American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic casino wheel game played across many casinos in the United States. The key difference between American Roulette and other variants is the presence of two green pockets on the wheel: a single zero, labeled "0," and a double zero, labeled "00." That extra green pocket changes the odds, payouts, and house edge compared with other roulette versions.

A quick history: from Europe to the United States

Roulette traces its roots to 18th-century Europe, where early wheel games merged chance and simple rules into a universally appealing table game. When roulette crossed the Atlantic, the version common in the United States evolved to include the double zero. That adaptation became standard in many United States casinos, shaping the familiar American Roulette layout players know today.

American Roulette wheel layout — what you’ll see

The American Roulette wheel contains 38 pockets total:

• Numbers 1 through 36
• Single zero "0"
• Double zero "00"

Numbers 1–36 alternate red and black, while the "0" and "00" pockets are green. The added green pocket increases the house advantage and slightly lowers the odds of hitting single-number bets compared with single-zero wheels.

American Roulette table layout — how the betting grid works

The table combines a numbered betting grid and several outside bet areas. Players place chips directly on single numbers, on the lines between numbers, or on the larger bet boxes for red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns. Dealers handle the wheel and clear losing bets, and chips placed in the betting areas remain until the dealer announces "no more bets."

How to play American Roulette — simple step-by-step

1. Choose your chip value.
2. Place bets on the table before the dealer spins.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table; losing bets are collected. Always check the table limits and the casino’s terms and conditions before you play.

Types of American Roulette bets — inside bets explained

Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups of numbers placed inside the numbered grid:

• Straight Up — one number, the chip is placed directly on the number.
• Split — two adjacent numbers, the chip is placed on the line between them.
• Street — three numbers in a row, chip on the outer line of the row.
• Corner — four numbers that form a square, chip in the corner intersection.
• Six Line — six numbers (two adjacent rows), chip on the outer corner where the two rows meet. These bets offer higher payouts but cover fewer numbers.

Types of American Roulette bets — outside bets explained

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and generally reduce variance:

• Red or Black — covers 18 numbers.
• Odd or Even — covers 18 numbers.
• High or Low — covers 18 numbers (1–18 or 19–36).
• Dozens — first, second, or third dozen (12 numbers each).
• Columns — a full column of 12 numbers on the grid. Outside bets pay less per win, but they hit more often than inside bets.

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

Note: Payouts reflect standard casino paytables. Always confirm the exact payouts and terms before betting.

House edge in American Roulette — why it’s higher

Because American Roulette has both "0" and "00," the house edge is about 5.26%. By contrast, single-zero European Roulette generally has a house edge near 2.7%. That extra green pocket on the American wheel is what causes the larger built-in advantage for the house.

Practical strategy tips for American Roulette players

• Understand the odds before betting; different bets carry different probabilities.
• Use outside bets for lower risk and steadier, smaller wins.
• Manage your bankroll with limits per session, and stick to them.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; no system overcomes the house edge.
• Treat roulette as a game of chance, and focus on entertainment value and responsible play.

How American Roulette compares with European Roulette

• Number of pockets — American has 38 pockets, European has 37.
• House edge — American is around 5.26%, European around 2.7%.
• Popularity — American Roulette is common in United States casinos, while single-zero wheels dominate in Europe and many online tables aimed at global players.

Online American Roulette vs live dealer roulette

Online RNG versions use software to determine spins quickly, offering fast play, varied bet limits, and multi-table access. Live dealer roulette streams real tables from studios, with a human dealer and real wheel, giving a more social, realistic experience. Both formats are available on mobile devices, and reputable sites provide geolocation tools, licensed in-state access, and clear payout and terms information.

Where to play — notable platforms and what they offer

If you want platforms that feature American Roulette and strong banking options, check out Huzzlin Casino and LuckyWands Casino. Huzzlin Casino supports Apple Pay, AstroPay Card, Instant Banking, Jeton, MasterCard, Neteller, PaySafeCard, Skrill, and Visa, and accepts euro, Norwegian krone, and New Zealand dollar; see our Huzzlin Casino review for details. LuckyWands Casino offers crypto and card support, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, USD Coin, MasterCard, Neteller, PaySafeCard, Skrill, and Visa, and accepts United States dollar, Australian dollar, Brazilian real, Canadian dollar, euro, British pound, Norwegian krone, and Swedish krona; read more in our LuckyWands Casino review. Always confirm supported payment methods, welcome bonuses, and terms when creating an account.

Best software providers for American Roulette

Top developers that produce solid American Roulette titles include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These studios deliver smooth RNG wheels, polished live dealer streams, and mobile-optimized experiences.

Mobile American Roulette — play on the go

Most American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. Mobile versions keep controls intuitive, offer quick bet repeat options, and sync bankroll and history between desktop and mobile. Make sure your connection is stable for live dealer streams to avoid interruptions.

Responsible gambling reminder

Play within your limits, set deposit and time limits, and never chase losses. If you need help, seek resources and support early. Responsible play protects your enjoyment and keeps gambling a fun form of entertainment.

Frequently asked questions

American Roulette is straightforward to learn, and it offers a range of betting options and experiences—from low-variance outside bets to high-payout single-number wagers. Know the rules, pick bets that match your comfort level, and play responsibly for the best experience.