American Roulette

American Roulette is a wheel game in which players wager on where a ball will stop. Its defining feature is a pair of green pockets: single zero (0) and double zero (00). Those two pockets distinguish it from European Roulette, which has one green zero.

The extra pocket changes the odds. American Roulette has 38 pockets, and the casino’s advantage on standard bets is about 5.26%. The game is simple to follow, but every spin is independent, and no betting approach can guarantee a win.

A Brief History of Roulette

Roulette developed in Europe, with recognizable versions appearing in France during the 18th century. The game later reached the United States, where casinos added the double-zero pocket. That change created the American wheel layout still used in many casinos today.

American Roulette Wheel Layout

A standard American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets:

• Numbers 1 through 36
• One green pocket marked 0
• One green pocket marked 00

The numbered pockets alternate between red and black. The 0 and 00 pockets are green and sit apart from the numbered sequence. Because the ball can land in any pocket, each spin is a separate event.

How the American Roulette Table Works

The betting layout shows numbers 1 through 36 in three columns, with spaces for 0 and 00. It also includes larger betting areas for groups such as red or black, odd or even, and high or low.

Players select a chip value and place chips on the relevant areas. A chip placed inside the numbered grid covers a specific number or a small group of numbers. Chips placed outside the grid cover broader categories. The dealer closes betting, spins the wheel, and releases the ball.

How to Play American Roulette

1. Choose a chip value.
2. Place your chips on one or more betting areas.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the table’s payout schedule.

Check the table rules before betting, since procedures and minimums can vary by casino.

American Roulette Bets and Typical Payouts

Inside bets cover individual numbers or compact groups on the grid. They tend to pay more when they win, but they cover fewer pockets.

• Straight Up: One number, including 0 or 00; pays 35: 1.
• Split: Two adjacent numbers; pays 17: 1.
• Street: Three numbers in one horizontal row; pays 11: 1.
• Corner: Four numbers meeting at a grid intersection; pays 8: 1.
• Six Line: Six numbers across two adjoining rows; pays 5: 1.

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers. They typically pay less than inside bets, but a winning result is possible on more numbered pockets. The green 0 and 00 usually cause these even-money bets to lose.

• Red or Black: 18 numbers; pays 1: 1.
• Odd or Even: 18 numbers; pays 1: 1.
• High or Low: 18 numbers - 1 through 18 or 19 through 36; pays 1: 1.
• Dozens: 12 numbers; pays 2: 1.
• Columns: 12 numbers; pays 2: 1.

American Roulette Payout Table

• Straight Up covers 1 number and pays 35: 1
• Split covers 2 numbers and pays 17: 1
• Street covers 3 numbers and pays 11: 1
• Corner covers 4 numbers and pays 8: 1
• Six Line covers 6 numbers and pays 5: 1
• Dozens or Columns cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1
• Red or Black, Odd or Even, High or Low cover 18 numbers and pay 1: 1

Payouts are shown as winnings relative to the original bet. For example, a 35: 1 Straight Up win pays 35 units in winnings, plus the original stake.

The House Edge: What the Double Zero Changes

On standard American Roulette bets, the house edge is about 5.26%. The calculation comes from the two green pockets: there are 38 possible outcomes, while many even-money bets cover 18 numbers. The 0 and 00 reduce the chance of those bets winning.

European Roulette has a single zero and a typical house edge of about 2.70% on standard bets. That difference makes the European version more favorable to players over the long run, although neither version guarantees a particular result.

Practical Tips for American Roulette

• Know the odds: Review the payout and the number of pockets covered before placing a bet.
• Consider outside bets: They cover more numbered outcomes than most inside bets, though they do not remove the house edge.
• Set a budget: Decide what you can afford to spend, and stop when you reach that limit.
• Skip guaranteed-win claims: Betting systems cannot change the odds or ensure a profit.

Roulette is a game of chance. Past results do not predict the next spin.

American Roulette vs. European Roulette

• American Roulette has 38 pockets (1-36, 0, and 00) while European Roulette has 37 pockets (1-36 and 0)
• American Roulette has a typical house edge of about 5.26% while European Roulette has about 2.70%
• American Roulette is commonly found in casinos in the United States while European Roulette is common in casinos across Europe

The biggest difference is the double-zero pocket on the American wheel. That extra outcome raises the house edge. Both versions use familiar inside and outside bets, but table layouts can differ.

Online American Roulette and Live Dealer Games

Online casinos may offer American Roulette in two formats. A digital version uses a random number generator to determine outcomes. A live dealer game streams a real wheel and dealer from a studio, with the game shown through video.

The choice comes down to the experience you prefer: digital games are convenient for quick play, while live dealer tables show the wheel and dealer in real time. Game availability and online gambling rules depend on your location. Check local laws and the casino’s terms before playing for real money.

Roulette Software Providers

Several major game developers offer roulette titles, including Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. Their libraries and available roulette variants differ by casino and jurisdiction, so check the game lobby for the current selection.

American Roulette on Mobile

American Roulette games are commonly designed for smartphones and tablets. Mobile layouts let players select chips, tap betting areas, and view the wheel on a smaller screen. Before wagering, confirm that the numbers and bet labels are easy to read on your device.

Play Responsibly

Set a spending and time limit before playing, and treat roulette as entertainment rather than a way to make money. Don’t chase losses or wager more than you can afford to lose. If gambling stops being fun, take a break and consider using available limit-setting or self-exclusion tools.

American Roulette FAQ