American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most recognized casino games in the world. Walk into any casino floor in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, and you'll almost certainly spot a roulette wheel drawing a crowd. What sets American Roulette apart from its European cousin is a single, significant detail — the wheel features two green pockets: a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). That extra pocket changes everything, from the house edge to your overall odds of winning.

Whether you're brand new to the game or looking to sharpen your knowledge before playing online, this guide covers everything you need to know about American Roulette.

The Origins of Roulette and How It Became "American"

Roulette has roots stretching back to 17th-century France. The word itself means "little wheel" in French, and the game is widely believed to have been developed by mathematician and inventor Blaise Pascal. By the 18th century, roulette had become a popular fixture in European gambling houses, featuring a single zero pocket on the wheel.

When the game made its way to the United States in the 19th century, casino operators made a notable change. To increase the house's advantage, American casinos added a second green pocket — the double zero. This version of the game took hold across the country and became the standard in American gambling establishments, giving birth to what we now call American Roulette.

The American Roulette Wheel Explained

The American Roulette wheel contains 38 pockets in total. These include numbers 1 through 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). The numbered pockets alternate between red and black, while both zero pockets are green.

The numbers are not arranged in sequential order around the wheel. Instead, they follow a specific pattern designed to balance high and low numbers, odd and even numbers, and red and black pockets as evenly as possible. This layout is deliberate and consistent across all standard American Roulette wheels.

Understanding the American Roulette Table Layout

The betting table in American Roulette is divided into two main areas. The inner section — known as the "inside" — displays the numbered grid from 0 to 36, along with spaces for the double zero. The outer section — the "outside" — contains larger betting boxes for group wagers like red or black, odd or even, and number ranges.

Players place their chips directly on the numbered grid, on the lines between numbers, or in the outer betting zones, depending on which type of bet they want to make. The layout is straightforward once you understand the basic structure, and most online versions include helpful visual guides to make chip placement easy.

How to Play American Roulette Step by Step

Inside Bets: High Risk, High Reward

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small clusters of numbers within the numbered grid. They carry higher risk because they cover fewer numbers, but they also offer the biggest payouts.

A "Straight Up" bet is placed on a single number and pays 35:1. A "Split" covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17:1. A "Street" bet covers three numbers in a row and pays 11:1. A "Corner" bet covers four numbers that meet at a corner on the grid and pays 8:1. Finally, a "Six Line" covers six numbers across two adjacent rows and pays 5:1.

Outside Bets: Lower Risk, Consistent Play

Outside bets cover much larger groups of numbers, which means they win more frequently — but with smaller payouts. These are popular choices for beginners and players who prefer a steadier, lower-volatility style of play.

"Red or Black" and "Odd or Even" bets both cover 18 numbers and pay 1:1. "High or Low" works the same way, covering either 1–18 or 19–36 and also paying 1:1. "Dozens" splits the number range into three groups of 12 (1–12, 13–24, 25–36) and pays 2:1. "Columns" covers 12 numbers arranged in one of the three vertical columns on the betting grid and also pays 2:1.

American Roulette Payout Table

The House Edge — What That Double Zero Really Costs You

The house edge in American Roulette sits at 5.26%. This figure exists because the wheel has 38 pockets, but payouts are calculated as if there were only 36. The double zero is the main reason for this gap.

To put it in perspective, European Roulette uses a single-zero wheel with just 37 pockets, which brings the house edge down to 2.7% — roughly half of what American Roulette carries. Over time, that difference adds up. For every $100 wagered on American Roulette, the casino expects to keep about $5.26 on average, compared to $2.70 on a European wheel.

This doesn't mean you can't win playing American Roulette — plenty of players do. But it's important to understand the math before you start placing bets.

Smart Strategy Tips for American Roulette Players

Roulette is a game of pure chance. No system, pattern, or strategy can predict where the ball will land. That said, there are practical ways to play smarter and stretch your session further.

Take time to understand the odds for each bet type before you start. Outside bets like red/black or odd/even give you close to a 50/50 chance of winning on each spin, making them a solid starting point for beginners. Set a budget before you play and stick to it — decide in advance how much you're comfortable losing, and don't chase losses if things don't go your way.

Be cautious of any betting system that claims to guarantee profits. Strategies like the Martingale — where you double your bet after each loss — can lead to significant losses quickly, especially on a table with betting limits. The house edge applies to every single spin, regardless of what happened before.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: Key Differences

The most obvious difference between the two variants is the number of pockets. American Roulette has 38, while European Roulette has 37. That single extra pocket — the double zero — is what drives the house edge up from 2.7% to 5.26%.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette dominates casino floors across the United States, while European Roulette is the standard in most of Europe and is also widely available at online casinos. If you have the option to choose, European Roulette offers better odds. However, American Roulette remains a beloved classic, and many players enjoy it specifically for its traditional casino feel.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette

When playing online, you'll typically encounter two formats. RNG (Random Number Generator) roulette uses software to simulate the wheel and determine outcomes. These games are fast-paced, available around the clock, and often allow lower minimum bets — great for casual players or those looking to practice.

Live dealer roulette, on the other hand, is streamed in real time from professional studios. A real dealer spins a physical wheel, and you watch the action unfold via high-definition video. Live roulette brings the atmosphere of a real casino to your screen and allows you to interact with the dealer and other players via chat. Many players find it a more immersive and social experience.

Top Software Providers for American Roulette

The quality of your online roulette experience depends heavily on the software behind it. Several industry-leading developers offer standout American Roulette titles.

Evolution is the gold standard for live dealer roulette, known for its professional studios and smooth streaming. Playtech delivers both RNG and live versions with polished visuals and reliable gameplay. Pragmatic Play Live has become a major name in live casino content, with high-quality roulette tables available across many regulated platforms. NetEnt offers clean, well-designed RNG roulette games with excellent mobile performance. Ezugi is another respected live dealer provider with a strong presence in the United States market.

American Roulette on Mobile

You don't need to be at a desktop to enjoy American Roulette. Nearly all leading online casinos offer fully optimized mobile experiences, whether through a browser-based platform or a dedicated app. The betting interface adapts cleanly to touchscreens, making it easy to place chips, adjust your bets, and watch the wheel spin on a smartphone or tablet.

Live dealer versions also run smoothly on mobile, provided you have a stable internet connection. Whether you're playing on an iPhone, Android device, or tablet, the experience is designed to feel just as engaging as it does on a full screen.

Play Responsibly and Know Your Limits

Roulette is meant to be entertaining. Before you play for real money, set a clear budget and treat it as the cost of your entertainment — not a potential income source. Most licensed online casinos offer tools like deposit limits, session time reminders, and self-exclusion options to help you stay in control.

If you ever feel like gambling is becoming a problem, organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) offer free, confidential support. You can reach their helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Always gamble within your means.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette