American Roulette
American Roulette is a casino staple where a spinning wheel, a small white ball, and a betting table determine whether you win or lose on any spin. The defining difference is the presence of two green pockets: "0" and "00". That extra green pocket changes the math of the game, and it’s why American Roulette plays differently from other roulette variants.
A quick history: from Europe to the United States
Roulette began in Europe in the 18th century, evolving from several wheel-and-bet games played in France and Italy. The single-zero wheel became the European standard, offering players slightly better odds. When the game crossed the Atlantic, American casinos added the double-zero pocket in the 19th century, creating the version now common across casinos in the United States. The double-zero increased the house edge, and that variant stuck in many American land-based and online rooms.
How the American Roulette wheel is built
The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:
- Numbers 1–36, each assigned red or black
- Single zero ("0"), colored green
- Double zero ("00"), colored green
Numbers alternate red and black around the wheel, with the two green pockets set apart. That extra "00" is the structural reason the house edge is higher than the single-zero version.
Reading the table: where bets go
The betting grid in front of the wheel is a clear matrix and set of outside betting boxes. Players place chips directly on numbers for precise wagers, or on labeled areas to cover larger groups. Typical spots:
- The numbered grid for inside bets
- Boxes for “Red/Black,” “Odd/Even,” and “High/Low” for even-money outside bets
- Dozen and column boxes for 12-number bets Dealers or the platform accept bets until the dealer announces “no more bets” or the RNG round locks, then the wheel is spun.
How to Play American Roulette
- Step 1Choose your chip value.
- Step 2Place chips on number squares or the outside boxes that match your strategy.
- Step 3The dealer spins the wheel and launches the ball, or the online RNG runs the animation.
- Step 4The ball settles into a pocket with a number and color.
- Step 5Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing bets are cleared.
Payouts are fixed by the roulette rules, and any promotions or bonuses you use are subject to the platform’s terms and conditions.
Inside bets: riskier, higher payouts
Inside bets are placed directly on numbers or small groups on the numbered grid. Common inside bets include:
- Straight Up — a single number, highest payout
- Split — two adjacent numbers, two-number wager
- Street — three numbers in a row, placed on the outer line
- Corner — four numbers meeting at one corner
- Six Line — two adjacent streets, covering six numbers
These bets cover fewer numbers, so they pay more when they hit.
Outside bets: lower risk, more frequent wins
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and typically pay smaller amounts:
- Red or Black — color bets covering 18 numbers
- Odd or Even — covers 18 numbers
- High (19–36) or Low (1–18) — covers 18 numbers
- Dozens — 1st, 2nd, or 3rd dozen, each covering 12 numbers
- Columns — covers 12 numbers down a column of the grid
Outside bets are best for players who prefer steadier results and longer play.
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 |
These are the standard casino payouts; always check table rules before you play.
House edge explained — why the math favors the house
American Roulette carries a house edge of 5.26%, driven by the presence of both "0" and "00". Those green pockets mean that even outside bets have a built-in disadvantage compared with single-zero wheels. By contrast, European Roulette with one zero has a house edge of about 2.7%. The extra zero in American Roulette effectively pays half the difference on winning color and parity bets back to the house.
Practical tips for playing American Roulette
- Understand the odds before betting, and pick bets that match your risk tolerance.
- Use outside bets for lower variance and more frequent payouts.
- Manage your bankroll with session limits, and set loss and win boundaries.
- Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; roulette outcomes are random.
- Check a platform’s payout and withdrawal speed guarantees if fast cashouts matter to you.
American Roulette versus European Roulette — the key contrasts
- Number of pockets: American has 38 pockets, European has 37.
- House edge: American roughly 5.26%, European roughly 2.7%.
- Where you’ll find them: American Roulette is common in casinos across the United States, while European casinos typically use the single-zero wheel.
Choosing between them depends on whether you prefer the traditional American layout or the slightly better odds of the single-zero version.
Online American Roulette and live dealer options
Online platforms offer two main ways to play:
- RNG American Roulette: outcomes are produced by a certified random number generator, allowing fast rounds and lower minimum bets.
- Live dealer American Roulette: streamed from studios with real dealers, live cameras, and chat features for a more social feel.
Both versions are legal in regulated markets where the platform holds the right licenses. Live dealer tables are a good fit if you want the table atmosphere, while RNG is ideal for quick play and mobile sessions.
Top software developers offering American Roulette
Major providers that deliver high-quality American Roulette games include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These developers power branded tables, live studios, and mobile-optimized titles with reliable graphics, certified RNGs, and professional dealers.
Playing on mobile devices
American Roulette is optimized for smartphones and tablets, with touch-friendly controls, portrait and landscape modes, and persistent session states so you can switch devices. Mobile games keep the same bet types and payouts, and live dealer streams adapt to smaller screens while maintaining multiple camera angles.
Responsible play — quick reminders
Set deposit limits and session timers, only wager what you can afford to lose, and use platform tools like self-exclusion or reality checks if play becomes problematic. If you use bonuses, read the full terms and conditions before accepting any offer.
American Roulette FAQ
What is American Roulette?
American Roulette is the roulette variant with 38 pockets, including both "0" and "00", commonly found in casinos in the United States.
What is the difference between American and European Roulette?
The main difference is the number of green pockets: American has "0" and "00", while European has only one "0". That extra pocket increases the house edge in American Roulette.
Why does American Roulette have a higher house edge?
The double zero creates more losing outcomes for most bets, which raises the house edge to about 5.26%.
What is the best bet in American Roulette?
"Best" depends on your goals. For lower variance, outside bets like Red/Black, Odd/Even, or High/Low are the most stable. For higher payouts, straight-up number bets offer the biggest win potential, but with lower probability.
Can you play American Roulette online for real money?
Yes. Regulated online casinos in licensed markets offer both RNG and live dealer American Roulette games that accept real-money wagers, subject to verification and local laws.
Is American Roulette fair?
Licensed operators use audited RNGs or regulated live studios to ensure fairness. Check a casino’s licensing and audit information for independent verification.
How do bonuses affect roulette play?
Bonuses often come with wagering requirements and game-weighting rules. Always read the bonus terms and conditions to understand how roulette contributes to requirement fulfillment.
Is live dealer American Roulette slower than RNG?
Live dealer rounds follow real-world pace and can be slower than RNG games, but they provide a more authentic table experience.
American Roulette offers a clear, classic casino experience with familiar bets and distinct math because of the double zero. Whether you prefer playing on your phone, at a live table online, or at a land-based casino, know the odds, manage your bankroll, and always review the terms and conditions before staking real money.