American Roulette

American Roulette is the US version of roulette, a classic casino table game built around a spinning wheel, a small ball, and a wide range of betting options. Players place chips on numbers, colors, or groups of numbers, then wait to see where the ball lands.

What makes American Roulette different from other roulette variants is simple but important: the wheel has two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra green slot changes the odds, raises the house edge, and gives the game its own identity in many US casinos.

From European Origins to the American Casino Floor

Roulette began in Europe, with roots in France dating back to the 18th century. Over time, the game spread across the continent and became one of the most recognized casino games in the world.

When roulette reached the United States, the wheel was modified to include a double zero. That change created what is now known as American Roulette. The added 00 gave casinos a stronger mathematical advantage, and the format became a standard fixture in many brick-and-mortar gambling venues across the country.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel

The American Roulette wheel has 38 total pockets. These include numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero and a double zero.

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 are split between red and black. The 0 and 00 pockets are green. As the wheel spins, the alternating color pattern helps support a variety of outside bets, including red or black, odd or even, and high or low.

That 38-pocket setup is the core feature that separates American Roulette from European Roulette, which uses only 37 pockets and has a single green zero.

How the Table Layout Shapes Every Bet

The American Roulette table includes a betting grid with all numbers from 1 to 36, along with spaces for 0 and 00. Players place chips directly on this layout to select their bets before each spin.

A chip placed on one number is a bet on that exact result. A chip on the line between two numbers creates a split bet. Larger sections of the layout also allow bets on red or black, odd or even, dozens, and columns. Once betting closes, no more wagers can be made until the spin is settled.

How to Play American Roulette in 5 Easy Steps

Playing American Roulette is straightforward, even for beginners.

First, choose your chip value at the table. In online versions, this usually means selecting your stake size on the screen.

Next, place your bets on the table layout. You can choose a single number, a small group of numbers, or a broader outside option like red or black.

After betting ends, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction. In RNG versions, the software handles this automatically.

The ball eventually drops into one of the 38 pockets. The winning number, color, and any related outcomes are then announced.

Finally, winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and a new round begins.

Smart Look at Inside Bets and Outside Bets

American Roulette bets are usually divided into two groups: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets cover fewer numbers and offer bigger payouts. Outside bets cover more numbers and usually pay less, but they hit more often.

Inside Bets

A straight up bet covers just one number. It pays 35: 1.

A split bet covers two adjacent numbers. 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 point on the grid. It pays 8: 1.

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

Outside Bets

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 as well. Low means 1 to 18, and high means 19 to 36. These bets also pay 1: 1.

Dozens cover 12 numbers each. The options are 1 to 12, 13 to 24, and 25 to 36. They pay 2: 1.

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

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

Here is a standard American Roulette payout table:

• 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 are the standard payouts you will see in most online and live casino versions.

The Crucial House Edge Players Need to Understand

American Roulette carries a house edge of 5.26%. The reason is the double zero. Since most common bets pay as if there were only 36 outcomes, the extra 00 pocket increases the casino’s long-term advantage.

By comparison, European Roulette has a house edge of 2.70% because it uses only one zero. That difference may look small at first, but over time it matters, especially for regular players.

Simple Strategy Tips That Actually Help

The best approach to American Roulette starts with understanding the odds. Every bet has a different risk level, and bigger payouts usually mean a lower chance of winning.

For beginners, outside bets can be a practical place to start. Red or black, odd or even, and high or low do not pay much, but they cover nearly half the wheel and can help smooth out short-term swings.

Bankroll management matters, too. Set a session budget before you play, choose stakes that match that limit, and avoid chasing losses.

It is also wise to ignore betting systems that claim to guarantee wins. No strategy can remove the house edge, and roulette remains a game of chance.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Difference That Changes the Odds

American Roulette and European Roulette look similar, but the key differences are easy to spot.

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

Because of that extra pocket, American Roulette has a higher house edge at 5.26%, compared with 2.70% in European Roulette.

American Roulette is more common in many US casino settings, while European Roulette is more widely found in European casinos and on international gaming sites.

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

Players today can choose between standard online American Roulette and live dealer versions. RNG roulette uses software to generate outcomes, making it fast, simple, and easy to play at any time.

Live dealer American Roulette is streamed from a real studio with an actual wheel and professional host. It offers a more authentic table-game feel, along with chat features and real-time action.

Both formats are popular. If you want speed and convenience, RNG games are often the better match. If you prefer a more realistic casino atmosphere, live dealer roulette may be the stronger pick.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers supply American Roulette titles to online casinos. Evolution is one of the best-known names, especially for live dealer roulette.

Playtech has long been a major provider in the table game category, while Pragmatic Play Live continues to expand its live casino lineup. NetEnt is also a familiar brand in online table games, and Ezugi remains a recognized option for live dealer content.

These companies help shape the quality of the graphics, interface, mobile play, and overall user experience.

Mobile American Roulette Keeps the Action Close

American Roulette games are widely optimized for smartphones and tablets. Most modern casino platforms offer browser-based or app-based access, allowing players to place bets, change chip sizes, and follow the wheel directly from a mobile screen.

That means you can switch between desktop and mobile play without losing much in terms of usability. Touch controls, clean table layouts, and responsive design have made mobile roulette far easier to use than it was a few years ago.

Casino Sites That Offer American Roulette

Many online casinos include American Roulette in both RNG and live dealer sections. When comparing operators, it helps to look at software selection, banking options, customer support, and bonus terms.

BetPortal Casino offers online casino games alongside sportsbook, racebook, and esports sections. Payment methods include Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Tether. The welcome bonus is “300% up to €1000 + 250 Free Spins,” though it is split across the first three deposits and comes with 35x wagering requirements.

Spinalto Casino supports casino and sportsbook play, with banking options such as Visa, MasterCard, bank transfer, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and Tether. Its welcome package offers up to €6000 plus 300 free spins over the first five deposits, with a 40x wagering requirement. The casino also lists Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play among its software providers, both known for roulette products.

Grailbet Casino is another option for players looking for roulette alongside sports betting. It supports Visa, MasterCard, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Solana, Tether, and USD Coin. Its welcome offer is “100% up to $1000 + 50 Free Spins” with a 30x wagering requirement, and its software lineup includes Ezugi and Pragmatic Play.

As always, players should review terms, payment limits, and game availability before signing up.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder

American Roulette is easy to learn, but it is still gambling. Set limits before you play, keep your bets within a budget you can afford, and take breaks if the session stops being fun.

No roulette bet is guaranteed to win, and losses are part of the game. Playing responsibly is the best way to keep the experience under control.

American Roulette FAQ