American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic wheel-and-table game you see in many casinos across the United States. The core gameplay is simple: place chips on numbers or groups of numbers, watch the dealer spin the wheel and drop the ball, and collect payouts when the ball lands on a number you covered. The single, defining difference between American Roulette and other roulette variants is the presence of two green pockets on the wheel: a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). That extra green pocket affects payouts, odds, and the house edge.

A quick history snapshot: from Europe to the United States

Roulette’s roots trace back to France in the 1700s, evolving from earlier wheel games and mechanical experiments. As the game spread across Europe in the 1800s, one main version became known as European Roulette, with a single zero. When roulette reached the United States in the 19th century, casino operators introduced a double zero to increase the house advantage. That modification became standard for American casinos, and the "0 and 00" layout is the reason the American variant is distinct today.

How the American Roulette wheel is laid out

The American Roulette wheel has 38 numbered pockets total. Here’s the makeup:

• Numbers 1 through 36, alternating red and black.
• A single green zero, marked "0."
• A double green zero, marked "00."

The alternating red and black design makes outside bets like red/black visually intuitive, while the two green pockets are the factor that raises the house edge compared with single-zero versions.

How the American Roulette table is organized

The table shows a grid for inside bets, a grouping area for outside bets, and separate boxes for the 0 and 00. Players place chips directly on numbers or across lines and sections:

• Inside bets go on specific numbers or small clusters on the numbered grid.
• Outside bets are placed on larger areas like "Red," "Even," or the dozens and columns. Dealers handle wagers, spins, and payouts, and marked betting limits are posted so players know minimums and maximums.

How to Play American Roulette

Inside bets: aim for specific numbers

Inside bets cover single numbers or small clusters on the numbered grid. Common inside bets include:

• Straight Up — one 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 when they hit, because they cover fewer numbers.

Outside bets: broader coverage, lower risk

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer more frequent, but smaller, payouts. Typical outside bets:

• Red or Black
• Odd or Even
• High (19–36) or Low (1–18)
• Dozens — 1–12, 13–24, 25–36
• Columns — vertical column covers 12 numbers

Outside bets are a good option when you want steadier action and longer play.

American Roulette payout table

Payouts reflect the standard casino structure; always check the table and posted rules where you play.

Why the house edge is higher in American Roulette

American Roulette carries a house edge of about 5.26%. That figure comes from the two green pockets: the single zero and the double zero. Each extra non-paying pocket increases the casino’s long-term advantage. By comparison, European Roulette, with only one zero, typically has a house edge around 2.7%. The math is simple: more green pockets mean a larger gap between the true 50/50-style outside bets and the casino’s payout math.

Practical tips for getting the most from American Roulette

• Learn the odds for each bet before you wager. Knowing which bets cover how many numbers helps you plan.
• Outside bets offer lower variance, and are a good choice if you want steadier, lower-risk play.
• Decide bankroll limits before you play, and stick to them to avoid chasing losses.
• Beware of betting systems that claim to guarantee wins; roulette is a game of chance, and no system eliminates the house edge.
• Use table limits and time limits to keep sessions controlled and enjoyable.

American Roulette versus European Roulette — clear differences

• Number of pockets: American has 38 pockets, including 0 and 00. European has 37 pockets, with a single zero.
• House edge: American is roughly 5.26%, compared with around 2.7% for European.
• Where you’ll see them: American Roulette is the dominant format in casinos across the United States, while European Roulette is more common in Europe and many online sites that cater to international players.

Online American Roulette and live dealer options

Players can choose between RNG-powered American Roulette games and live dealer tables streamed from studios or casino floors. RNG games are fast, available 24/7, and optimized for desktop and mobile play. Live dealer roulette offers a human dealer, a live camera feed, and the social feel of a real table. For live options, check our live dealer guide to compare studios, game speeds, and betting limits.

Top software providers to look for

Major developers offering high-quality American Roulette include:

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

These providers deliver polished graphics, reliable RNGs, and live-streamed tables, so you can pick the experience that fits your style.

Mobile play — roulette on smartphones and tablets

American Roulette is widely optimized for mobile. Look for games with responsive controls, clear betting layouts, and fast load times. Mobile versions keep the same rules and payouts as desktop, so you get identical odds while playing on the go.

Responsible gambling — keep play enjoyable

Set deposit and session limits, use self-exclusion tools if needed, and never wager money you can’t afford to lose. Roulette should be a form of entertainment, not a way to make income. If you notice betting is becoming a problem, seek help and use the responsible gaming resources provided by your platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

American Roulette is an accessible, fast-paced table game with clear rules and a variety of betting options. Understanding the wheel layout, payouts, and house edge helps you make smarter choices and enjoy the game responsibly.