American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino table game where players bet on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel. The version commonly found in casinos across the United States features 38 pockets and two green pockets, labeled 0 and 00, which is the key difference from other roulette variants. That extra green pocket changes the math, and it’s why American Roulette offers a different risk-and-reward profile than single-zero versions.

A quick look at roulette history and how the game reached the United States

Roulette traces back to 18th-century Europe, where French gamers and inventors refined wheel and table designs into the version most people recognize today. When roulette crossed the Atlantic, house rules and regional preferences led to the double-zero layout becoming common in the United States. Casinos in the United States adopted the 0 and 00 configuration partly to increase the house edge, and that layout has remained a staple of American gaming ever since.

How the American Roulette wheel is laid out

The American Roulette wheel contains 38 pockets in total:

• Numbers 1 through 36, alternating red and black.
• A single zero pocket, colored green.
• A double zero pocket, colored green and labeled 00.

The red and black numbers alternate around the wheel to balance color bets, while the two green pockets act as the casino’s safety buffer against even-money wagers.

How the table layout works and where you place chips

The table shows a betting grid that mirrors the wheel’s numbers and several outside betting areas for larger groups of numbers. Players place chips directly on single numbers for "inside" bets, or on marked sections for outside bets like "red" or "dozens." Dealers handle payouts from a rack, clear losing chips, and announce when no more bets are allowed.

How to play American Roulette — simple step-by-step

Payouts and timing depend on the casino’s rules, so check the table signage and any posted terms before you play.

Inside bets — targeted plays for bigger payouts

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the numbered grid:

• Straight Up: one number.
• Split: two adjacent numbers.
• Street: a row of three numbers.
• Corner: a block of four numbers.
• Six Line: two adjacent rows, six numbers total.

These bets offer higher payouts because they cover fewer numbers.

Outside bets — lower-risk options that cover more numbers

Outside bets cover larger sections of the board and pay smaller amounts more frequently:

• Red or Black: color bets covering 18 numbers.
• Odd or Even: covers 18 numbers.
• High (19–36) or Low (1–18): covers 18 numbers.
• Dozens: 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36.
• Columns: vertical columns of 12 numbers on the grid.

Outside bets are a good choice when you want steadier action and lower variance.

American Roulette payout table

These are standard payouts, but always confirm the table’s rules where you’re playing.

Why the house edge is higher — the math behind 5.26%

American Roulette’s house edge is 5.26%, driven by the two green pockets. Because both 0 and 00 are losses for most wagers, the expected return to the player is lower than in single-zero versions. By comparison, single-zero roulette commonly found in Europe has a house edge near 2.7%, so the presence of the double zero roughly doubles the casino’s advantage.

Practical strategy tips for American Roulette players

• Understand the odds before placing any bet, and know how many numbers each wager covers.
• Use outside bets for lower risk and steadier play, since they cover more numbers.
• Manage your bankroll with session limits and bet sizing, and avoid chasing losses.
• Steer clear of betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; roulette outcomes are random.
• Treat roulette as a game of chance, not a source of income, and confirm table rules before you bet.

American Roulette versus European Roulette — clear differences

• Number of pockets: American has 38 pockets with 0 and 00, while European has 37 pockets with a single zero.
• House edge: American is about 5.26%, European is about 2.7%.
• Popularity: American Roulette is the dominant layout in many casinos across the United States, while single-zero versions are more common in Europe and international casinos.

Playing online: RNG American Roulette versus live dealer streams

Online platforms offer two primary options:

• RNG (random number generator) roulette simulates spins with software, allowing faster rounds and lower minimum bets.
• Live dealer roulette streams real tables from studios or casinos, with a human dealer and live video. Choose RNG for quick play and low stakes, or live dealer for a more authentic table experience and social interaction. Remember, both formats follow the same payouts and rules for the double-zero wheel.

Leading software developers that offer American Roulette

Top providers with high-quality American Roulette offerings include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These developers supply both RNG versions and live dealer tables, optimized for desktop and mobile play.

Mobile play — American Roulette on phones and tablets

Most American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with touch controls and responsive layouts. Mobile versions keep the wheel graphics, bet options, and live streams intact, while allowing you to manage bets, check payouts, and withdraw winnings on the go.

Responsible play — set limits and stay in control

Gamble only with money you can afford to lose, and set deposit, time, and loss limits before you play. Use self-exclusion tools if you need a break, and consult the casino’s terms and conditions for responsible gaming resources. If gambling stops being fun, reach out to professional support services for help.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Whether you’re trying American Roulette at a casino floor or playing a live stream online, understanding the double-zero layout, payout structure, and house edge will help you make informed bets and enjoy the game responsibly.