American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino wheel game where you bet on where a small ball will land after the dealer spins the wheel. The single most important detail that sets it apart from other roulette variants is the presence of two green pockets on the wheel: "0" and "00." That extra pocket increases the house edge, and it’s the reason American Roulette plays differently from European and other single-zero versions.

A quick look at roulette history

Roulette began in Europe as a blend of earlier wheel-based games, developing into the familiar wheel and betting layout in France during the 18th century. When roulette reached the United States, operators adapted the wheel to include a double zero to raise the house edge. The double-zero layout became common across many American casinos and remains the standard for American-style tables today.

American Roulette wheel layout: 38 pockets explained

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total:

• Numbers 1–36
• Single zero — "0"
• Double zero — "00"

Numbers from 1 to 36 are split between red and black pockets that alternate around the wheel, while both "0" and "00" are green. That alternating color pattern makes it easy to place color-based bets, and the two green pockets are what change the math of the game.

How the American Roulette table works

The betting layout on the table mirrors the wheel’s numbers and offers multiple ways to wager. Players place chips on individual numbers, on combinations of numbers, on columns and dozens, or on even-money options like red or black. After all bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel and drops the ball in the opposite direction; where the ball lands determines winning and losing chips. Dealers pay winners according to the payout schedule, and house rules and minimums can vary by casino.

Play American Roulette: a simple walkthrough

• Choose your chip value and stack it in front of you.
• Place bets on the table in the areas that match your picks.
• The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
• The ball settles in one numbered pocket.
• Winning bets are paid based on the payout table, and losing bets are cleared.

Keep in mind that online variants display the same sequence, whether you’re at a random-number-generator table or a live dealer stream.

Inside bets — aiming for bigger payouts

Inside bets cover specific numbers or small clusters on the betting grid. They offer larger payouts but lower probability:

• Straight Up — single number
• Split — two adjacent numbers
• Street — three numbers in a row
• Corner — four numbers meeting at a corner
• Six Line — two adjacent rows, six numbers total

These bets pay more because they cover fewer numbers.

Outside bets — steadier options with lower variance

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and pay smaller amounts, making them a common choice for beginners:

• Red or Black
• Odd or Even
• High (19–36) or Low (1–18)
• Dozens — first, second, or third set of 12 numbers
• Columns — one of the three vertical columns on the grid

Outside bets generally offer more frequent wins, but the payouts are smaller.

American Roulette payout table

Bet type — Numbers covered — Typical payout

• 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

Always check the casino’s displayed rules and payouts, and read the specific terms and conditions for promotional wagers.

House edge and why the double zero matters

The double zero is the math driver behind American Roulette’s house edge. Because the wheel has both "0" and "00," the house edge on American Roulette is about 5.26%. By comparison, European Roulette, with a single "0," has a house edge near 2.7%. That difference makes European-style wheels more favorable from a purely mathematical perspective.

Smart tips for American Roulette beginners

• Understand the odds before placing bets — inside bets pay more, outside bets win more often.
• Use outside bets for lower-risk play and steadier bankroll management.
• Set session limits and stick to them to avoid overspending.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; roulette is a game of chance.
• Know the table minimums and maximums, and check any promo terms before playing with bonus funds.

American Roulette vs European Roulette — the quick comparison

• Number of pockets — American has 38 pockets, European has 37.
• House edge — American roughly 5.26%, European roughly 2.7%.
• Where you see them — American-style wheels are common in casinos across the United States, while single-zero versions dominate most European casinos.

Online RNG roulette vs live dealer roulette — pick your style

Online American Roulette comes in two main forms:

• RNG tables — computer-generated outcomes, fast play, and multiple simultaneous tables.
• Live dealer tables — real dealers streamed from studios, with live chat and a more social feel.

Both formats offer the same basic bets and payouts. Use geolocation tools and licensed platforms to ensure you’re playing legally in your state, and choose the version that fits your comfort level and preferred pace.

Top software providers powering American Roulette

Some major developers produce high-quality American Roulette titles:

• Evolution
• Playtech
• Pragmatic Play Live
• NetEnt
• Ezugi

These providers offer RNG and live dealer options, polished mobile interfaces, and reliable game fairness backed by independent testing.

Mobile play and fast access

American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, so you can place bets, adjust chip sizes, and watch live streams on the go. Many licensed platforms advertise fast payouts and in-state accessibility, along with geolocation tools to help players comply with local regulations. Read cashier policies for withdrawal timelines, and confirm supported payment methods and currencies before depositing.

Responsible play — set limits and play sensibly

Know your limits, set deposit and session caps, and walk away if the game stops being fun. If you suspect you or someone you know has a gambling problem, seek help from professional resources, and consider using self-exclusion or wagering limits offered by licensed sites.

Where to try American Roulette online

If you want to try American Roulette at reputable sites, check out reviews and platform details for options like Oreon Bet Casino, Fun of Vegas Casino, and Rake.us Casino. Always confirm licensing, supported payment methods, and welcome bonus terms before you play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re trying American Roulette for the first time or comparing variants, understanding the wheel layout, betting options, and house edge will help you make informed choices and manage your play responsibly.