American Roulette

American Roulette brings the familiar spin-and-bet format to a wheel with an extra green pocket. That double zero changes the odds: the wheel has 38 pockets, and its house edge is higher than European Roulette’s. Learn how the wheel, table, bets, and payouts work before placing your chips.

How American Roulette Took Shape

Roulette developed in Europe, with versions of the game appearing in France during the 18th century. As it spread, players and casino operators adapted the wheel and table to suit local preferences.

After roulette reached the United States, a second green pocket marked 00 was added alongside 0. This change created the 38-pocket American wheel and gave the game a distinct identity from the single-zero European version.

American Roulette Wheel Layout

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets:

• Numbers 1 through 36
• One green pocket marked 0
• One green pocket marked 00

The numbers from 1 to 36 alternate between red and black. Both zero pockets are green. Neither 0 nor 00 counts as red, black, odd, even, high, or low for standard outside bets.

Reading the American Roulette Table

The betting layout is a numbered grid, usually showing 1 through 36 in three columns, with separate spaces for 0 and 00. Areas around the grid let players place outside bets on larger groups, such as red or black, odd or even, and the first dozen.

Players select chips, then place them on the relevant betting areas. A chip on one number is a straight-up bet; a chip on a line or intersection can cover multiple numbers. Table designs vary slightly, so check the game’s rules to see how bets are placed and what the minimum and maximum stakes are.

How to Play American Roulette

1. Choose a chip value.
2. Place chips on one or more betting areas before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball settles in a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the game’s payout table.

In an online game, the interface handles the spin and displays the result. In a live dealer game, a presenter spins a physical wheel while the action is streamed.

Inside Bets: Numbers and Small Groups

Inside bets cover specific numbers or compact groups on the grid. A straight-up bet targets one number and pays the most, while combinations cover more numbers and usually pay less per winning chip.

Common inside bets include:

• Straight Up: One number.
• Split: Two adjacent numbers, with the chip placed on their dividing line.
• Street: Three numbers in a horizontal row.
• Corner: Four numbers meeting at one intersection.
• Six Line: Six numbers across two neighboring rows.

Outside Bets: Broader Coverage

Outside bets cover larger groups and generally offer a higher chance of a win than a single-number bet, but their payouts are lower.

• Red or Black: One of the two colors, covering 18 numbers.
• Odd or Even: Odd- or even-numbered results from 1 to 36.
• High or Low: 1-18 or 19-36.
• Dozens: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36.
• Columns: One of the three vertical groups of 12 numbers.

The 0 and 00 pockets are excluded from these standard groups. If either comes up, these outside bets lose.

American Roulette Payout Table

Payouts below show the typical profit paid for each winning chip, excluding the original stake. Exact rules can vary by game.

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

House Edge: The Cost of the Double Zero

On a standard American wheel, the house edge is about 5.26%. The wheel has 38 pockets, but a straight-up bet pays 35: 1. That payout difference gives the casino its mathematical advantage over time.

For comparison, standard European Roulette has 37 pockets and a house edge of about 2.70%. The extra 00 pocket is the main reason American Roulette has the higher edge.

Practical Tips for New Players

• Know the odds: Check the payout and the numbers covered before betting.
• Consider outside bets: These cover more numbers than single-number bets, though they still lose when 0 or 00 appears.
• Set a bankroll: Decide how much you are comfortable spending and set a time limit before play.
• Treat betting systems cautiously: No progression or pattern can guarantee a win or remove the house edge.
• Remember the role of chance: Each spin is independent, and past results do not determine the next one.

American vs. European Roulette

The key difference is the wheel. American Roulette has 38 pockets, including 0 and 00, while European Roulette typically has 37, with a single 0. This gives American Roulette a higher standard house edge: about 5.26% compared with about 2.70%.

American Roulette is commonly associated with casinos in the United States, while single-zero roulette is widely found in European casinos. Online selections can include both formats, so check the wheel and rules before choosing a game.

Online RNG or Live Dealer Roulette?

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats. RNG games use a random number generator to determine results, while live dealer games stream a physical wheel from a studio. Both formats display the available bets and payouts, but the presentation and pace differ.

Game availability, licensing, and payment options depend on the operator and your location. You can compare operator details in our reviews of JettBet Casino and Sherluck Casino, then confirm whether a specific roulette game is available where you play.

Software Providers to Know

American Roulette games may be offered by providers including Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. Their game libraries and live tables can differ by casino, region, and platform, so check the provider and rules shown in the game lobby.

Play on a Phone or Tablet

Many online American Roulette games are designed for smartphone and tablet screens. Touch controls let players select chips and tap betting areas, while live dealer versions can stream directly to a mobile browser or casino app. A stable connection helps keep the game running smoothly.

Play Responsibly

Set spending and time limits before you play, and stop when you reach them. Roulette is gambling, not a way to make income. Only play where it is legal and if you meet the applicable minimum age. If gambling stops feeling enjoyable, take a break and seek support from a qualified local service.

American Roulette FAQ