American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino table game where players bet on which numbered pocket a ball will land in after the dealer spins the wheel. The single key difference from other common variants is the presence of two green pockets: a single zero ("0") and a double zero ("00"). That extra green pocket shifts odds, payouts, and strategy, and it’s why many players notice a bigger house advantage at American tables.

A quick look at the origins and how the game crossed the Atlantic

Roulette began in Europe in the 18th century, developing from earlier wheel games and evolving into the wheel-and-table format familiar today. When roulette reached the United States in the 19th century, American casinos added the double zero to create a distinct version tailored to local house preferences. Over time, both versions—European and American—became staples at land-based and online casinos across their respective regions.

The wheel layout that defines American Roulette

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total. Those pockets include:

• Numbers 1–36, alternating red and black.
• A green single zero pocket ("0").
• A green double zero pocket ("00").

The alternating red and black numbers make even-money outside bets easy to understand, while the two green pockets create the extra edge for the house.

How the table is set up and how betting works

The betting grid mirrors the wheel’s numbers and shows areas for inside bets, outside bets, and special wagers. Players place chips directly on single numbers, on lines between numbers, or on the outside boxes for red/black, odd/even, dozens, and columns. Dealers clear losing chips, pay winners according to the payout table, and return winning chips to players.

Simple step-by-step: how to play American Roulette

• Choose your chip value and sit at a table, live or online.
• Place your bets on the table before the dealer closes betting.
• The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
• The ball slows and lands in a numbered pocket.
• Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and the next round begins.

Inside bets — higher payouts, smaller targets

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the main grid. Common inside bets include:

• Straight Up — a single number.
• Split — two adjacent numbers.
• Street — three numbers in a horizontal row.
• Corner — four numbers forming a square.
• Six Line — two adjacent rows, covering six numbers.

These bets offer larger payouts, but they hit less often.

Outside bets — lower risk, steadier returns

Outside bets cover bigger sections of the layout and pay less, but they win more frequently. Typical outside bets include:

• Red or Black — color-based, almost half the wheel.
• Odd or Even — number parity.
• High or Low — 1–18 low, 19–36 high.
• Dozens — three groups of 12 numbers.
• Columns — vertical columns of 12 numbers.

Outside bets are a solid choice for players who prefer lower variance.

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

Payouts listed are the standard casino payouts for American Roulette; specific rules can vary by operator.

Why the house edge is higher in American Roulette

American Roulette has a house edge of about 5.26%, driven by the two green pockets. When a bet on red/black or even/odd loses on a "0" or "00," the casino keeps the bet. By comparison, European Roulette typically has a single zero and a house edge of about 2.7%. That difference is why European tables are often preferred when trying to minimize casino advantage.

Practical strategy tips for American Roulette players

• Understand the odds before placing wagers; the extra green pocket matters.
• Use outside bets for lower volatility and more frequent wins.
• Manage your bankroll with session limits, and set loss limits and win targets.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; roulette is a game of chance.
• Treat each spin as independent—past spins don’t change future outcomes.

How American and European Roulette really compare

• Number of pockets — American has 38 pockets; European has 37.
• House edge — American is about 5.26%; European is about 2.7%.
• Popularity — American Roulette is common in the United States and in some online casinos, while European Roulette is dominant in Europe and many international online venues.

RNG American Roulette versus live dealer action

Online players can choose between RNG (random number generator) roulette and live dealer tables streamed from studios. RNG games run software-based spins and are fast and convenient. Live dealer roulette streams real wheels and dealers in real time, offering social interaction and the feel of land-based play. Both formats are legitimate when provided by reputable operators and audited developers.

Top providers that produce solid American Roulette games

Look for roulette from major developers known for fairness and polish, including:

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

These studios power both RNG and live dealer tables, and their games typically include mobile-optimized interfaces and audited randomness.

Play American Roulette on mobile — what to expect

Most modern American Roulette games are designed for smartphones and tablets. That means touch-friendly betting layouts, portrait or landscape modes, and fast loading times on cellular networks and Wi-Fi. Mobile players can enjoy both RNG and live dealer tables without losing functionality.

A note on responsible play

Set deposit, time, and loss limits before playing. If gambling stops being fun or you feel pressured to chase losses, pause play and seek support resources. Play within your means, and review the casino’s terms and conditions for wagering rules and withdrawal policies.

Where to try American Roulette online

If you’re researching places to play, some operators offer extensive game libraries and varied payment options. For example, Brionis Casino runs a broad selection of titles and lists its review at that page — check the bonus terms and currency options before you sign up. Two Coppers Casino is another option, with crypto and fiat support and a review at that page — read all conditions and verification rules first.

Frequently asked questions

Whether you want quick RNG rounds on your phone or a streamed table with a live dealer, American Roulette offers a familiar, fast-playing option. Know the rules, mind the house edge, and play responsibly.