American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic U.S. take on the iconic casino wheel game, built around quick decisions, clean rules, and the possibility of turning a single spin into a standout payout. Like all roulette variants, you bet on where the ball will land, then watch the wheel decide the outcome. The defining difference is simple - and it matters: American Roulette adds a second green pocket, 00, alongside 0.

That extra pocket slightly shifts the odds in the casino’s favor compared to other versions, which is why knowing the layout, bet types, and payouts is the real edge for players.

American Roulette Explained in 30 Seconds

American Roulette is a wheel-and-table game where you place chips on a betting grid to predict the winning number, color, range, or grouping. After bets close, the dealer spins the wheel, releases the ball, and the ball settles into a numbered pocket. If your bet covers that result, you get paid based on the payout rules.

The key difference from European Roulette: American Roulette uses two green pockets - 0 and 00.

Roulette’s European Roots - And How the American Wheel Changed

Roulette traces its origins to Europe, where early versions evolved into the single-zero format that became standard in many casinos. When the game crossed the Atlantic and gained traction in the United States, the wheel design shifted into what most players now recognize as American Roulette.

The addition of 00 helped create the modern American layout and, importantly, increased the house advantage. The rules stayed familiar, but the math changed.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel Layout

An American Roulette wheel has 38 total pockets:

• Numbers 1 to 36
• 0
• 00

The numbers 1-36 are split between red and black, arranged in an alternating pattern around the wheel (not in simple numeric order). The 0 and 00 are green, and they’re the reason American Roulette plays differently from single-zero variants.

How the American Roulette Table Layout Works

The table is a betting grid that mirrors the 1-36 range in rows and columns, plus special sections for outside bets. You place chips directly on the areas that match your prediction:

Inside-bet areas sit on the numbered grid, where chip placement can cover one number or a small cluster. Outside-bet areas surround the grid, letting you cover bigger groups like red/black or dozens. Where your chip lands determines exactly what you’re betting on.

How to Play American Roulette (Simple Spin-to-Payout Flow)

First, choose your chip value at the table (online, you set this before placing chips).

Next, place your bets on the layout. You can place one bet or combine several.

The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball. Once betting closes, no more chips can be added.

The ball lands in a numbered pocket - including the green 0 or 00.

Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and then the next round opens.

American Roulette Bets That Players Use Most

Bets in American Roulette fall into two main categories: inside bets (higher payouts, narrower coverage) and outside bets (lower payouts, broader coverage).

Inside Bets - Bigger Payouts Per Hit

Inside bets are placed on the numbered grid.

A Straight Up bet covers a single number. It’s the boldest option on the layout, with the biggest typical payout.

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

A Street covers three numbers in a row by placing the chip at the end of the row.

A Corner (also called a square) covers four numbers by placing the chip at the intersection of four squares.

A Six Line covers six numbers across two adjacent rows by placing a chip on the line between those rows.

Outside Bets - Broader Coverage and Smoother Swings

Outside bets sit around the main grid and cover larger sets of outcomes.

Red or Black lets you bet on the winning number’s color (green zero pockets lose).

Odd or Even pays if the winning number is odd/even (0 and 00 lose).

High or Low covers 1-18 or 19-36.

Dozens cover 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36.

Columns cover one of the three vertical columns on the grid.

Outside bets don’t pay as high as inside bets, but they hit more often, which many beginners prefer while learning the game’s rhythm.

American Roulette Payout Table (Quick Reference)

Here are the typical payouts used at most American Roulette tables:

• 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

Payouts are usually quoted as “to 1” and paid in addition to your original stake.

The House Edge in American Roulette (And Why It’s Higher)

American Roulette’s house edge is 5.26%, driven by the extra 00 pocket. Since 0 and 00 are green and don’t count as red/black, odd/even, or high/low, they reduce the probability of winning those common outside bets.

For comparison, European Roulette typically has a 2.7% house edge because it uses only one green pocket (0). If you like roulette but want friendlier math, that single change is a big deal.

Strategy Tips That Actually Help in American Roulette

Start by learning what each bet covers and what it pays. When you understand the odds behind each chip placement, you’ll make cleaner decisions under pressure.

If you’re new, lean on outside bets like red/black or high/low while you learn the table. They won’t pay as much per win, but they can help keep swings manageable.

Set a bankroll for the session and stick to it. Roulette can change direction quickly, and disciplined bet sizing helps you stay in control.

Skip betting systems that claim guaranteed wins. No progression system changes the wheel’s probabilities, and every spin remains independent.

Most importantly: roulette is a game of chance. Your goal is to choose bets that match your risk comfort and pace.

American Roulette vs European Roulette - The Differences That Matter

American Roulette has 38 pockets, including 0 and 00, while European Roulette has 37 pockets with only 0.

That extra pocket is why American Roulette carries a 5.26% house edge versus 2.7% on the European wheel.

In terms of where you’ll see it most: American Roulette is more common in U.S. casinos, while European Roulette is widely found across European casinos and many online lobbies that prioritize lower house edge options.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Tables

Online American Roulette typically comes in two formats.

RNG (random number generator) roulette plays instantly, with outcomes generated by certified software. It’s ideal for quick sessions, rapid spins, and flexible bet sizing.

Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel from a studio, with a human dealer running the game in real time. You get the atmosphere of a casino table with the convenience of playing from anywhere - and the pacing feels closer to an in-person game.

Top Software Providers Powering American Roulette Games

If you’re choosing an online roulette lobby, the provider matters because it affects table features, UI smoothness, camera quality (for live tables), and betting limits. Some of the best-known names for roulette include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi.

You’ll also find American Roulette tables across major online casinos, including options at Crorewin Casino, Beazt Casino, and Panda Fortune Rush Casino, each with its own game selection, banking options, and welcome offers.

Mobile American Roulette - Built for Phones and Tablets

American Roulette is highly mobile-friendly. Most modern roulette titles are optimized for touch controls, letting you place chips cleanly, zoom the table, and track bet history on smaller screens. Whether you prefer RNG speed or live dealer presentation, mobile play makes it easy to fit a few spins into your day without losing the full table experience.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun and Controlled

Set limits before you play - time, budget, or both - and treat roulette as entertainment, not income. If the session stops feeling enjoyable, take a break or end it. The smartest move is always the one that protects your balance and your mood.

FAQ: American Roulette Questions Players Ask Most