking shape in France during the 17th and 18th centuries. The game later crossed the Atlantic and gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century.

American Roulette evolved with a 00 pocket added to the wheel. That change created a 38-pocket layout and increased the casino’s mathematical advantage compared with the single-zero European version.

American Roulette Wheel Layout

A standard American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets:

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

The numbered pockets alternate between red and black around the wheel, while both zero pockets are green. The wheel’s sequence differs from the order of numbers on the betting layout, so wheel neighbors are not necessarily consecutive numbers.

Reading the American Roulette Table

The betting layout displays numbers 1 through 36 in three columns, with rows of three numbers. Players place chips directly on a number or on lines and corners between numbers to cover a group. The layout also has outside betting areas for options such as red or black, odd or even, and high or low.

The dealer announces when betting is closed, spins the wheel, and releases the ball. Once it settles in a pocket, the winning number and its color determine which wagers pay.

How to Play American Roulette

1. Choose the value of your chips.
2. Place chips on the number or betting area you want to cover.
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 game’s payout table.

Check the table rules before play, since chip values, minimum bets, and handling of zero results can vary by casino.

Inside Bets: Target Numbers and Small Groups

Inside bets cover specific numbers or compact groups on the layout. They offer larger payouts than most outside bets, but each wager covers fewer pockets.

• Straight Up: One number. Place a chip on a single number.
• Split: Two numbers. Place a chip on the line separating them.
• Street: Three numbers in one horizontal row. Place a chip on the row’s outer edge.
• Corner: Four numbers that meet at one point. Place a chip at their shared corner.
• Six Line: Six numbers in two adjacent rows. Place a chip at the end of the line between them.

Outside Bets: Cover More Outcomes

Outside bets cover larger groups and generally pay less than inside bets. They can feel more forgiving, but American Roulette’s 0 and 00 still affect the odds.

• Red or Black: Bet on a color.
• Odd or Even: Bet on whether a winning number is odd or even.
• High or Low: Bet on 19-36 or 1-18.
• Dozens: Bet on 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36.
• Columns: Bet on one of the table’s three vertical columns.

The zero pockets are neither red nor black, odd nor even, high nor low, and do not belong to a dozen or column. As a result, they typically cause these outside bets to lose.

American Roulette Payout Table

Payouts below are standard net winnings, not including the return of the original wager.

• 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 / Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1 payout
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout

House Edge: Why the Double Zero Matters

The standard house edge in American Roulette is about 5.26%. It comes from the 0 and 00 pockets: most bets are based on the 36 numbered pockets, but the wheel has 38 outcomes. Those two green pockets give the casino an advantage over time.

European Roulette has a single zero and a typical house edge of about 2.7% on standard bets. The difference may look small on one spin, but it adds up across repeated wagers.

Practical Tips for New Players

Understand the odds before placing a bet. Outside bets cover more numbers and usually have lower payouts, while inside bets pay more but are less likely to hit. Neither type changes the house edge on a standard American wheel.

Set a budget before you play and choose chip values that fit it. Avoid chasing losses or relying on betting systems that promise guaranteed wins: no staking pattern can predict the next result or remove the house edge. Roulette is a game of chance, and each spin is independent.

American vs. European Roulette

The most important difference is the number of green pockets. American Roulette has 38 pockets, including 0 and 00, while European Roulette usually has 37, with only 0. That difference produces standard house edges of about 5.26% and 2.7%, respectively.

American Roulette is widely associated with casinos in the United States, while European Roulette is common in European casinos. Both versions are available online, though the games offered can vary by platform and location.

Online RNG or Live Dealer Roulette

Online American Roulette is available in two common formats. RNG games use a random number generator to determine each result and typically let players start a round quickly. Live dealer games stream a real wheel from a studio, with a presenter managing the game and results shown on screen.

Before playing, check the game’s rules, limits, and applicable terms. Real-money access depends on your location and the operator’s requirements.

Software Providers and Mobile Play

American Roulette options may be offered by studios such as Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. Game availability varies by casino, and each title may have its own interface, table limits, or live format.

Many online roulette games are designed for smartphones and tablets, with touch-friendly betting areas and layouts that adjust to smaller screens. A stable connection and a clear view of the table can make it easier to review bets before play begins.

Play Responsibly

Set personal limits for time and spending before opening a game, and stop when you reach them. Don’t play with money needed for everyday expenses or try to recover losses with larger bets. If gambling stops feeling manageable, take a break and seek support from a trusted person or a local responsible gambling service.

American Roulette FAQs