American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most recognized roulette variants in casinos and online lobbies, built around a spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and a table packed with betting options. It plays a lot like European and French Roulette, but one rule change shifts everything: American Roulette includes two green pockets - 0 and 00. That extra pocket increases the house edge, which impacts your long-term odds and makes bet selection even more important.

Roulette’s European Roots - And How the American Wheel Took Shape

Roulette’s story begins in Europe, where early versions developed over time into the single-zero format most players associate with European Roulette. When roulette crossed the Atlantic and took hold in the United States, the wheel evolved into a double-zero layout. The added 00 pocket helped boost casino advantage and became the defining feature of American Roulette, especially in US land-based rooms and many online tables labeled “American.”

The American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Pockets, Two Greens

The American wheel has 38 total pockets:

• Numbers 1 to 36
• A single zero (0)
• A double zero (00)

Colors matter too. The numbers 1-36 alternate red and black in a fixed sequence (not simply “every other number” in order), while 0 and 00 are green. Those two green pockets are the key reason American Roulette plays differently from other variants - even when the betting options look familiar.

The American Roulette Table Layout: Where Your Chips Actually Go

The roulette table shows a betting grid that matches the numbers on the wheel. You place chips directly on the area that represents your bet.

Inside bets are placed within the numbered grid, usually on a single number or a tight cluster of numbers. Outside bets sit around the grid edges and cover larger groups like red/black, odd/even, or dozens. Where the chip lands (on a number, a line, or an intersection) determines how many numbers you’re covering - and what you get paid if the ball hits.

How to Play American Roulette: From Chip to Payout in Minutes

American Roulette is simple to learn:

1. Choose your chip value at the table.
2. Place your bets on the layout before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket (or 0/00).
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, then the next round starts.

You can place one bet or combine several in the same spin - just keep your total stake under control so one bad run doesn’t drain your session.

American Roulette Bets That Shape Your Risk and Reward

Roulette bets fall into two main categories: inside and outside. Inside bets can pay big but hit less often. Outside bets land more frequently, but with smaller payouts.

Inside Bets: Higher Payouts, Tighter Targets

Inside bets cover specific numbers or small number groups:

Straight Up covers 1 number. This is the biggest standard payout on the table, but it’s also the hardest to hit.

Split covers 2 numbers by placing your chip on the line between them.

Street covers 3 numbers by placing your chip on the outer edge of a row.

Corner covers 4 numbers by placing your chip on the intersection where four numbers meet.

Six Line covers 6 numbers by placing your chip on the line between two adjacent rows.

Outside Bets: More Coverage, Smoother Swings

Outside bets cover broader groups and are popular with beginners:

Red or Black covers 18 numbers (not counting 0 and 00).

Odd or Even covers 18 numbers (again, 0 and 00 lose).

High or Low covers 18 numbers - 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high).

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

Columns cover 12 numbers by choosing one of the three vertical columns on the grid.

American Roulette Payout Table: Quick Reference for Every Core Bet

Here are the typical payouts you’ll see in American Roulette (payouts are shown as “to 1”):

• Straight Up: 1 number, 35: 1 payout (example: Bet on 17)
• Split: 2 numbers, 17: 1 payout (example: Bet on 17-20 line)
• Street: 3 numbers, 11: 1 payout (example: Bet on 1-2-3)
• Corner: 4 numbers, 8: 1 payout (example: Bet on 8-9-11-12)
• Six Line: 6 numbers, 5: 1 payout (example: Bet on 13-18)
• Dozens: 12 numbers, 2: 1 payout (example: Bet on 25-36)
• Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1 payout (example: Bet on 2nd column)
• Red/Black: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout (example: Bet on Red)
• Odd/Even: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout (example: Bet on Odd)
• High/Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout (example: Bet on 1-18)

House Edge in American Roulette: The Real Cost of 00

American Roulette carries a house edge of 5.26%. That number comes directly from the extra green pocket - with 38 pockets total, your bets must beat more losing outcomes than on a single-zero wheel.

For comparison, European Roulette typically has a 2.7% house edge because it uses only one green pocket (0) across 37 pockets. Over time, that gap matters - especially for players who like long sessions or repeat bets.

American Roulette Strategy Tips That Keep You in the Game Longer

There’s no guaranteed method to beat roulette consistently - every spin is independent, and the ball has no memory. But you can still play smarter.

Start by understanding what each bet actually pays versus how often it hits. Outside bets (like red/black or high/low) usually create less swing in your balance, which helps beginners avoid quick wipeouts. Set a bankroll for the session, decide a stop-loss and a win target, and stick to both.

Be wary of betting systems that claim “risk-free” progressions or guaranteed wins. They can look great during short streaks, but they don’t change the house edge - they just change how quickly your stakes grow when a run goes cold. Roulette is a game of chance, so treat it like entertainment with real-money stakes, not a predictable income stream.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: What Actually Changes

The two games share the same core idea, but the wheel design changes your odds.

American Roulette has 38 pockets (0 and 00), which increases the house edge to 5.26%. European Roulette has 37 pockets (single 0), bringing the house edge down to about 2.7%.

You’ll also see American Roulette more often in US-style casino floors and many online lobbies targeting North American players, while European Roulette is more common across European venues and players seeking better long-term value.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Tables: Two Ways to Play

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats.

RNG (random number generator) roulette is software-based, with instant spins, fast betting, and flexible stakes. Live dealer roulette streams real wheels from professional studios, with dealers calling the action in real time. Live tables add pace control, table atmosphere, and a more authentic casino feel, while RNG versions are great when you want rapid rounds and quick bet changes.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette Right Now

If you’re choosing tables by developer, several major studios are known for polished roulette experiences, strong mobile performance, and reliable live production. Big names include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi - and you’ll often find multiple American Roulette variations across their lobbies.

Mobile American Roulette: Real Spins Anywhere You Play

Most modern American Roulette titles are built to run smoothly on smartphones and tablets. Expect touch-friendly betting grids, quick chip selection, and clean interfaces that make it easy to place inside bets without misclicks. Whether you’re playing RNG or live dealer, mobile optimization means you can keep the action going without being tied to a desktop.

Where to Play American Roulette Online: Casino Options and Welcome Deals

If you’re scouting a place to play, check the game lobby depth, payment flexibility, and bonus terms before you deposit. For example, WildChance Casino supports payment methods like Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, PaySafeCard, Bitcoin/BTC, Interac, and bank transfer, with a welcome offer listed as 250% up to EUR 2000 plus 800 Free Spins (bonus split across the first four deposits, with wagering requirements).

Crypto-focused players may prefer Lucky Rebel Casino, which supports Bitcoin/BTC, Ethereum/ETH, Litecoin/LTC, Tether/USDT, and more, alongside Visa and MasterCard, and advertises a 200% up to $2500 welcome bonus plus 50 Free Spins.

If you want another option with a distinct lobby setup, Jurassic Slots Casino lists a 300% + 300 Free Spins offer with code JSC-VOLCANO and supports multiple coins plus cards and PayPal. Always read the bonus rules and wagering terms so you know exactly what it takes to convert bonus funds into withdrawable cash.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun, Keep It Controlled

Set limits before you play - deposit limits, session time limits, and loss limits can keep a rough run from turning into a problem. If the game stops feeling fun, take a break and reach out for help through reputable responsible gambling resources available in your region.

FAQ: American Roulette Questions Players Ask Most