American Roulette

American Roulette is a casino game in which players bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. Its defining feature is the pair of green pockets: a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). That extra pocket sets American Roulette apart from European Roulette and increases the house edge.

Players can wager on one number, a small group of numbers, or broader outcomes such as red or black. The game is easy to follow, but each spin is random, and no betting approach can guarantee a win.

A Quick Look at Roulette’s History

Roulette developed in Europe, with versions of the game taking shape in France during the 18th century. As roulette reached the United States in the 19th century, American tables adopted a double-zero pocket alongside the single zero.

That change created the 38-pocket American wheel. Many European roulette wheels have 37 pockets instead, with one green zero.

American Roulette Wheel Layout

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets:

• Numbers 1 through 36
• One green pocket marked 0
• One green pocket marked 00

The numbers from 1 to 36 alternate between red and black. Both zero pockets are green. The wheel’s number sequence is not the same as the order on the betting grid.

American Roulette Table Layout

The betting layout shows numbers 1 through 36 in three columns, with spaces for 0 and 00 at one end. Around the grid are outside betting areas for options such as red or black, odd or even, low or high, dozens, and columns.

Players place chips on a number or on the lines and corners between numbers, depending on the bet. Chip values may be represented by different colors at a live table, so check the table rules before play.

How to Play American Roulette

1. Choose a chip value.
2. Place chips on the betting areas you want to wager on.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball settles in a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the game’s payout table.

Once the dealer closes betting, no new wagers can be placed for that spin. Exact procedures may vary between tables and online games.

American Roulette Bets and Typical Payouts

Inside bets cover individual numbers or small groups of numbers. They pay more when they win, but cover fewer possible outcomes. Outside bets cover larger groups and generally pay less.

• Straight Up: 1 number, 35: 1 payout
• Split: 2 numbers, 17: 1 payout
• Street: 3 numbers, 11: 1 payout
• Corner: 4 numbers, 8: 1 payout
• Six Line: 6 numbers, 5: 1 payout
• Dozens or Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1 payout
• Red or Black: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout
• Odd or Even: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout
• High or Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout

Payouts are shown as winnings relative to the amount wagered. For example, a 35: 1 Straight Up win pays 35 times the bet, plus the original wager. The green pockets affect outside bets: a result of 0 or 00 usually causes red/black, odd/even, and high/low bets to lose.

Inside Bets

• Straight Up: Place a chip directly on one number.
• Split: Place a chip on the line between two neighboring numbers.
• Street: Place a chip on the outside edge of a row of three numbers.
• Corner: Place a chip at the intersection of four numbers.
• Six Line: Place a chip on the line between two adjacent rows, covering six numbers.

Outside Bets

• Red or Black: Choose a color.
• Odd or Even: Choose whether the winning number is odd or even.
• High or Low: Choose 19–36 for high or 1–18 for low.
• Dozens: Choose 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36.
• Columns: Choose one of the three vertical columns on the betting grid.

American Roulette House Edge: What the Double Zero Means

The standard house edge in American Roulette is about 5.26%. It comes from the 0 and 00 pockets: these pockets do not belong to red or black, odd or even, high or low, or any of the three dozens or columns. Their presence gives the casino an advantage over time.

For comparison, standard European Roulette has a house edge of about 2.7%, because its wheel has a single zero and 37 pockets. Rules can vary, so check the game information for the specific table you choose.

Practical Roulette Tips for Beginners

• Know the odds: A wager covering more numbers has a higher chance of landing, but usually pays less.
• Consider outside bets: These cover more outcomes than a single-number wager, though they can still lose on a spin.
• Set a bankroll limit: Decide what you can afford to spend before playing, and stop when you reach that limit.
• Skip “guaranteed win” systems: Betting patterns cannot change the random result of a spin or remove the house edge.

Roulette is a game of chance. Past results do not predict the next spin, and no bet offers a sure outcome.

American Roulette vs. European Roulette

The key differences are the number of pockets and the resulting house edge:

• American Roulette: 38 pockets (numbers 1–36, 0, and 00), about 5.26% house edge, commonly associated with casinos in the United States
• European Roulette: 37 pockets (numbers 1–36 and 0), about 2.7% house edge, commonly associated with casinos in Europe

American Roulette is a familiar choice in casinos across the United States, while European Roulette is widely associated with European casinos. Online game availability depends on the operator and the rules where you play.

Online American Roulette: RNG and Live Dealer Options

Online American Roulette is commonly offered in two formats. Random number generator, or RNG, games use software to determine each result. Live dealer games stream a real wheel and dealer from a studio, with bets placed through the online interface.

Both formats should explain their rules and payouts in the game information. The selection of tables, limits, and features varies by operator. Online gambling is not available everywhere, so check local laws and confirm that the operator is licensed for your location before playing for real money.

Roulette Software Providers

Roulette titles are offered by a range of casino game developers and live casino studios. Providers associated with roulette games include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. The specific games and formats available can vary by casino, location, and operator license.

American Roulette on Phones and Tablets

Many online American Roulette games are designed for smartphones and tablets. Players can usually view the wheel, betting grid, and chip controls on a smaller screen, while live dealer games may include a streaming video window. Check that the game interface is comfortable to use and that your device has a reliable connection.

Play Responsibly

Set a spending and time limit before you play, and treat roulette as entertainment rather than a way to make money. Take breaks, never chase losses, and stop if gambling is no longer enjoyable. If you need support, contact a responsible gambling organization in your area.

American Roulette FAQ