American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic two-zero version of roulette found in many US casinos and online casino lobbies. Its defining feature is simple: the wheel includes both a single zero and a double zero, shown as 0 and 00.

That extra green pocket is what sets American Roulette apart from most other roulette variants. While the gameplay feels familiar to anyone who has seen roulette before, the added 00 changes the odds, the house edge, and the overall betting value.

From Europe to the US: How American Roulette Took Shape

Roulette began in Europe, with roots commonly linked to 18th-century France. Over time, the game spread across the continent and became a casino staple because of its straightforward rules and wide range of betting options.

When roulette reached the United States, casino operators adopted a version with an added double zero pocket. That change created what players now know as American Roulette. The format became especially common in US land-based casinos, while European Roulette stayed dominant in many international markets.

The Wheel Detail That Changes Everything

An American Roulette wheel has 38 total pockets. Those pockets include numbers 1 through 36, plus 0 and 00.

The numbered pockets 1 to 36 alternate between red and black. The two zero pockets, 0 and 00, are both green. That color layout makes the zero sections stand out clearly from the rest of the wheel.

Those 38 pockets are the biggest mathematical difference between American Roulette and European Roulette, which uses only 37 pockets because it has a single zero.

How the American Roulette Table Is Set Up

The table layout shows all the numbered betting spaces in a grid, along with separate areas for outside bets like red or black, odd or even, and dozens. Players place chips directly on the numbers or lines that match the type of wager they want to make.

A chip placed inside a single number box is a bet on that exact result. A chip placed on a line or corner can cover multiple numbers. Outside betting areas sit around the main grid and let players make broader, lower-risk wagers.

How to Play American Roulette Without Overcomplicating It

The basic flow of American Roulette is easy to follow. First, you choose your chip value at the table or in the online interface.

Next, you place your bets on the layout before betting closes. After that, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.

When the ball drops into a numbered pocket, all losing bets are cleared, and winning bets are paid according to the payout table. Then a new round begins.

The Bets That Matter Most in American Roulette

American Roulette bets fall into two main groups: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets offer bigger payouts but lower hit rates, while outside bets are more conservative and cover larger sections of the wheel.

Inside Bets With Bigger Payout Potential

A Straight Up bet covers one number only. If you place a chip on 17, for example, you win only if the ball lands on 17. The typical payout is 35: 1.

A Split bet covers two adjacent numbers by placing the chip on the line between them. This usually pays 17: 1.

A Street covers three numbers in a horizontal row, such as 1, 2, and 3. The standard payout is 11: 1.

A Corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one corner. This bet usually pays 8: 1.

A Six Line, sometimes called a double street, covers six numbers across two adjacent rows. The usual payout is 5: 1.

Outside Bets That Keep Risk Lower

Red or Black is one of the most common roulette bets. You win if the ball lands on any number of your chosen color, and it pays 1: 1.

Odd or Even works the same way, covering 18 numbers and paying 1: 1. High or Low also covers 18 numbers, with low meaning 1 to 18 and high meaning 19 to 36.

Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time: 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36. Columns also cover 12 numbers based on vertical table placement. Both dozens and columns usually pay 2: 1.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

• 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

The House Edge: Why American Roulette Costs More to Play

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That edge exists because of the extra double zero, which gives the casino one more non-paying outcome on most even-money bets.

By comparison, European Roulette has a house edge of about 2.70% because it has only one green zero pocket. That makes European Roulette the better-value option on paper, even though both games follow the same general format.

Smart Tips for New American Roulette Players

The first smart move is understanding what each bet actually covers and what it pays. Bigger payouts look attractive, but they come with lower odds of winning on any single spin.

Outside bets can be useful for beginners because they offer steadier play, even if the payout is smaller. They will not change the house edge, but they can help your bankroll last longer.

Bankroll management matters, too. Set a spending limit before you play, stick to bet sizes you can afford, and avoid chasing losses.

It also helps to ignore betting systems that claim guaranteed wins. No progression strategy can remove the house edge, and roulette remains a game of chance from one spin to the next.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

The biggest difference is the number of pockets. American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37.

That one extra pocket raises the house edge in American Roulette to 5.26%, compared with 2.70% in European Roulette. For players focused on long-term value, that gap is significant.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette has long been a familiar sight in US casinos. European Roulette is more common in Europe and is also widely available online because many players prefer the lower house edge.

Online American Roulette or Live Dealer: Which Version Fits You?

Online American Roulette comes in two main formats. The first is RNG roulette, where results are generated by certified random number software. These games are fast, convenient, and ideal for players who want quick betting rounds.

The second is live dealer roulette, where a real dealer spins a physical wheel in a studio that is streamed to your device. Live dealer games recreate more of the real casino atmosphere and often include chat features and multiple camera angles.

Players looking for a realistic table experience often prefer live dealer titles, while others choose RNG games for speed and simplicity. If you are comparing formats across different online casino platforms, it can also help to review site features, payment options, and support through pages like Glimmer Casino or Zaza Casino.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers produce American Roulette for US-facing and international online casinos. Evolution is one of the best-known names, especially for live dealer roulette.

Playtech also offers strong live and digital roulette products. Pragmatic Play Live has expanded its table game lineup, while NetEnt remains a recognizable name in RNG casino games.

Ezugi is another notable provider in live dealer roulette, with straightforward table presentation and broad operator reach. You will often see these developers in casino lobbies alongside blackjack, baccarat, and other table games.

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

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. That includes both browser-based games and titles available through casino apps.

On mobile, players can usually tap betting spots, adjust chip sizes, and switch between portrait or landscape modes with ease. Whether you play RNG or live dealer roulette, the core features now translate well to smaller screens.

Responsible Play Starts With Limits

Roulette should be treated as paid entertainment, not as a way to make money. Set deposit, session, and loss limits before you begin.

If the game stops being fun, take a break or walk away. Responsible gambling tools offered by many casino sites can help players stay in control.

Common Questions About American Roulette

American Roulette remains one of the most recognizable table games in the US casino market. Its rules are easy to learn, but the double zero makes it important to understand the math before you put money on the table.