American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most popular casino table games in the United States, and it’s known for its fast pace, simple rules, and that heart-skipping moment when the ball finally drops.

What makes it different from other roulette variants comes down to one key detail - American Roulette has two green pockets: “0” and “00.” That extra pocket changes the odds, the house edge, and the way many players approach their bets.

American Roulette, Explained in Plain English

In American Roulette, you bet on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel. You can bet on a single number, a small group of numbers, or broader outcomes like red or black.

The wheel includes numbers 1-36 in red and black, plus the green “0” and “00.” If the ball lands on your chosen result, you win based on the payout tied to that bet type.

The Real Origins: Roulette’s European Roots and the American Twist

Roulette traces its roots back to Europe, where early versions of the wheel evolved into what most players now recognize as roulette. When the game reached the United States, casinos made a notable change by adding the “00” pocket.

That adjustment created what we now call American Roulette. It helped boost the casino’s mathematical advantage, and over time, it became the standard roulette format across many land-based casinos in the United States.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel Layout (What You’re Really Betting On)

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

• Numbers 1-36
• Single zero (0)
• Double zero (00)

The numbers 1-36 alternate red and black, while the 0 and 00 are green. Those two green pockets are the “house numbers” in the sense that they drive the higher house edge compared to European Roulette.

American Roulette Table Layout: How the Betting Grid Works

The table layout is a betting grid that mirrors the numbers and common bet groupings. You’ll see the numbers 1-36 arranged in rows and columns, plus spaces for 0 and 00.

Players place chips directly on the areas that match their bets. A chip placed on a single number is a straight-up bet, while chips placed on lines, corners, or outside sections represent different group bets. It’s a clean system once you learn where each bet “lives” on the felt.

How to Play American Roulette Step by Step

American Roulette is easy to learn, even if you’ve never played a table game before.

That’s it - the strategy comes from what you choose to bet on, not from changing the outcome.

American Roulette Bets: Inside vs Outside (And What They Pay)

Roulette bets are usually grouped into two categories: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets focus on specific numbers or small clusters, while outside bets cover larger groups and hit more often (but pay less).

Inside Bets: Higher Payouts, Lower Hit Rate

Inside bets are placed on the numbered grid itself. They’re popular with players chasing bigger payouts and big-moment wins.

Straight Up: Bet on one number. Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing your chip on the line between them. Street: Bet on three numbers in a row by placing your chip at the end of the row. Corner: Bet on four numbers that meet at one corner. Six Line: Bet on six numbers across two adjacent rows.

These bets can be exciting because the payouts are stronger, but you’ll miss more often since you’re covering fewer numbers.

Outside Bets: Smoother Momentum and Simpler Choices

Outside bets are placed on the larger sections around the grid. They’re often the go-to for beginners because they’re easier to understand and provide more frequent wins.

Red or Black: Bet that the result is a red or black number. Odd or Even: Bet that the winning number is odd or even. High or Low: Bet 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). Dozens: Bet on 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers each.

Outside bets typically pay less, but they can help you keep better balance in your bankroll, especially when you’re learning.

American Roulette Payout Table (Quick Reference)

Here are the typical payouts you’ll see in American Roulette:

• Straight Up covers 1 number and pays 35: 1 (example: Bet on 17)
• Split covers 2 numbers and pays 17: 1 (example: Bet on 17-20 split)
• Street covers 3 numbers and pays 11: 1 (example: Bet on 1-2-3)
• Corner covers 4 numbers and pays 8: 1 (example: Bet on 19-20-22-23)
• Six Line covers 6 numbers and pays 5: 1 (example: Bet on 7-8-9-10-11-12)
• Dozens / Columns cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1 (example: Bet on 1st dozen)
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low cover 18 numbers and pay 1: 1 (example: Bet on Red)

These payouts are “typical” because they’re standardized in most casinos, but it’s still smart to confirm the rules for any specific online table you’re playing.

The House Edge in American Roulette (And Why It’s 5.26%)

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. The reason is simple: the wheel has two green pockets (0 and 00), and most standard bets don’t account for them in a way that keeps the game even.

For comparison, European Roulette usually has only one green pocket (0), which lowers its house edge to about 2.7%. That single design change makes a real difference over time, especially for frequent players.

Smart American Roulette Strategy Tips for Beginners

Roulette can feel predictable when you see streaks of red or a run of high numbers, but it’s still a game of chance. Each spin is independent, and the wheel has no memory.

A few practical tips that keep your play steady and clear:

Understand the odds before betting - especially for single-number bets. Use outside bets for lower risk and smoother swings in your bankroll. Set a budget and stick to it - roulette can move fast when you’re having fun. Skip systems that claim “guaranteed wins.” They can’t change the math, and they often push players to bet more than they planned.

If you want to maximize entertainment and stay in control, aim for fairness in your own approach - consistent bet sizing and realistic expectations go a long way.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences That Matter

American and European Roulette look similar at a glance, but they play differently once you factor in the wheel.

Number of pockets: American has 38 (includes 0 and 00). European has 37 (only 0). House edge: American is 5.26%. European is about 2.7%. Popularity: American Roulette is more common in casinos across the United States, while European Roulette is more common in many European casinos.

If you’re comparing options online, it’s worth checking which roulette variant a casino is offering before you place your first chip.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette: Two Ways to Play

Online American Roulette generally comes in two formats:

RNG roulette uses a random number generator to simulate the spin. It’s fast, private, and available any time. Live dealer roulette streams a real roulette wheel from a studio, with a live dealer running the game. It’s slower than RNG, but it feels more social and closer to a real casino session.

If you like speed and convenience, RNG is a good fit. If you want that real-wheel energy and more transparency in the process, live dealer tables are worth a look.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

When you play online, the software provider matters because it impacts everything from gameplay smoothness to live-stream quality.

Some of the most recognized roulette developers include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. You’ll see these names often at licensed, regulated platforms, and they’re popular because they deliver consistent performance and clear game presentation.

For example, Ezugi and Playtech roulette titles are part of the game catalogs at Twinqo Casino, which is covered in our Twinqo Casino review. NetGaming, another common name in casino lobbies, shows up in the Ember Casino lineup - see details in our Ember Casino review.

Mobile American Roulette: Spin Anywhere, Anytime

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. That includes both RNG tables and live dealer streams, with touch-friendly betting grids and quick chip controls.

If you’re playing on mobile, make sure you have a stable connection, especially for live dealer roulette, where video quality can affect the experience.

Responsible Gambling Reminder: Keep It Fun and Controlled

Roulette is exciting, but real-money play always carries risk. Set deposit limits, use time-outs when needed, and never chase losses. The best sessions are the ones where you stay in balance and treat every bet as paid entertainment, not a plan to profit.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette