American Roulette

American Roulette puts a classic casino staple front and center for players in the United States. The defining feature is simple but important: the wheel includes two green pockets, labeled 0 and 00, which change the odds and payouts compared with other roulette variants. Below is a clear guide to what American Roulette is, how it works, and what players should know before placing bets.

Why the double zero matters

American Roulette follows the same basic rules as other roulette games, but the extra green pocket shifts the math. With both 0 and 00 on the wheel, straight-up wins still pay 35: 1, but the overall house edge rises. That difference affects long-term expectation and how players choose bets.

A short history of roulette and how American Roulette evolved

Roulette began in Europe in the 18th century, blending ideas from earlier wheel games and probability theory. When the game reached the United States in the 19th century, casinos introduced a second green pocket — 00 — which became the hallmark of American Roulette. That adaptation made the game more profitable for casinos in the United States, and it remains a staple in many land-based and online venues today.

Wheel layout — what’s on the American wheel

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total:

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

Numbers alternate red and black around the wheel, while both zero pockets are green. The alternating colors make outside bets like red or black straightforward, while the two green pockets create extra losing possibilities for those bets.

Table layout — where to place chips

The American Roulette table pairs a betting grid with clearly labeled outside bet areas. The grid covers individual numbers and small groups, and the outside areas cover larger groups like dozens, columns, red or black, odd or even, and high or low. Players place chips directly on numbers, on the lines between numbers, or on the outside boxes to indicate different bet types. Dealers accept chips until they announce “no more bets,” then spin the wheel.

How to play American Roulette — quick steps

1. Choose your chip value.
2. Place bets on the table grid or outside boxes.
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 collected.

Inside bets — precision wagers

Inside bets cover specific numbers or tight groups on the grid:

• Straight Up — a single number, highest payout.
• Split — a chip on the line between two numbers.
• Street — a row of three numbers.
• Corner — a block of four numbers.
• Six Line — two adjacent rows, six numbers total.

These bets pay more, because they cover fewer numbers.

Outside bets — lower variance choices

Outside bets cover larger groups and pay less per win, but they hit more often:

• Red or Black — covers 18 numbers by color.
• Odd or Even — covers 18 numbers.
• High or Low — covers 18 numbers (1–18 or 19–36).
• Dozens — covers 12 numbers (1–12, 13–24, 25–36).
• Columns — covers 12 numbers down a column on the grid.

Outside bets are a common choice for players who want steadier action and lower risk per spin.

American Roulette payout table

• Straight Up covers 1 number and pays 35: 1.
• Split covers 2 numbers and pays 17: 1.
• Street covers 3 numbers and pays 11: 1.
• Corner covers 4 numbers and pays 8: 1.
• Six Line covers 6 numbers and pays 5: 1.
• Dozens / Columns cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1.
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low cover 18 numbers and pay 1: 1.

All payouts are standard, but always check casino-specific rules and terms.

House edge explained — why 5.26% matters

American Roulette’s house edge is 5.26%. That figure comes from two green pockets — 0 and 00 — which give the house extra advantage on almost every bet. By comparison, European Roulette, which has a single zero, typically carries a house edge of about 2.7%. The extra edge means American Roulette generally costs more to play in the long run, even though individual spins remain unpredictable.

Practical strategy tips for American Roulette

• Understand the odds before betting — know what each bet covers and its payout.
• Use outside bets for lower volatility if you want steadier sessions.
• Manage your bankroll carefully — set loss and session limits before you start.
• Avoid systems that promise guaranteed wins; no system overcomes the house edge.
• Treat roulette as entertainment, not a way to make income.

American Roulette vs European Roulette — key differences

• Number of pockets: American has 38 pockets, European has 37.
• House edge: American about 5.26%, European about 2.7%.
• Popularity: American Roulette is common in casinos in the United States, while single-zero European versions dominate many venues in Europe and online.

Online American Roulette vs live dealer roulette

Online RNG (random number generator) American Roulette runs on software that simulates spins and pays instantly, making for fast gameplay and often lower minimum bets. Live dealer American Roulette streams a real wheel and dealer from a studio; it’s slower, more social, and shows the physical spin in real time. Choose RNG for speed and convenience, or live dealer for atmosphere and realism.

If you want to play online, check the Oreon Bet Casino review for options on payment methods and welcome offers, or see game selections and providers at Huzzlin Casino review.

Best software providers for American Roulette

Top developers that offer high-quality American Roulette experiences include:

• Evolution — strong live dealer offerings.
• Playtech — feature-rich RNG and live tables.
• Pragmatic Play Live — reliable live streaming tables.
• NetEnt — polished RNG roulette titles.
• Ezugi — solid live dealer options for online casinos.

These providers power both RNG and live dealer versions, and many optimize their games for mobile.

Mobile American Roulette — play on the go

American Roulette titles are widely optimized for smartphones and tablets, with responsive layouts, touch controls, and fast load times. Whether you prefer RNG or live tables, mobile versions let you place the same inside and outside bets with an interface scaled for smaller screens.

Responsible play — keep it safe

Set deposit and time limits, only wager what you can afford to lose, and take breaks. If gambling stops being fun, seek support resources and self-exclusion options from the casino. Always review the casino’s terms and responsible gambling tools before depositing.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette offers fast-paced action and a familiar betting grid, but the double zero changes the math compared with single-zero variants. Know the odds, use smart bankroll rules, and pick licensed casinos and reliable providers to get the most from your play.