American Roulette

American Roulette is the version of roulette most commonly linked with traditional US casinos. It uses a wheel with 38 pockets, including numbers 1 through 36, plus two green pockets marked 0 and 00.

That double-zero setup is the biggest difference between American Roulette and other versions of the game. European Roulette has only one green zero, which gives players slightly better odds. In American Roulette, the extra 00 increases the house edge, so understanding the layout matters before you place a bet.

From Europe to the US: How American Roulette Took Shape

Roulette began in Europe, with roots that trace back to France in the 18th century. Over time, the game spread across the continent and became a staple in land-based casinos thanks to its simple rules and fast pace.

When roulette made its way to the United States, casino operators introduced the double zero to create a bigger edge for the house. That change helped form the modern American Roulette wheel, which remains a fixture in many US casino pits and online casino lobbies today.

The Wheel That Changes Everything

The American Roulette wheel has 38 total pockets. These include 36 numbered pockets and two green pockets labeled 0 and 00.

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 are split evenly between red and black. The colors alternate around the wheel, while the 0 and 00 stand out in green. Those two green pockets are what separate American Roulette from European Roulette and are the reason the game carries a 5.26% house edge.

Breaking Down the American Roulette Table Layout

The American Roulette table is built around a betting grid that mirrors the numbers on the wheel. Players place chips on specific spaces to choose exactly what they want to bet on.

You can put chips directly on a single number, on the line between two numbers, at the corner where four numbers meet, or in larger betting zones for red or black, odd or even, high or low, dozens, and columns. The layout may look busy at first, but once you understand where each bet goes, it becomes easy to follow.

How American Roulette Works Step by Step

Playing American Roulette is simple, even if you are brand new to the game. First, you choose your chip value at the table or in the online interface.

Next, you place your chips on the betting areas you want. After betting closes, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction.

The ball eventually drops into one of the 38 pockets. If your bet matches the result, the winning wager is paid based on the roulette payout table.

The Most Important American Roulette Bets to Know

American Roulette bets are usually divided into inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups of numbers, while outside bets cover bigger sections of the layout.

Inside Bets With Bigger Payout Potential

Inside bets are more precise, which means they offer higher payouts but lower hit rates.

A Straight Up bet covers one number and pays 35: 1. This is the most direct bet on the table.

A Split covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17: 1. You place your chip on the line between the two numbers.

A Street covers three numbers in a row and pays 11: 1. This bet is placed on the outer edge of a row.

A Corner covers four numbers and pays 8: 1. The chip goes on the intersection where the four numbers meet.

A Six Line covers six numbers across two adjacent rows and pays 5: 1. It is also called a double street at some tables.

Outside Bets That Keep Variance Lower

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, so they hit more often, but the payouts are smaller.

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

High or Low is another even-money option. Low covers 1 through 18, while High covers 19 through 36, and each pays 1: 1.

Dozens cover 12 numbers each and pay 2: 1. You can bet on 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36.

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

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

Here is the standard payout structure most players will see in American Roulette:

• 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
• Dozen: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Column: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Red or Black: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• Odd or Even: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• High or Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1

These payouts are standard, but it is still smart to check table rules, especially online or in live dealer games.

Why the House Edge Is Higher in American Roulette

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That number comes directly from the two green pockets, 0 and 00, on a 38-pocket wheel.

By comparison, European Roulette has only 37 pockets and a house edge of 2.70%. That makes European Roulette the more player-friendly option from a mathematical standpoint. If you are comparing versions before signing up at an online casino, this is one of the first details worth checking.

Smart Strategy Tips for New Roulette Players

Roulette is a game of chance, so no system can remove the house edge or guarantee profit. That said, a few practical habits can help you play more carefully.

Start by learning the odds and payouts before putting money down. Many beginners jump into inside bets because the payouts look attractive, but outside bets can stretch your bankroll longer since they hit more often.

It also helps to set a firm bankroll before each session. Decide how much you are willing to spend, and do not chase losses if the wheel runs cold.

Be cautious with betting systems that claim to beat roulette. Strategies like Martingale may change how you stake your bets, but they do not change the math of the game.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

American Roulette and European Roulette look similar, but the details matter. American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37.

American Roulette includes both 0 and 00, while European Roulette uses only a single 0. Because of that, American Roulette carries a 5.26% house edge, compared with 2.70% in European Roulette.

American Roulette is more common in many US casino settings, while European Roulette is more common in European markets and at some US online casinos. If your goal is to get the better odds, European Roulette usually has the edge.

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

Players today can choose between standard online American Roulette and live dealer roulette. Standard online versions use a random number generator, often called RNG, to determine each spin.

Live dealer American Roulette is streamed from a real studio with an actual dealer and physical wheel. It offers a more social and realistic casino feel, while RNG games are usually faster and easier to play on your own schedule.

If you enjoy table-game atmosphere, live dealer may be the better fit. If you want quick sessions and simple controls, RNG roulette can be a strong option.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette Games

Several major developers offer American Roulette for online and live dealer players. Evolution is one of the biggest names in live dealer roulette and is widely known for polished studio games.

Pragmatic Play Live and Ezugi also provide live roulette titles for many casino brands. NetEnt has long been recognized for digital table games, while Playtech remains another major roulette supplier in the wider market.

Among the casinos in this category, Lucky Coin Casino features roulette content from Evolution Gaming, Ezugi, NetEnt, and Pragmatic Play, making it a relevant option for players looking for variety. You can read more in the Lucky Coin Casino review.

Spinimax Casino also lists Evolution Gaming and NetEnt among its providers, while Betya Casino includes Evolution Gaming as part of its table game lineup. If you want to compare broader game libraries, see the Spinimax Casino review or the Betya Casino review.

American Roulette on Mobile Is Easier Than Ever

Most modern American Roulette games are built for smartphones and tablets. Whether you play through a mobile browser or a casino app, the betting grid, wheel animation, and account tools are usually optimized for smaller screens.

That means you can place inside and outside bets, watch live dealer streams, and manage your bankroll without needing a desktop. As long as you have a stable internet connection, mobile roulette is usually smooth and easy to navigate.

A Quick Reminder About Responsible Gambling

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make guaranteed money. Set deposit limits, keep session times in check, and only play with money you can afford to lose.

If gambling stops being fun, take a break. Responsible play habits matter just as much as knowing the rules of the game.

American Roulette Questions Answered