American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the best-known casino table games in the United States. It uses a spinning wheel, a small ball, and a betting layout where players wager on where the ball will land. The biggest feature that sets it apart from other roulette versions is the wheel itself, which includes two green pockets: 0 and 00.

That extra green pocket matters a lot because it changes the odds and raises the house edge compared with European Roulette. In practical terms, American Roulette is usually faster-paced, very easy to learn, and widely available both online and in land-based casinos across the US.

From Europe to the US: How American Roulette Took Shape

Roulette began in Europe, with roots tracing back to France in the 18th century. The name "roulette" means "little wheel" in French, and early versions of the game were played with numbered wheels that gradually evolved into the modern format used today.

When roulette reached the United States in the 19th century, casino operators added the double zero pocket. That change created the version now known as American Roulette. Over time, it became a standard in many US casinos, while European casinos largely kept the single-zero format.

The Wheel Feature That Changes Everything

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total. These include numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero, 0, and a double zero, 00.

The numbers 1 to 36 are split between red and black pockets in an alternating pattern, while both zero pockets are green. Those two green spaces are the main reason the game offers slightly tougher odds for players than European Roulette, which has only one zero.

How the American Roulette Table Works

The table layout shows all the betting options in a grid. The numbers 1 through 36 are arranged in three columns and 12 rows, with spaces for 0 and 00 placed separately at the top of the layout.

Players put chips on exact numbers, between lines, or on larger labeled betting sections such as red, black, odd, even, high, and low. Where you place your chip determines the type of bet you make and how much it pays if you win.

How to Play American Roulette Without Confusion

The basic flow of the game is easy to follow. First, you choose your chip value, which tells the table how much each chip is worth during that round.

Next, you place your bets on the layout. After betting closes, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the other.

The ball eventually drops into one of the 38 pockets. If your chosen number or group of numbers includes that pocket, your bet wins and the casino pays according to the standard payout table.

Inside Bets That Offer Bigger Payouts

Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the betting grid. These bets are riskier because they cover fewer outcomes, but they also pay more.

A Straight Up bet covers just 1 number and pays 35: 1. A Split covers 2 adjacent numbers and pays 17: 1. A Street covers 3 numbers in a row and pays 11: 1.

A Corner bet covers 4 numbers that meet at one point and pays 8: 1. A Six Line covers 6 numbers across two adjacent rows and pays 5: 1.

Outside Bets That Keep Things Simpler

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, so they hit more often but pay less. They are popular with beginners because they are easier to understand and usually bring less volatility.

Red or Black covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. Odd or Even also covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. High or Low, meaning 19 to 36 or 1 to 18, works the same way and also pays 1: 1.

Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time, such as 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36, and pay 2: 1. Columns also cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1.

American Roulette Payout Table 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
• Dozen: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Column: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Red or Black: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• Odd or Even: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• High or Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1

These payouts are standard for most American Roulette games, whether you play online or at a casino floor table.

The 5.26% House Edge You Should Know

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That figure comes directly from the extra 00 pocket, which gives the casino one more way for most bets to lose.

By comparison, European Roulette has a house edge of about 2.70% because it has only 37 pockets, not 38. That makes European Roulette the better value on paper, although American Roulette remains a common choice in the US market.

Smart Roulette Tips for New Players

The best starting point is understanding what each bet covers and what it pays. Bigger payouts may look appealing, but they come with lower hit rates.

Many beginners stick to outside bets like red or black, odd or even, or high or low because they win more often. They do not beat the house edge, but they can make sessions last longer.

Bankroll management matters, too. Set a budget before you play, decide how much you are comfortable losing, and avoid chasing losses.

It is also smart to ignore betting systems that claim to guarantee profits. Roulette is a game of chance, and no strategy can remove the house edge or predict where the ball will land.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

The clearest difference is the number of pockets on the wheel. American Roulette has 38 pockets with 0 and 00, while European Roulette has 37 pockets with just a single 0.

That difference changes the house edge. American Roulette sits at 5.26%, while European Roulette is about 2.70%.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette is more common in US casinos, while European Roulette is more widely found in Europe and often preferred by players looking for stronger odds.

Online American Roulette or Live Dealer: Which Feels Better?

Online American Roulette comes in two main formats. The first is RNG roulette, where a random number generator determines each spin. These games are fast, smooth on desktop and mobile, and ideal if you want quick betting rounds.

The second is live dealer roulette, which streams a real table and wheel from a studio. A live host runs the game in real time, giving players a more authentic casino feel from home.

If you want to compare live table options across platforms, it can help to check individual casino selections, such as Betcrown Casino, where software variety often shapes the overall roulette lineup.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers power American Roulette online. Evolution is one of the most recognized names, especially for live dealer roulette with polished studio production and broad table limits.

Playtech is another major provider with both RNG and live casino products. Pragmatic Play Live has also gained attention for user-friendly live tables and mobile support.

NetEnt remains a familiar name in digital casino gaming, while Ezugi continues to supply live dealer roulette to many operators. Players browsing a broader crypto-friendly casino library may also run into these providers at Moon Bet Casino.

Mobile American Roulette Keeps the Game Within Reach

Most modern American Roulette games are built for smartphones and tablets. That includes both standard RNG tables and live dealer streams.

On mobile, players can place bets, change chip values, and follow results with touch-friendly controls. As long as you have a stable internet connection, the gameplay is usually smooth on both iPhone and Android devices.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Set deposit and time limits, take breaks, and never wager more than you can afford to lose.

If gambling stops being fun, step away. Responsible play helps keep the experience manageable and enjoyable.

Common American Roulette Questions Answered

American Roulette remains a staple casino game because it is easy to understand, quick to play, and available almost everywhere players look. The double zero makes it less favorable than European Roulette on paper, but if you know the bet types, the payouts, and the risks, it is still a simple game to enjoy responsibly.