American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most popular roulette variants in United States casinos, and it is built for simple, fast-paced play. You bet on where the ball will land, the dealer spins the wheel, and you either get paid based on the odds or you reload for the next spin.

The big difference between American Roulette and other versions is the wheel: American Roulette has two green pockets, “0” and “00.” That extra green pocket is what changes the math, and it is why American Roulette carries a higher house edge than European Roulette.

What Makes American Roulette Different (And Why “0” and “00” Matter)

Roulette always looks familiar at first glance: red and black numbers, a spinning wheel, and a grid of bets. American Roulette stands out because it adds the double zero.

That single design choice impacts everything:

• American Roulette wheel pockets: 38 total
• European Roulette wheel pockets: 37 total With one extra pocket that does not fit into the red or black pattern, the casino advantage increases, even though payouts stay the same.

Roulette’s European Roots, Then the American Twist

Roulette traces back to Europe, where the game evolved into the classic single-zero format most players associate with traditional roulette. As roulette reached the United States, the game shifted into what we now call American Roulette, mainly by adding the “00” pocket.

From a player perspective, the gameplay still feels familiar, but that extra green slot is the key reason American Roulette developed its own identity across United States casino floors.

American Roulette Wheel Layout, Explained in Plain English

An American Roulette wheel has:

• 38 pockets total
• Numbers 1 through 36
• A single zero (0)
• A double zero (00)

The numbers 1 through 36 alternate red and black (with a fixed color pattern on the wheel). The “0” and “00” pockets are green, and they are the reason American Roulette plays with a 5.26% house edge.

The American Roulette Table Layout (Where Your Chips Actually Go)

The roulette table is basically a betting map. The main grid shows numbers 1 through 36 in rows, and you place chips directly on the area that matches your bet.

A few quick examples:

• Put a chip on a single number to bet that exact number.
• Put a chip on a line between two numbers to cover both.
• Put chips in the outside areas labeled red, black, odd, even, high, or low to cover bigger groups.

Dealers are used to helping players position chips correctly, especially when you are learning splits, corners, and line bets.

How to Play American Roulette Step by Step (No Guesswork)

Here is the basic flow of a standard American Roulette round:

1. Choose your chip value at the table (online, you select a chip denomination on-screen).
2. Place your bets on the layout before the betting window closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball settles into a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid based on the payout table, and losing bets are collected.

That is it. Every spin is independent, and previous outcomes do not change the odds of the next result.

Inside Bets: The High-Payout Options on Specific Numbers

Inside bets are placed on the numbered grid itself. They cover fewer numbers, so they pay more when they hit.

Straight Up Bet on one specific number (including 0 or 00).

Split Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them.

Street Bet on a row of three numbers by placing a chip at the end of the row.

Corner Bet on four numbers that meet at a corner by placing a chip at the intersection.

Six Line Bet on six numbers (two neighboring rows) by placing a chip on the line between the two rows.

Inside bets bring excitement and momentum, but they also come with more variance because you hit less often.

Outside Bets: Lower Volatility Picks That Keep You in the Game Longer

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, which usually means more frequent wins but smaller payouts.

Common outside bets include:

• Red or Black
• Odd or Even
• High or Low (1 through 18 vs 19 through 36)
• Dozens (1 through 12, 13 through 24, 25 through 36)
• Columns (one of the three vertical columns on the grid)

These are often where beginners start because the bets are easy to read, and you get a steadier rhythm of results.

American Roulette Payout Table (Quick Reference)

Payouts are typically the same across American Roulette games, whether you play in-person, online, or with a live dealer stream.

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

Remember: these are payouts, not your true odds. The presence of “0” and “00” means the casino keeps an edge over time.

The Real House Edge in American Roulette (And the Simple Math Behind It)

American Roulette’s house edge is 5.26%, and it comes directly from the double zero. With 38 total pockets, your chance of hitting any single number is 1 in 38, but the straight-up payout is still 35: 1.

For comparison, European Roulette usually has a 2.7% house edge because it uses a single zero (37 pockets total). That smaller wheel gives players better overall value, even though gameplay feels nearly identical.

Smart American Roulette Strategy Tips That Actually Help

Roulette is a game of chance, but you can still play with more clarity and control. A few beginner-friendly tips:

Understand the odds before you bet. Bigger payouts feel great, but they hit less often. Use outside bets for lower risk. They can help your bankroll last longer while you get comfortable. Manage your bankroll on purpose. Set a budget, keep your bet sizing consistent, and avoid chasing losses. Skip “guaranteed win” betting systems. No system changes the house edge, and progressions can drain a bankroll fast.

If you want a balanced approach, mix a main outside bet (like red or black) with a small inside bet for extra upside, but keep it within your budget.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences Players Notice

These two variants look similar, but a few differences matter:

Number of pockets

• American Roulette: 38 pockets (0 and 00)
• European Roulette: 37 pockets (0 only)

House edge

• American Roulette: 5.26%
• European Roulette: about 2.7%

Where you see it most American Roulette is especially common in United States casinos, while European Roulette is more common in European casinos and many international online lobbies.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette: What Feels Right for You?

When you play online, you will usually see two styles:

RNG roulette (digital) A random number generator determines the result. It is quick, consistent, and great for fast sessions.

Live dealer roulette A real dealer spins a physical wheel in a studio, streamed to your device. You still place bets digitally, but the vibe feels closer to a real table, which many players find more reassuring.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette (Where Many Games Come From)

If you are browsing online lobbies, these are some well-known studios that produce roulette titles across real-money casino platforms:

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

Different studios can change the interface, table limits, camera angles (for live games), and side-bet options, but the core American Roulette rules stay the same.

Mobile American Roulette: Built for Phones and Tablets

Most American Roulette games are optimized for mobile play, so you can place bets with taps and quick chip selections. Whether you choose RNG or live dealer roulette, mobile layouts are usually designed to keep the betting grid readable without making you pinch and zoom every spin.

Where to Play American Roulette Online (Examples to Compare)

If you are comparing online casino platforms that may offer roulette alongside slots and other table games, you can start with brand reviews like Basebet Casino and Bellagio Casino. As always, focus on safety, clear terms, and a banking method you trust before you play.

Responsible Gambling Reminder (Keep It Fun and Steady)

Roulette is exciting because every spin is uncertain, but that also means results can swing quickly. Set a budget, take breaks, and use tools like deposit limits, time-outs, or self-exclusion if you ever feel your play is getting out of balance.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette