American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino table game where a spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and a betting layout meet. The defining feature that sets it apart from other roulette variants is the presence of two green pockets — a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). That extra green pocket changes the odds, and it’s the main reason American Roulette plays differently from European and other versions.

A Short History — From European Salons to United States Tables

Roulette started in Europe in the 18th century, evolving from early wheel games and gaining popularity in French gaming salons. When the game crossed the Atlantic to the United States, house rules shifted. American casinos added the double zero to increase the house edge, and that layout became the standard in many United States venues, both brick-and-mortar and online.

Wheel Layout — 38 Pockets, Red and Black, Plus Two Greens

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets:

• Numbers 1 through 36, alternating red and black
• One green “0”
• One green “00” The alternating red and black pattern makes color-based bets visually simple, while the two green pockets reduce the chance of winning bets compared with single-zero wheels.

Table Layout — Where Bets Meet the Wheel

The betting table shows the grid of numbers, column bets, and outside bet areas. Players place chips directly on numbers for inside bets, or on sections like “Red,” “Even,” or the “1st 12” for outside bets. Dealers handle chip stacks, announce closing bets, and pay winners according to the payout table printed on the table or posted nearby.

How to Play — Quick Step-by-Step

1. Choose your chip value.
2. Place bets on the table before the dealer closes betting.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid, and losing bets are cleared. Payouts follow the posted table, and house rules and minimums at each table apply.

Inside Bets — Target Specific Numbers for Bigger Payouts

Inside bets are placed directly on the numbered grid and reward precise hits:

• Straight Up: a single number.
• Split: two adjacent numbers.
• Street: three numbers in a row.
• Corner: four numbers that form a square.
• Six Line: two adjacent rows, covering six numbers. These bets offer higher payouts because they cover fewer numbers.

Outside Bets — Lower Risk, More Frequent Wins

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer lower payouts:

• Red or Black — color-based bet.
• Odd or Even — parity-based bet.
• High or Low — 19–36 or 1–18.
• Dozens — 1st 12, 2nd 12, 3rd 12.
• Columns — one of three vertical columns of 12 numbers. Outside bets are a good option for players seeking steadier, lower-variance play.

Payout Summary — Typical Payouts at a Glance

• 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 — Why the Double Zero Matters

American Roulette’s standard house edge is 5.26%, a direct result of the wheel’s two green pockets. By contrast, single-zero European Roulette typically has a house edge of about 2.7%. That extra zero makes American Roulette less favorable to the player math-wise, even though gameplay and excitement remain similar.

Strategy Tips — Smart Moves for Beginners

• Understand the odds before betting, so you match wager size to risk.
• Use outside bets for lower variance and more frequent payouts.
• Manage your bankroll with session limits, stop-losses, and fixed bet sizes.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; no system can overcome the house edge. Remember, roulette is a game of chance, so treat wins as rewards and losses as the cost of entertainment.

American Roulette vs European Roulette — The Key Differences

The two main differences are the number of pockets and the resulting house edge. American Roulette has 38 pockets, with 0 and 00, which raises the house edge to 5.26%. European Roulette uses a single zero, and a cleaner 37-pocket layout yields about a 2.7% house edge. American Roulette remains more common in United States casinos, while single-zero versions dominate many European venues.

Online RNG vs Live Dealer — Choose Your Experience

Online American Roulette comes in two main forms:

• RNG (random number generator) versions — fast, available 24/7, and often allow multiple tables with different limits.
• Live dealer versions — streamed from studios or land-based casinos, with real dealers and interactive chat. Both use the same wheel rules when labeled “American,” but live tables give a more authentic casino feel. Check the game provider and payout rules before you play.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

Major providers that offer American Roulette and live dealer variants include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These developers power tables with professional dealing, clear rules, and mobile-optimized gameplay.

Mobile Play — Roulette in Your Pocket

American Roulette is fully optimized for smartphones and tablets. Interfaces scale to touchscreens, bet placement buttons speed play, and live dealer streams adapt to mobile bandwidth. Mobile play makes it easy to join a table legally in your state when geolocation and regulation allow.

Play Responsibly — Set Limits, Stay in Control

Set deposit, loss, and session limits before you play, and take regular breaks. Use self-exclusion or time-out tools offered by licensed casinos if you need them. If gambling stops being fun, seek professional help. For any casino bonuses or promotions you encounter, read the terms and conditions carefully before accepting an offer.

Where to Try American Roulette Today

If you want a quick look at casinos that list American Roulette titles and live tables, see our MegaFishWins Casino review at /mega-fish-wins-casino and our Slim King Casino review at /slim-king-casino. Each review includes game availability, software providers, and bonus terms and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

End your session knowing the rules, the house edge, and your limits, and you’ll get the most enjoyment out of American Roulette.