American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most recognizable casino table games in the United States. It looks similar to other roulette versions at first glance, but one feature changes the math in a big way: the wheel has two green pockets, 0 and 00.

That double-zero setup is what separates American Roulette from European Roulette and gives the casino a bigger edge. If you are learning the game, it helps to understand how the wheel works, what each bet covers, and why payouts stay the same even though the odds are slightly less favorable.

What Makes American Roulette Different

American Roulette is played on a wheel with 38 pockets. Those pockets include numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero and a double zero. The numbered pockets alternate between red and black, while 0 and 00 are green.

The extra green pocket is the key difference from European Roulette, which has only 37 pockets because it includes just one zero. That small change has a major effect on your chances of winning and the game’s overall house edge.

In US casinos, American Roulette has long been the standard version on many casino floors. It is also widely available online in both RNG and live dealer formats.

A Quick Look at Roulette’s European Roots

Roulette began in Europe, with its modern form taking shape in France during the 18th century. The name “roulette” means “little wheel” in French, which fits the spinning wheel that remains the center of the game today.

As roulette spread beyond Europe and reached the United States, casinos adapted it by adding the 00 pocket. That version became known as American Roulette. The extra pocket gave operators a stronger built-in advantage, and the game became a fixture in many US gambling venues.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel

The American Roulette wheel has 38 total pockets:

• 1 through 36
• 0
• 00

The numbers 1 to 36 are split evenly between red and black. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, which makes them easy to spot and also highlights their special role in the game.

Unlike some other table games, roulette outcomes are simple. The ball lands in one pocket, and every bet either wins or loses based on that final result.

How the Table Layout Works

The American Roulette table has a betting grid that mirrors the wheel’s number structure, though not in wheel order. Numbers 1 through 36 are arranged in rows, and the 0 and 00 appear at the top of the layout.

Players place chips directly on the numbered grid or on lines and boxes between numbers. Where the chip is placed determines the type of bet. A chip on a single number is a straight-up bet, while a chip placed between two numbers becomes a split bet.

The outside betting areas sit around the number grid. These sections are marked for options like red or black, odd or even, high or low, dozens, and columns.

How to Play American Roulette Without the Confusion

Playing American Roulette is straightforward, even for beginners. First, you choose the chip value you want to use at the table. Then you place one or more bets on the betting layout before the dealer closes betting.

After that, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction. Once the ball drops into a pocket, the winning number and color are confirmed. Any successful bets are paid according to the roulette payout table, and then the next round begins.

The Most Important American Roulette Bets

American Roulette bets fall into two main groups: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets target specific numbers or small clusters, while outside bets cover broader sections of the table.

Inside Bets With Bigger Payout Potential

Inside bets offer higher payouts because they cover fewer numbers.

A straight-up bet is placed on a single number, including 0 or 00. It pays 35: 1.

A split bet covers two adjacent numbers. You place the chip on the line between them, and it pays 17: 1.

A street bet covers three numbers in a horizontal row. It pays 11: 1.

A corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one corner. It pays 8: 1.

A six-line bet covers six numbers across two adjacent rows. It pays 5: 1.

These bets are popular with players who want bigger returns, but they are also riskier because they win less often.

Outside Bets That Offer More Frequent Hits

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, so they hit more often but pay less.

Red or black covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1.

Odd or even also covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1.

High or low covers 18 numbers each. Low includes 1 to 18, and high includes 19 to 36. These also pay 1: 1.

Dozens cover 12 numbers each. You can bet on 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36, and these bets pay 2: 1.

Columns also cover 12 numbers each and pay 2: 1.

Outside bets are often the starting point for newer players because they are easier to understand and produce more frequent wins, even though the long-term house edge stays the same.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

Here is the standard payout structure for American Roulette:

• 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: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Red or Black: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• Odd or Even: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• High or Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1

These payouts are standard across most land-based and online American Roulette games.

Why the House Edge Is Higher Than Many Players Expect

The house edge in American Roulette is 5.26%. That number comes directly from the 38-pocket wheel and the addition of the 00 pocket.

European Roulette has only one green zero pocket, so its house edge is lower at about 2.70%. That difference may not sound huge at first, but over time it matters. For players comparing roulette versions, European Roulette is generally the better-value option from a pure odds perspective.

Smart American Roulette Tips for New Players

A good first step is understanding what each bet actually covers. Roulette is simple on the surface, but betting without knowing the odds can lead to quick losses.

Many beginners prefer outside bets because they offer more frequent wins. That can help stretch a bankroll, although it does not remove the house edge.

Bankroll management matters. Set a limit before you play, decide how much you are comfortable losing, and avoid chasing losses after a bad run.

It is also wise to ignore betting systems that claim to guarantee profits. No strategy can overcome the built-in house edge over the long run. Roulette is a game of chance, and every spin is independent.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37. The American version includes both 0 and 00, while the European wheel has only a single 0.

That extra pocket raises the house edge in American Roulette to 5.26%, compared with 2.70% in European Roulette. This is the biggest practical difference for players.

American Roulette is more common in US casinos, while European Roulette is more common in European gambling markets and is also widely featured online. If your priority is better odds, European Roulette usually comes out ahead. If you want the classic US casino version, American Roulette is the one you will usually see.

Online American Roulette or Live Dealer: Which Feels Better?

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats: RNG and live dealer. RNG roulette uses software to produce random results, making it fast, convenient, and easy to play on desktop or mobile.

Live dealer roulette is streamed from a real studio with an actual wheel, dealer, and table. It gives a closer-to-casino experience and often includes chat features and multiple camera angles.

Both options can be fair when offered by trusted operators using certified gaming software. If you like quick play, RNG may be the better fit. If you want a more realistic table-game atmosphere, live dealer roulette is often the stronger choice.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers offer American Roulette in online casinos. Evolution is one of the best-known names for live dealer roulette, especially in regulated and international markets.

Playtech also has a strong reputation for live dealer table games. Pragmatic Play Live offers polished roulette streams with a user-friendly interface, while NetEnt is known for digital casino titles and classic RNG table games. Ezugi remains a familiar name in live dealer roulette as well.

Among the brands listed here, you may also find roulette content from providers such as NetEnt and Playtech at Bet Monks Casino. Provider selection can vary over time, so it is always worth checking a casino’s current game lobby before signing up.

Mobile American Roulette Is Built for On-the-Go Play

Most online American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. That includes both standard RNG versions and many live dealer titles.

Mobile play usually lets you place bets, switch chip sizes, and follow the spinning wheel with touch controls. As long as you have a stable connection, the experience is typically smooth on both iPhone and Android devices.

A Short Reminder About Responsible Play

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make money. Set time and spending limits before you play, stick to them, and take breaks if the session stops being fun.

If you decide to play for real money online, make sure the casino’s payment options, support tools, and terms work for you. Some offshore brands, including LuckLeopard Casino, offer roulette alongside sportsbook products, but availability, currency support, and player protections can differ by site and location.

Common Questions About American Roulette

American Roulette remains popular because it is easy to learn, fast to play, and instantly recognizable in US casino culture. Once you understand the double-zero wheel, the table layout, and the common bets, the game becomes much easier to follow and much less intimidating for first-time players.