American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino table game where players bet on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel. It looks similar to other roulette variants at a glance, but one feature dramatically shifts the math: American Roulette has two green pockets - 0 and 00. That extra green slot is the key difference versus European Roulette (which typically has only a single 0), and it’s why American Roulette carries a higher house edge.

Roulette’s European Roots - And How the U.S. Version Took Its Own Path

Roulette traces back to Europe, where the game gained popularity in gambling halls with a wheel built around a single zero format. As roulette crossed the Atlantic and established itself in the United States, the wheel design evolved into the American layout by adding the double zero (00). The game stayed recognizable, but the added pocket increased the casino advantage and helped define what most players now call “American Roulette.”

Inside the American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Pockets, More Outcomes

American Roulette uses a 38-pocket wheel. Those pockets include numbers 1 through 36, plus two green pockets marked 0 and 00.

The numbered pockets alternate red and black to create the familiar color pattern players bet on. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, standing apart from the red-black sequence and acting as the built-in edge that makes the American variant unique. With 38 total possible results on every spin, every bet is ultimately tied to those odds.

The American Roulette Table Layout: Where Every Bet Lives

The table layout is a betting grid that mirrors the possible outcomes. The main grid contains numbers 1-36 arranged in columns and rows, along with areas for broader bets like red/black and odd/even.

Players place chips directly onto the areas that match the bet type. A chip placed inside the number grid targets specific numbers or small groups, while chips placed on the outside sections cover larger groups like colors, ranges, or dozens. Your chip placement tells the dealer exactly what you’re betting - even if you’re playing quickly.

How to Play American Roulette: A Simple Spin-to-Payout Flow

A round of American Roulette follows a straightforward sequence.

First, you choose your chip value (online, you typically select it from a chip menu). Next, you place your bets on the table layout before betting closes. Then the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball. The ball settles into a numbered pocket, and the winning number and color are confirmed. Finally, winning bets are paid out according to the payout rules for the bet type you chose.

American Roulette Bets Explained: Inside vs Outside Power Plays

Roulette bets are generally split into inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets target fewer numbers and can pay more. Outside bets cover more numbers, hit more often, and pay less.

Inside Bets: Bigger Payouts on Tight Targets

Straight Up is a bet on a single number. If it hits, it pays 35: 1.

Split covers two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. It typically pays 17: 1.

Street covers three numbers in a row (for example, 1-2-3). It typically pays 11: 1.

Corner covers four numbers that meet at a corner intersection. It typically pays 8: 1.

Six Line covers six numbers across two adjacent rows. It typically pays 5: 1.

Outside Bets: Wider Coverage, Smoother Variance

Red or Black covers all red numbers or all black numbers (18 numbers). It typically pays 1: 1.

Odd or Even covers all odd numbers or all even numbers (18 numbers). It typically pays 1: 1.

High or Low covers 19-36 (high) or 1-18 (low), each covering 18 numbers. It typically pays 1: 1.

Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time (1-12, 13-24, 25-36). They typically pay 2: 1.

Columns cover 12 numbers each by betting on one of the vertical columns in the grid. They typically pay 2: 1.

American Roulette Payout Table: Quick Reference for Every Bet

• Straight Up: 1 number covered, 35: 1 payout. Example: Bet on 17.
• Split: 2 numbers covered, 17: 1 payout. Example: Bet on 17-20 split.
• Street: 3 numbers covered, 11: 1 payout. Example: Bet on 1-2-3.
• Corner: 4 numbers covered, 8: 1 payout. Example: Bet on 8-9-11-12.
• Six Line: 6 numbers covered, 5: 1 payout. Example: Bet on 1-2-3-4-5-6.
• Dozens: 12 numbers covered, 2: 1 payout. Example: Bet on 13-24.
• Columns: 12 numbers covered, 2: 1 payout. Example: Bet on 3rd column.
• Red/Black: 18 numbers covered, 1: 1 payout. Example: Bet on Red.
• Odd/Even: 18 numbers covered, 1: 1 payout. Example: Bet on Even.
• High/Low: 18 numbers covered, 1: 1 payout. Example: Bet on 1-18.

House Edge in American Roulette: The 00 That Costs More

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That edge is driven by the extra green pocket - the 00 - which increases the total outcomes to 38 while keeping payouts aligned to the 36-number structure.

By comparison, European Roulette (with a single 0 and 37 pockets) has a lower house edge of about 2.7%. Over time, that difference can matter, especially for players who plan longer sessions or place higher-volume bets.

Smart American Roulette Tips: Play Cleaner, Last Longer

Winning on roulette can happen in a single spin, but no strategy can remove the randomness. What you can do is play in a way that keeps your session controlled and your decisions clear.

Know what each bet covers and what it pays before you start stacking chips. If you’re learning, outside bets like red/black or high/low can reduce volatility and help you stay in the game longer. Set a bankroll for the session and decide in advance what a stop-loss and a walk-away win looks like. Be skeptical of betting systems that claim “guaranteed” results - roulette outcomes are independent spins, and the wheel doesn’t remember what happened last round.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Matter

The biggest difference is the number of pockets. American Roulette has 38 (including 0 and 00), while European Roulette has 37 (0 only). That leads directly to the second major difference: house edge. American sits at 5.26%, European around 2.7%.

In terms of presence, American Roulette is widely associated with U.S. casinos and is commonly found in North American gambling markets, while European Roulette is more common across European venues and many international lobbies.

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

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats. RNG roulette uses a random number generator to produce outcomes instantly, making it ideal for quick sessions, rapid bet sizing, and autoplay features.

Live dealer roulette streams real tables from studios, with a real wheel, real ball, and a dealer managing the pace. If you want the real-table vibe, timing, and visual confirmation of every spin, live dealer is the format that delivers it.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette: Who Builds the Smoothest Wheels

Top-tier American Roulette games are commonly delivered by major developers known for stable streaming, crisp interfaces, and strong mobile performance. Look out for American Roulette titles from Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi, especially if you care about table variety, camera angles, side-bet options, or faster dealing speeds.

Mobile American Roulette: Real Spins, Pocket-Sized

American Roulette is fully optimized for smartphones and tablets at most modern casinos. You can place the same inside and outside bets with tap-friendly controls, adjust chip values instantly, and play in either portrait or landscape depending on the game client. Whether you prefer RNG speed or a live studio table, mobile play makes it easy to jump into a session without sacrificing features.

Where to Play American Roulette Online: Bonus Value and Payment Flexibility

If you’re picking a casino for roulette, prioritize smooth banking, reliable support, and welcome offers that match your budget.

At Brionis Casino, new players can start with a 345% welcome offer up to EUR 2000 plus 225 Free Spins (bonus split across the first three deposits), with payment options including Visa, MasterCard, Neosurf, Santander, MiFinity, and Tether/USDT.

If crypto-first deposits are your preference, Jackoro Casino supports coins like BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, Solana, BCH, and USDT, and offers a 112% welcome match plus an additional $12 welcome chip structure depending on eligibility and terms.

For players who want a broad payments mix and a large game catalog, BravoPlay Casino supports options like Skrill, Neteller, PaySafeCard, Visa, MasterCard, Interac, Jeton, crypto, and more, with a 125% bonus up to 1000 plus 50 Free Spins.

Always check bonus terms like wagering (often listed as a multiplier) and minimum deposit before you commit, especially if you plan to play table games.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun and Controlled

Set a budget before you play, keep sessions time-boxed, and never chase losses. If roulette stops feeling entertaining, take a break and reset your limits - the best sessions are the ones you can comfortably afford.

FAQ: American Roulette Questions Players Ask Most