American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino table game where you bet on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel. What sets it apart from other roulette variants is simple, but important: American Roulette has two green pockets - “0” and “00”.

That extra green slot changes the math, the odds, and the overall feel of the game, which is why players often compare it closely to European Roulette before placing real money bets.

The Surprising History of Roulette (and How America Changed It)

Roulette traces its roots back to Europe, where the modern game took shape in French casinos. Early wheels eventually standardized into versions that became popular across the continent, including the single-zero style most people now call European Roulette.

Once roulette reached the United States, the game evolved into what we now call American Roulette. The big change was the addition of the “00” pocket. That double zero helped casinos increase their advantage, and it also became the signature feature of roulette in many American casinos for decades.

American Roulette Wheel Layout: What You’re Actually Betting On

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

• Numbers 1-36
• Single zero (0)
• Double zero (00)

The numbers 1 through 36 are colored red or black, arranged in a fixed order around the wheel. The “0” and “00” pockets are green, and they’re the reason American Roulette plays differently from single-zero variants.

If you’re new, here’s the key clarity point: you’re never “due” for red, black, or any number. Every spin is independent, and the wheel does not track what happened before.

American Roulette Table Layout: How the Betting Grid Works

The table layout is a betting grid that lets you place chips on:

• Specific numbers (or small clusters of numbers)
• Larger groups like colors, odds, evens, dozens, or columns

Each bet type has a clearly defined placement area. Put a chip directly on a number for a single-number bet, on a line between numbers for a split, or in larger labeled boxes for outside bets (like “RED” or “1st 12”).

In online roulette, you’ll usually tap the area to place chips, and the interface will highlight exactly what your bet covers before the spin, which helps reduce misclicks.

How to Play American Roulette in 5 Easy Steps

1. Choose your chip value based on your budget and the table limits.
2. Place your bets on the layout before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket (red, black, or green).
5. Winning bets are paid out based on the payout rules for that bet type.

Online versions follow the same flow. The main difference is whether you’re playing against a random number generator (digital roulette) or watching a real wheel in a live dealer game.

Types of American Roulette Bets (Inside vs Outside)

American Roulette bets fall into two main categories - inside bets (higher variance) and outside bets (lower variance).

Inside Bets: Bigger Payouts, More Swings

Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups, which means the wins can be exciting, but they hit less often.

Straight Up: Bet on one number. Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. Street: Bet on three numbers in a row at the end of a row. Corner: Bet on four numbers that meet at a corner. Six Line: Bet on six numbers by placing a chip on the line between two adjacent rows.

These bets are popular for players who like momentum and don’t mind variance, but they can chew through a bankroll quickly if you size bets too aggressively.

Outside Bets: More Coverage, Smoother Gameplay

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, so they win more often, but pay less.

Red or Black: Bet on all red or all black numbers. Odd or Even: Bet on whether the result is odd or even. High or Low: Bet 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). Dozens: Bet on 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns on the layout.

Outside bets are often the most beginner-friendly way to learn how roulette feels without huge swings every few spins.

American Roulette Payout Table (Quick Reference)

Here’s the typical payout structure you’ll see in both online and land-based casinos.

• 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 / Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1 payout
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout

Note: Payouts are standardized, but always check the rules panel in an online casino lobby, especially if you’re playing a special-themed roulette variant.

House Edge in American Roulette: Why the “00” Matters

American Roulette carries a house edge of 5.26%. The reason is the wheel has two green pockets - “0” and “00” - that are not part of the red/black or odd/even patterns players often bet on.

For comparison, European Roulette (single zero) typically has a house edge of about 2.70%. That’s a meaningful difference over time, especially if you play longer sessions or place higher wagers.

American Roulette Strategy Tips That Actually Help

Roulette is a game of chance, but you can still make smarter choices that improve your overall experience and protect your bankroll.

Understand the odds before you bet. A 35: 1 payout looks huge, but single-number hits are rare. Use outside bets for lower risk. Red/black and high/low can keep you in the game longer, even though there’s no “best” bet that changes the house edge. Manage your bankroll with limits. Set a session budget, pick a base bet size, and avoid chasing losses. Skip systems that promise guaranteed wins. No strategy can remove the house edge, and any method that requires constant doubling can run into table limits fast.

If you want a balanced approach, many players mix one outside bet with a smaller inside bet for a little extra excitement without overstretching their budget.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

The two games look similar, but the details matter.

Number of pockets: American has 38 pockets (adds “00”), while European has 37 (single “0” only). House edge: American is higher at 5.26%, while European is lower around 2.70%. Popularity: American Roulette has historically been more common in many United States casinos, while European Roulette is widely seen across Europe and online lobbies.

If you’re comparing options in an online casino, choosing European Roulette when available is often the value-oriented move, purely from an odds perspective.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette: Which Feels Better?

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats.

Random number generator roulette: Fast gameplay, quick bet placement, and instant results. It’s great if you like speed, privacy, and lower minimums. Live dealer roulette: Streamed from a professional studio with a real wheel and dealer. It’s slower, but more social, and many players like the added transparency of watching the ball drop.

If you tend to second-guess outcomes late at night, live dealer tables can feel more reassuring because you can see every step of the spin.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette (Who Builds the Good Tables?)

If you’re shopping for high-quality American Roulette online, these developers are common names to look for in regulated casino lobbies:

• Evolution
• Playtech
• Pragmatic Play Live
• NetEnt
• Ezugi

Game quality can vary by casino, but these providers are known for stable platforms, clean interfaces, and consistent rules displays.

Mobile American Roulette: Spin Anywhere, Bet Smoothly

Most American Roulette games today are optimized for smartphones and tablets. You can usually switch chip sizes, place inside and outside bets, and track recent results with simple taps.

If you’re playing on mobile data, live dealer roulette may use more bandwidth than random number generator tables, so a stable connection helps keep gameplay smooth.

Where to Play American Roulette Online (and What to Look For)

When you’re choosing an online casino for roulette, prioritize licensing, clear rules, fair terms, and reliable banking options.

Some platforms also highlight roulette as part of a broader table-games lobby. If you’re comparing casinos that carry Real Time Gaming titles, you can check out Jurassic Slots Casino or Ocean Downs Casino to see how their game libraries, banking methods, and support options line up for your play style.

Bonus reminder: If you claim a welcome offer, read the wagering requirement and game contribution rules. For example, some bonuses may come with higher playthrough requirements, and certain table games can contribute less toward clearing a bonus.

Responsible Gambling Reminder: Keep It Fun, Keep It Controlled

American Roulette is exciting, but it’s still real-money gambling with real risk. Set deposit limits, use time-outs if you feel tilted, and only play with money you can afford to lose. If the game stops feeling fun, take a break and reset.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette