American Roulette

American Roulette is the version of roulette most closely tied to US casinos. It follows the same core idea as other roulette games: players place bets on where a spinning ball will land on a numbered wheel. The biggest difference, and the one that matters most, is that American Roulette has two green pockets, 0 and 00.

That extra green pocket changes the odds and raises the house edge compared with European Roulette. If you are comparing roulette variants before you play, that detail is the first thing to understand.

From Europe to the US: How American Roulette Took Shape

Roulette began in Europe centuries ago, with roots commonly linked to France in the 18th century. Over time, the game spread across the continent and became a casino staple because of its simple rules and wide range of betting options.

After roulette reached the United States, casino operators adopted a modified wheel that included both 0 and 00. That adjustment created the version now known as American Roulette. It became standard in many land-based casinos across the US, especially in traditional gambling destinations.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel: Why 38 Pockets Matter

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total. Those pockets include the numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero, 0, and a double zero, 00.

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 are colored red or black in an alternating pattern. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, which makes them stand out from the rest of the wheel. That color scheme is not just for looks. It helps define several of the most common outside bets, including red or black.

Because the wheel has 38 pockets instead of 37, the odds shift slightly against the player when compared with European Roulette. That is the main mathematical reason American Roulette is considered less favorable.

How the Table Layout Works Without the Confusion

The American Roulette table includes a betting grid that mirrors the wheel’s numbered structure. The numbers 1 through 36 are arranged in rows, and separate spaces are provided for 0 and 00.

Players place chips directly on the layout depending on the type of bet they want to make. A chip placed inside a single number box is a bet on that exact number. A chip placed on a line or intersection can cover multiple numbers at once. Around the outside of the number grid, there are larger betting areas for wagers like red or black, odd or even, high or low, dozens, and columns.

In a casino, roulette chips are often color-coded for each player at the table, with the value assigned after the player buys in. In online play, the interface handles chip values digitally and makes bet placement much easier.

How to Play American Roulette in 5 Easy Steps

American Roulette Bets That Matter Most

American Roulette offers two main categories of wagers: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups, while outside bets cover broader sections of the layout.

Inside Bets

Inside bets are placed on the numbered grid itself. They offer higher payouts, but they hit less often.

A Straight Up bet covers one number only, such as 17. This pays 35:1.

A Split bet covers two adjacent numbers, such as 14 and 17, by placing the chip on the line between them. This pays 17:1.

A Street bet covers three numbers in a single row, such as 1, 2, and 3. This pays 11:1.

A Corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one point, such as 1, 2, 4, and 5. This pays 8:1.

A Six Line bet covers six numbers across two adjacent rows, such as 1 through 6. This pays 5:1.

Outside Bets

Outside bets are placed on the outer sections of the layout. They cover more numbers, which means lower payouts but better hit frequency.

A Red or Black bet covers all 18 red numbers or all 18 black numbers. This pays 1:1.

An Odd or Even bet covers 18 odd numbers or 18 even numbers. This also pays 1:1.

A High or Low bet covers either 1 through 18 or 19 through 36. This pays 1:1.

A Dozens bet covers 12 numbers: 1 through 12, 13 through 24, or 25 through 36. This pays 2:1.

A Columns bet covers one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers on the layout. This also pays 2:1.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

Here is a quick reference table for the most common American Roulette bets.

These payouts are standard in both land-based and online American Roulette. The presence of 0 and 00 means outside bets still lose when the ball lands in either green pocket.

The House Edge Secret: Why American Roulette Costs More to Play

The house edge in American Roulette is 5.26%. That figure comes directly from the extra double-zero pocket.

With 38 total pockets and payouts based on odds that do not fully match the true probability, the casino holds a larger long-term advantage than it does in European Roulette. European Roulette has 37 pockets and only one green zero, which lowers the house edge to about 2.7%.

That difference may not sound huge at first, but over time it matters. For players who care about expected return, European Roulette is usually the better option.

Smart American Roulette Strategy Tips for Beginners

The best approach to American Roulette starts with realistic expectations. Roulette is a game of chance, and no strategy can remove the house edge.

It helps to understand the odds before placing a bet. Inside bets can produce larger payouts, but they miss more often. Outside bets win more frequently, though the returns are smaller.

For beginners, outside bets can be a simpler and lower-risk way to learn the pace of the game. Bets like red or black, odd or even, and high or low are easier to follow than more complex number combinations.

Bankroll management matters, too. Set a budget before you play, decide how much you are comfortable losing, and avoid increasing bets just to chase losses.

It is also smart to ignore betting systems that claim guaranteed wins. Systems like Martingale may change how you structure wagers, but they do not alter the game’s underlying math. If you want a broader look at table-game basics, pages covering casino games can help put roulette in context.

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

The biggest difference between American Roulette and European Roulette is the number of pockets on the wheel. American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37.

American Roulette includes both 0 and 00. European Roulette includes only a single 0. Because of that extra pocket, American Roulette has a higher house edge at 5.26%, compared with 2.7% for European Roulette.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette has long been common in US casinos, while European Roulette is more widely associated with casinos in Europe and with players looking for better odds. Online casinos often offer both, giving players a direct side-by-side choice.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Games: Which Style Fits You?

Online American Roulette generally comes in two formats: RNG roulette and live dealer roulette.

RNG roulette uses a random number generator to produce outcomes digitally. These games are fast, easy to use, and often available at a wide range of betting limits. They are a practical choice for players who want quick rounds on desktop or mobile.

Live dealer roulette streams a real table from a studio, with a human dealer spinning an actual wheel in real time. This format adds a more social, casino-style feel and can be especially appealing to players who want a more authentic table-game experience.

If you are comparing online options, a guide to live dealer casino games can help explain how studio-based roulette differs from standard digital play.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers supply American Roulette titles to US-facing online casinos and live dealer platforms.

Evolution is one of the best-known names in live dealer roulette, with polished studio streams and multiple table variations. Playtech also offers established roulette products across both digital and live formats.

Pragmatic Play Live has expanded its live casino lineup and frequently appears at regulated operators. NetEnt is a familiar brand for RNG table games, while Ezugi remains a recognized provider in the live dealer space.

Game availability depends on the casino and the state where you play. In regulated markets, operators typically list the game provider in the lobby or game information panel.

Mobile American Roulette: Play on Phones and Tablets Without Losing Features

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. That includes both standard RNG titles and live dealer versions.

Mobile interfaces usually let you tap to place chips, clear bets quickly, review recent results, and switch chip sizes with just a few touches. On live dealer tables, the video stream and betting panel are adapted to smaller screens without removing core functions.

As long as you have a stable internet connection, mobile roulette can feel very close to the desktop version. Many regulated US casino apps include dedicated roulette sections for easier navigation.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder That Matters

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make money. Set deposit, time, and loss limits before you begin, and stick to them.

If the game stops being fun, take a break. If gambling feels hard to control, seek support through responsible gambling resources available in your state.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette remains one of the most recognizable table games in the US because it is easy to learn, quick to play, and packed with betting choices. Just remember that the 0 and 00 make all the difference, especially when you compare it with other roulette variants.