American Roulette

American Roulette is the US version of roulette found in many land-based casinos and online casino lobbies. It uses a wheel with 38 pockets and gives players a wide range of betting options, from single-number picks to even-money bets like red or black.

The biggest difference between American Roulette and other roulette variants is the extra green pocket. In addition to the single zero, or 0, American Roulette also includes a double zero, or 00. Those two green pockets are what set the game apart and raise the house edge compared with European Roulette.

From Europe to US Casinos: How American Roulette Took Shape

Roulette began in Europe, with roots that are usually traced to France in the 18th century. The game developed from earlier wheel-based gambling games and became popular because of its simple format: players placed bets on where a ball would land after the wheel was spun.

When roulette reached the United States, the wheel changed over time into the version now known as American Roulette. The major shift was the addition of the 00 pocket, which gave casinos a larger mathematical edge. That double-zero wheel became standard in many US casinos and remains a familiar option for American players today.

Inside the Wheel: The 38-Pocket American Layout

An American Roulette wheel has 38 total pockets. These include numbers 1 through 36, a single zero, and a double zero.

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 are split between red and black in an alternating pattern around the wheel. The 0 and 00 are both green, making them easy to spot. Those green pockets do not count as red or black, odd or even, or high or low, which is why they matter so much to the odds.

How the Table Layout Works

The American Roulette table has a betting grid that mirrors the numbered sections players can wager on. The numbers 1 through 36 are arranged in rows, and the 0 and 00 appear at the top of the layout.

Players place chips directly on numbers, lines, or intersections depending on the type of bet they want to make. Bets on exact numbers and small number groups are called inside bets. Bets on broader sections of the board, such as red or black, are called outside bets.

How to Play American Roulette Without Overthinking It

Playing American Roulette is straightforward, even if you are brand new to table games. Once you understand how chips and bets work, the rest moves quickly.

First, choose your chip value at the table or in the online game interface. Next, place your chips on the betting areas that match the wagers you want to make. After betting closes, the dealer spins the wheel and sends the ball in the opposite direction.

The ball eventually drops into one of the 38 pockets. If your bet matches the result, you get paid according to the payout table. If not, the casino collects the losing wagers, and the next round begins.

Smart Look at Inside Bets and Their Payouts

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. These bets offer higher payouts, but they also hit less often.

A straight up bet covers just one number and pays 35: 1. A split covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17: 1. A street covers three numbers in one row and pays 11: 1.

A corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one point on the layout and pays 8: 1. A six line bet covers two adjacent rows, or six total numbers, and pays 5: 1.

Outside Bets That Many Beginners Prefer

Outside bets cover larger sections of the table. They usually come with lower payouts, but they land more often than inside bets.

Red or black covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. Odd or even also covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. High or low, sometimes called 19 to 36 and 1 to 18, also pays 1: 1.

Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time and pay 2: 1. Columns also cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1. These bets are common for players who want a middle ground between risk and reward.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

Here is a quick look at the standard American Roulette payout structure:

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

Payouts are standard at most online and retail casino tables, though it is always smart to check the game rules before you play.

The Key Math Number: American Roulette House Edge

The house edge in American Roulette is 5.26%. That number comes directly from the 38-pocket wheel, especially the addition of the 00 pocket.

For comparison, European Roulette has only 37 pockets because it uses a single zero wheel. That lowers the house edge to about 2.7%. In simple terms, American Roulette costs more to play over time because the extra green pocket makes winning slightly less likely on every spin.

Useful Strategy Tips for New Players

The best starting point is understanding the odds before placing a bet. A straight up bet has a big payout, but the ball only has one winning pocket out of 38. Outside bets pay less, but they give you a better chance to stay in the game longer.

Many beginners prefer red or black, odd or even, or dozens because the swings are usually less severe. It is also smart to set a bankroll before you play and decide how much you are comfortable losing.

Be careful with betting systems that claim they can beat roulette. No strategy can remove the house edge or guarantee profits. Roulette is a game of chance, and every spin is independent of the one before it.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Difference That Matters

The biggest difference between American Roulette and European Roulette is the number of pockets. American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37.

That one extra pocket changes the house edge in a meaningful way. American Roulette sits at 5.26%, while European Roulette is about 2.7%. In practice, European Roulette is generally the better value for players, but American Roulette remains very popular in US casinos because it is the traditional domestic format.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Tables

Players today can choose between standard online American Roulette and live dealer roulette. Standard online versions use a random number generator, or RNG, to determine outcomes. These games are fast, easy to use, and often available at lower minimum stakes.

Live dealer roulette streams real tables from professional studios, with a human dealer handling the wheel and ball in real time. That setup feels closer to a casino floor and appeals to players who want a more social table-game experience.

If you are comparing casino brands, it is worth checking whether they focus more on classic table games, live dealer content, or both. Some broad casino lobbies, such as Chanze Casino, are known for carrying large game libraries alongside sportsbook options.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

Several major developers power American Roulette games online. Evolution is one of the biggest names in live dealer roulette and is widely recognized for studio quality and game variety.

Playtech is another major supplier with both live and digital table games. Pragmatic Play Live has expanded its live dealer footprint, while NetEnt remains a familiar name for RNG casino games. Ezugi also has a strong place in live casino roulette, especially at operators that want multiple studio partners.

Game selection will vary from site to site. Some casinos emphasize broad provider coverage, while others focus more heavily on a few studio brands. A platform like Betride Casino may appeal to players who want a mix of casino products and additional betting categories.

Mobile American Roulette Keeps the Game Within Reach

American Roulette is widely available on smartphones and tablets. Most modern games are built in HTML5, which means they adjust smoothly to iPhone, Android, and mobile browser screens.

That makes it easy to place bets, switch chip values, and follow the wheel without needing a desktop. Live dealer versions are also typically mobile-friendly, provided you have a stable internet connection.

Players who like mobile payments and crypto support often compare cashier flexibility as much as the game lobby itself. For example, RedRacer Casino lists a wide range of payment methods that may suit users who play across devices.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make money. Set a budget before you start, stick to time limits, and never chase losses.

If the game stops being fun, take a break. Responsible play habits matter whether you are betting a few dollars or much more.

American Roulette FAQ