American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic casino wheel you’ll see across many United States casinos and online rooms. The defining feature is the presence of two green pockets — 0 and 00 — which change the math behind the game. That double zero gives American Roulette a different risk profile than other variants, and understanding that difference is the first step to smarter play.

A Short History: From Europe to the United States

Roulette began in Europe in the 18th century, evolving from earlier wheel games and gaining popularity in France. When the game crossed the Atlantic, American operators adapted the wheel to include an extra green pocket — the double zero — creating the version most familiar to players in the United States. Over time, that double-zero wheel became standard in many American land-based casinos, while European venues kept the single-zero layout.

Wheel Secrets: What’s on an American Roulette Wheel

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total. Those include:

• Numbers 1 through 36
• A single zero pocket labeled 0
• A double zero pocket labeled 00

Numbers 1–36 alternate red and black, and the zero pockets are green. That color coding makes it easy to spot red or black bets at a glance, while the two green pockets are what boost the house edge compared with single-zero wheels.

Reading the American Roulette Table

The table layout mirrors the wheel, with a rectangular betting grid and outside bet areas. Players place chips on individual numbers or on larger betting zones:

• Inside bets go on specific numbers or small clusters inside the numbered grid.
• Outside bets sit along the edges for color, odd/even, dozens, or columns.

Dealers or dealers’ assistants handle wheel spins and payouts in live games, while online versions use a virtual table for chip placement. On mobile, tap controls replace physical chips.

How to Play American Roulette — Quick Steps

1. Choose your chip value. Pick a denomination that fits your bankroll.
2. Place your bets on the table. You can mix inside and outside bets.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball. In RNG games, the spin is simulated.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket. The dealer announces the result.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing bets are cleared.

Always check the table minimums, maximums, and house rules before you play.

Inside Bets — Target the Numbers

Inside bets are higher-risk, higher-reward plays placed directly on the numbered grid.

• Straight Up — a single number. Highest payout for an inside bet.
• Split — covers two adjacent numbers.
• Street — covers three numbers in a row.
• Corner — covers four numbers that meet at a corner.
• Six Line — covers two adjacent rows, six numbers total.

These bets pay more because they cover fewer numbers.

Outside Bets — Safer, Bigger Groups

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer more consistent, smaller wins.

• Red or Black — covers 18 numbers based on color.
• Odd or Even — covers 18 numbers based on parity.
• High (19–36) or Low (1–18) — covers half the numbers.
• Dozens — cover 12-number blocks (1–12, 13–24, 25–36).
• Columns — cover 12 numbers in a vertical column on the grid.

Outside bets are the go-to for players who prefer lower variance and longer sessions.

Payouts at a Glance

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

These are the typical payouts used in American Roulette; always confirm payouts on the table you’re playing.

Why the House Edge Is Higher

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26 percent. That higher edge comes directly from the two green pockets — 0 and 00 — which reduce the player’s expected return on even-money and other bets. By contrast, European Roulette uses a single zero and has a lower house edge of about 2.7 percent. The double-zero layout favors the house more, which is why many strategy-minded players prefer single-zero games when available.

Smart Tips for Playing American Roulette

• Understand the odds before betting. Each bet covers a different number of pockets, and payouts reflect that coverage.
• Use outside bets for lower risk and steadier play. Expect smaller, more frequent wins.
• Manage your bankroll carefully. Set session limits for time and money, and stick to them.
• Avoid systems that promise guaranteed wins. No betting scheme overcomes the built-in house edge.
• Compare site features like withdrawal speed and in-state accessibility. Some platforms advertise withdrawals in under 24 hours, but always check terms.

Remember, roulette is a game of chance — results are unpredictable by design.

American vs European Roulette — Clear Differences

• Number of pockets — American has 38 pockets with 0 and 00; European has 37 pockets with one zero.
• House edge — American is about 5.26 percent; European is about 2.7 percent.
• Popularity — American Roulette is common in United States casinos and many online rooms; European Roulette is more typical in European venues and among players seeking a lower house edge.

If you can find both versions online, try each to see which fits your style.

RNG Online vs Live Dealer — Which Fits You?

Online RNG roulette runs on certified software and offers fast sessions, flexible limits, and mobile-friendly play. Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel and dealer from a studio, giving an immersive, social experience that mirrors land-based casinos. Choose RNG for speed and variety, and live dealer if you want a classic casino feel with a real human dealer.

Top Developers Making American Roulette

Major studios produce polished American Roulette options, including Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These providers power both RNG and live dealer tables with features like multiple camera angles, statistics panels, and mobile optimization. If you want to compare providers in a single review, see our Tikal Casino write-up for examples of multiple studios on one platform.

Play on Mobile — What to Expect

American Roulette is fully optimized for smartphones and tablets. Touch controls simplify chip placement, and responsive layouts keep the wheel and table readable on smaller screens. Look for games with clear graphics, quick load times, and stable streams for live dealer tables.

Responsible Play — Keep It Fun

Set deposit and time limits, and never chase losses. Use built-in tools on regulated sites to restrict play when needed. If gambling stops being fun or starts to interfere with daily life, seek help from a qualified support service. Playing responsibly preserves the entertainment value and protects your bankroll.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re trying American Roulette for the first time or sharpening your table strategy, understanding the wheel, bets, and house edge puts you in control of the experience. Check table rules, set sensible limits, and enjoy the game as entertainment. Terms and conditions apply to any platform offers mentioned here — always review them before claiming bonuses or making deposits.