American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic casino wheel most often seen in United States casinos and many online lobbies that cater to United States players. The defining feature is simple: the wheel includes two green pockets — a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). That extra green pocket changes the odds, and it’s the main reason American Roulette plays differently from other roulette variants.

A Short History: From Europe to the United States

Roulette traces its roots to eighteenth-century Europe, where French inventors refined a simple wheel-and-ball game into the form many players recognize today. When the game crossed the Atlantic, it evolved to match American house rules and large casino floors. The double zero was added to increase the house advantage, and “American Roulette” became the standard in many United States venues and online casinos that serve United States players.

Wheel Layout: How the American Wheel Is Built

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total. Those pockets include:

• Numbers 1–36, alternating between red and black.
• A single zero pocket labeled 0, colored green.
• A double zero pocket labeled 00, also colored green.

The alternating red and black sequence makes outside bets like red/black and odd/even easy to track visually, while the two green pockets create the higher house edge unique to this variant.

Table Layout: Where Bets Go

The betting layout on the table mirrors the wheel but gives you many places to place chips. Players put chips on individual numbered squares for inside bets, or on labeled sections for outside bets. Common table areas include:

• The main grid with numbers 1–36, plus slots for 0 and 00.
• Boxes for “1st 12,” “2nd 12,” and “3rd 12” (dozens).
• Columns listed at the bottom of the grid.
• Marked spots for red/black, odd/even, and high/low.

A dealer will accept chips until they announce “no more bets,” then spin the wheel and drop the ball.

How to Play American Roulette — Step by Step

1. Choose your chip value.
2. Place bets on the table where you want them to stand.
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 payout table, and losing bets are cleared.

Play legally by checking in-state accessibility and any geolocation requirements before wagering. If you’re trying a new casino, review the platform’s terms and conditions, including bonus rules and wagering requirements.

Inside Bets — Targeting Specific Numbers

Inside bets are placed directly on numbers or small groups on the main grid. They offer higher payouts but lower probability of hitting.

• Straight Up — single number, paid at 35: 1.
• Split — two adjacent numbers, paid at 17: 1.
• Street — three numbers in a row, paid at 11: 1.
• Corner — four numbers that meet at a point, paid at 8: 1.
• Six Line — two adjacent rows (six numbers), paid at 5: 1.

Outside Bets — Bigger Coverage, Smaller Payouts

Outside bets cover larger portions of the table and reduce volatility.

• Red or Black — covers 18 numbers, paid at 1: 1.
• Odd or Even — covers 18 numbers, paid at 1: 1.
• High (19–36) or Low (1–18) — covers 18 numbers, paid at 1: 1.
• Dozens — “1st 12,” “2nd 12,” “3rd 12,” each covers 12 numbers, paid at 2: 1.
• Columns — covers 12 numbers in the column, paid at 2: 1.

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

House Edge Explained — Why It’s Higher in American Roulette

American Roulette carries a house edge of 5.26%, which comes from the two green pockets — 0 and 00. Each pocket reduces the likelihood that even-money bets will win, which raises the casino’s long-term advantage. By comparison, European Roulette, with a single zero, typically has a house edge around 2.7%.

Practical Strategy Tips for Beginners

• Understand the odds before placing chips; inside bets pay more but win less often.
• Use outside bets if you prefer lower-risk play and steadier bankroll swings.
• Manage your bankroll — set a session limit and stick to it.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; roulette is a game of chance.
• Practice free-play or demo modes first to get comfortable with timing and table layout.

Comparing American Roulette and European Roulette

• Number of pockets — American has 38 pockets (0 and 00), European has 37 pockets (single 0).
• House edge — American is about 5.26%, European is roughly 2.7%.
• Popularity — American Roulette is widely used in United States casinos and many online sites serving United States players; European Roulette is common in many European venues and in online lobbies outside the United States.
• Rule variants — some European tables offer “la partage” or “en prison” rules that can lower house edge on even-money bets; those are rare on American tables.

Online RNG Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette

Online American Roulette comes in two main formats:

• RNG (random number generator) tables — software runs spins instantly, ideal for quick play and mobile sessions.
• Live dealer tables — real dealers stream from studios, giving an authentic casino feel and slower, social gameplay.

Both formats are available on mobile-optimized sites and apps. If you prefer the live experience, look for live tables from reputable providers, and check the platform’s payout speed and customer support options.

If you want a sample casino that lists many software studios and support options, see this review: Spinju Casino.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

Major developers that offer American Roulette variations include:

• Evolution — top live dealer studios with professional dealers.
• Playtech — well-known for polished RNG and live titles.
• Pragmatic Play Live — strong live dealer offerings.
• NetEnt — classic RNG tables with reliable randomness.
• Ezugi — focused on high-quality live streams.

These providers power games used by many licensed platforms, offering solid mobile performance and fast streaming.

Mobile Play — Roulette on Smartphones and Tablets

American Roulette is fully optimized for modern smartphones and tablets. Look for:

• Crisp touch controls for chip placement.
• Auto-spin options in RNG versions.
• High-frame-rate live streams for live dealer games.
• Fast withdrawals and in-app support if you prefer mobile-first play.

Responsible Gambling Reminder

Set deposit and loss limits, and take regular breaks. If gambling stops being fun, seek support through official help resources. Play within your means and check casino terms and conditions before claiming bonuses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrap up American Roulette offers fast-paced, classic casino action with clear rules and familiar bet types. Know the layout, understand the house edge, and choose the format that fits your style — quick RNG sessions or the live dealer table that feels like a floor game. Play responsibly, manage your bankroll, and check the platform’s terms and conditions before wagering.