American Roulette

American Roulette is a casino classic where a spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and a betting table decide the outcome. The defining feature that sets American Roulette apart from other variants is the wheel layout: it includes two green pockets, a single zero (“0”) and a double zero (“00”). That extra green pocket changes the odds, and that’s why American Roulette plays differently than European and other single-zero versions.

A short history — how the wheel reached the United States

Roulette began in Europe in the 18th century as a pared-down fusion of earlier wheel games. When roulette crossed the Atlantic in the 19th century, casinos in the United States added the double zero to the wheel. The extra pocket was intended to increase casino revenue, and it became standard in American land-based casinos. Over time, that American-style wheel moved online, becoming one of the most recognizable variants available to players in the United States.

American Roulette wheel layout explained

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

• Numbers 1–36
• A single zero pocket labeled “0”
• A double zero pocket labeled “00”

Numbers 1–36 alternate red and black, with the zero pockets colored green. That alternating pattern makes the wheel visually easy to follow, and the two green pockets are the mathematical reason the house edge differs from other roulette types.

How the American Roulette table is set up

The betting grid mirrors the wheel, with a rectangular layout for individual numbers and side areas for larger bets. Chips are placed directly on the numbers or on marked sections for outside bets. Players can place multiple chips on different spots, and dealers accept bets until the call of “no more bets.” Major table areas include inside bets (single numbers and small clusters) and outside bets (broad groups like red or black, dozens, and columns).

How to play American Roulette — simple steps

1. Choose your chip value.
2. Place bets on the table — pick single numbers, groups, or outside bets.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing bets are cleared.

Remember to review the specific table limits, and check terms and conditions on any promotions before you play.

Inside bets — high payout, smaller coverage

Inside bets target specific numbers or tight clusters on the grid:

• Straight up — a single number
• Split — two adjacent numbers, shared chip placed on the line
• Street — three numbers in a row on the grid
• Corner — four numbers meeting at a corner
• Six line — two adjacent streets, covering six numbers

These bets pay more because they cover fewer possible outcomes.

Outside bets — lower risk, broader coverage

Outside bets cover larger portions of the table and offer steadier returns:

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

Outside bets typically pay less, but they give better chances of a win on each spin.

American Roulette payout table

• 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

Payouts shown reflect common casino practice, but always confirm the table rules where you play.

Why the house edge matters — 5.26% explained

Because American Roulette has both a single zero and a double zero, the house edge is 5.26%. That edge comes from the two green pockets reducing the chance that even-money and other bets will land in your favor. By comparison, European Roulette, which has a single zero, carries a lower house edge of about 2.70%. That difference is important when choosing which version to play over long sessions.

Practical strategy tips for American Roulette

• Learn the odds before you bet — the double zero affects expected returns.
• Favor outside bets if you want lower variance and steadier play.
• Set a bankroll and stick to limits, including stop-loss and session goals.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins — roulette is a game of chance.
• Use demo play to get comfortable with the table layout and bet types before wagering real money.

American Roulette vs European Roulette — the core contrasts

• Number of pockets — American has 38 pockets, European has 37.
• House edge — American ~5.26%, European ~2.70%.
• Popularity — American Roulette is common in United States casinos, while European single-zero variants dominate in many European venues and some online sites.

Choosing between them depends on whether you prefer the wider availability of American-style tables or the better long-term odds of the single-zero wheel.

Online American Roulette vs live dealer — which to pick?

Online RNG roulette runs on certified random number generators and is fast, reliable, and available 24/7. Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel and dealer from a studio or casino floor, giving a more social, immersive experience with slower, human-paced rounds. Both formats support American Roulette, so pick RNG for quick play, or live dealer if you want the feel of a real table and dealer interaction.

Top software providers offering American Roulette

Major developers that supply high-quality American Roulette include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These studios offer polished graphics, smooth mobile play, and a mix of RNG and live dealer titles, so you can find styles and table limits that match your preferences.

Mobile American Roulette — play on the go

American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with responsive touch controls, portrait and landscape options, and clear bet placement. Mobile versions keep the same payouts and rules, so you can manage your bankroll and session length conveniently from a handheld device.

Responsible play — short, clear advice

Set deposit and loss limits, take breaks, and never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose. If gambling stops being fun or you’re chasing losses, pause play and seek help. Responsible play keeps the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Real offers to consider — an example

Detective Slots Casino currently lists a welcome bundle of “300% up to $1000 + 250 Free Spins” with code “FIRSTCASE.” Terms and conditions apply, including minimum deposit and wagering requirements, so read the full rules before claiming the offer. See the casino review for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to try American Roulette, start small, know the rules and payouts, and always play within your limits.