American Roulette

American Roulette puts 38 pockets into play, with numbers 1 through 36 plus two green pockets: 0 and 00. That double-zero pocket is the defining difference from European Roulette - and it raises the house edge. Learn how the wheel, table, bets, and payouts work before placing a wager.

American Roulette Rules and Origins

Roulette developed in Europe, with versions of the game taking shape in France during the 18th century. After it reached the United States, casino operators added a second green pocket, 00. This American variation gave the house an extra advantage and became a familiar fixture in US casinos.

The key distinction is simple: American Roulette has both 0 and 00, while European Roulette typically has only 0. That additional pocket changes the odds on most bets.

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 numbered pockets alternate between red and black around the wheel, with the two green pockets breaking that pattern. The table’s numbered spaces use the same red and black colors, making it easy to place color bets.

American Roulette Table Layout

The betting layout is a numbered grid with spaces for 1 through 36, arranged in three columns. Red and black numbers are marked by color. Areas around the grid let you bet on broader groups, including odd or even numbers, low or high numbers, and dozens or columns. The green 0 and 00 pockets are shown separately.

To place a bet, put your chips on the area that matches your choice. A chip on a single number is a straight-up bet; a chip on the line between two numbers covers both. Casinos may provide chips in different colors for each player, especially at live tables.

How to Play American Roulette

1. Choose your chip value.
2. Place chips on one or more betting areas before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball settles into a numbered pocket.
5. The dealer pays winning bets according to the payout table and clears losing wagers.

You can combine bets in one round, such as wagering on a specific number and on red. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, so they do not count as red, black, odd, even, high, or low.

American Roulette Bets and Typical Payouts

Inside bets cover a specific number or a small group of numbers on the grid. They generally pay more because they cover fewer outcomes. Outside bets cover larger groups and usually pay less.

Payouts list:

• 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 or Black: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• Odd or Even: 18 numbers, 1: 1
• High or Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1

Payouts are shown as net odds. For example, a winning straight-up bet pays 35 units for every unit wagered, with the original stake typically returned as well. Exact table rules can vary, so check the displayed payout information before playing.

Inside bets include:

• Straight Up: Place a chip directly on one number.
• Split: Place a chip on the line between two adjoining numbers.
• Street: Cover a row of three numbers by placing a chip on the row’s outer edge.
• Corner: Place a chip at the intersection of four numbers.
• Six Line: Cover two adjoining rows, or six numbers, with a chip at the end of the dividing line.

Outside bets include:

• Red or Black: Choose a color among the numbered pockets.
• Odd or Even: Choose odd- or even-numbered pockets.
• High or Low: Choose 1-18 or 19-36.
• Dozens: Choose 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36.
• Columns: Choose one of the three vertical groups on the table.

Outside bets cover more numbers, but 0 and 00 still cause most of them to lose. Dozens and columns also lose when the ball lands in either green pocket.

American Roulette House Edge

The house edge on standard American Roulette bets is about 5.26%. It comes from the 0 and 00 pockets: even-money bets cover 18 numbered pockets, but the wheel has 38 outcomes. By comparison, European Roulette has a typical house edge of about 2.70% because it has just one zero.

The house edge describes the casino’s long-term mathematical advantage. It does not predict the result of an individual spin, but it is useful when comparing roulette versions.

Practical Tips for Beginners

• Know the odds: Check how many numbers a bet covers and its payout before wagering.
• Consider outside bets: They cover more numbers than inside bets, though they do not remove the house edge.
• Set a bankroll limit: Decide in advance how much you are willing to spend, and stop when you reach that limit.
• Treat betting systems cautiously: No progression or pattern can guarantee a win or change the wheel’s odds.
• Remember the role of chance: Each spin is independent, and previous results do not determine the next outcome.

American Roulette vs. European Roulette

Comparison list:

• Pockets: American has 38 (numbers 1-36, 0, and 00); European usually has 37 (numbers 1-36 and 0)
• Typical house edge: American 5.26%; European 2.70%
• Common setting: American frequently associated with US casinos; European frequently associated with European casinos

The extra 00 makes American Roulette less favorable to players on standard bets. Both versions use similar table layouts and bet types, but the wheel’s pocket count affects the probability of each outcome.

Online American Roulette: RNG or Live Dealer

Online American Roulette is commonly available in two formats. RNG games use a random number generator to produce each result. They are often easy to access on demand, and some include adjustable speed or table views.

Live dealer games stream a real wheel and dealer from a studio. Players place bets through the online table interface while watching the spin unfold. Availability, table limits, and game features vary by casino and location.

Before choosing a site, check its game catalog, local eligibility, payment terms, and responsible gambling tools. Our reviews of Kazeeno and Planet of the Apes Casino provide platform details; specific roulette games may not be available at every casino or in every jurisdiction.

Roulette Software Providers

Providers offering roulette titles or live dealer tables include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. Each developer’s selection can differ, and a casino may carry only some titles from a provider. Check the game lobby for the specific American Roulette version, rules, limits, and return details.

American Roulette on Mobile

Many online roulette games are designed for smartphones and tablets. Mobile interfaces typically let you select chip values, tap betting areas, and view the wheel on a smaller screen. Features vary between games, so check that the layout is clear and that you can review bets before the betting period ends.

Play Responsibly

Set limits for both time and spending before you play, and do not chase losses. Roulette is intended for adults of legal gambling age in their jurisdiction. If gambling stops feeling manageable, take a break and contact a local support service.

American Roulette FAQ