American Roulette

American Roulette puts 38 pockets in play, including both 0 and 00. That extra green pocket is the defining difference from European Roulette - and it raises the house edge. Here’s how the wheel, bets, payouts, and online formats work.

What Makes American Roulette Different?

American Roulette is a casino game in which players wager on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. You can bet on a single number, a small group of numbers, or broader outcomes such as red or black.

The key distinction is the double-zero pocket. American wheels have both 0 and 00, while European wheels usually have a single 0. That additional pocket gives the casino a higher mathematical advantage.

From European Origins to American Wheels

Roulette developed in Europe, with versions of the game appearing in France during the 18th century. Its name means “little wheel” in French. The game later crossed the Atlantic, where casinos adapted the wheel and table layout for American play.

The addition of the 00 pocket helped distinguish the American version from the single-zero European game. Today, both versions are available in land-based casinos and online.

American Roulette Wheel Layout

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets:

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

The numbers from 1 to 36 alternate between red and black. The two zero pockets are green and are not included in standard red-or-black, odd-or-even, or high-or-low bets.

How the Betting Grid Works

The table’s numbered grid mirrors the wheel’s numbers, arranged in three columns. Players place chips on marked areas to select their wagers. A chip placed directly on a number is a single-number bet; chips placed on lines or designated outside areas cover several outcomes.

Inside bets sit on or between numbered squares and cover smaller groups. Outside bets are placed in marked areas around the grid and cover broader categories. In a casino, the dealer can clarify where a chip needs to go; online tables typically let you select a betting area and confirm the wager on screen.

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 into a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the game’s payout table.

The result is random, and a previous spin does not affect the next one.

Inside and Outside Bets

Inside bets cover specific numbers or compact groups of numbers. They offer larger payouts, but each wager covers fewer possible winning pockets.

• Straight Up: One number.
• Split: Two adjoining numbers.
• Street: Three numbers in a horizontal row.
• Corner: Four numbers meeting at a corner.
• Six Line: Six numbers across two adjoining rows.

Outside bets cover larger sets of outcomes. Their payouts are generally smaller, and the 0 and 00 still cause standard even-money bets to lose.

• Red or Black: One color.
• Odd or Even: Numbers with the selected parity.
• High or Low: 19-36 or 1-18.
• Dozens: One of three groups of 12 numbers.
• Columns: One of three vertical groups of 12 numbers.

American Roulette Payout Table

Payouts below show the typical profit odds. A 35: 1 payout, for example, pays $35 in profit for each $1 wagered, with the original stake also returned on a win.

• Straight Up covers 1 number and pays 35: 1
• Split covers 2 numbers and pays 17: 1
• Street covers 3 numbers and pays 11: 1
• Corner covers 4 numbers and pays 8: 1
• Six Line covers 6 numbers and pays 5: 1
• Dozens / Columns cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1
• Red / Black, Odd / Even, High / Low cover 18 numbers and pay 1: 1

The House Edge: 5.26%

American Roulette has a house edge of about 5.26%. On a standard wheel, the 0 and 00 pockets make even-money bets win on 18 of 38 outcomes and lose on the other 20. European Roulette’s single zero lowers its standard house edge to about 2.70%.

The edge applies over repeated play, not as a prediction of what will happen in any individual session. A single spin can produce any result on the wheel.

Practical Tips for New Players

• Know the odds: Check how many numbers your wager covers and what it pays.
• Consider outside bets: They cover more outcomes than inside bets, though they do not remove the house edge.
• Set a bankroll: Decide how much you’re comfortable spending before you play, and stick to that limit.
• Be wary of “guaranteed” systems: Betting patterns cannot control random results or ensure a win.

Roulette is a game of chance. No betting approach can reliably predict the next pocket or guarantee a profit.

American vs. European Roulette

The main differences are the wheel size and the house edge:

• American Roulette has 38 pockets (numbers 1-36, 0, and 00) with a standard house edge of about 5.26% and is widely associated with U.S. casinos
• European Roulette usually has 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 and 0) with a standard house edge of about 2.70% and is widely associated with European casinos

Availability varies by venue and online casino, so check the game rules before placing a wager.

Online RNG and Live Dealer Roulette

Online American Roulette is commonly offered in two formats. RNG games use a random number generator to determine each result and typically display the wheel digitally. Live dealer games stream a real wheel and dealer from a studio, with bets placed through the game interface.

Both formats should display their rules and payout information. Before playing, confirm that the table is American Roulette and check its limits and any special rules.

Software Providers and Mobile Play

Roulette games are available from a range of software studios. Providers in the wider casino industry include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. The games available vary by platform and region, so check the casino’s current lobby rather than assuming every provider or wheel type is offered.

Many online roulette games are designed for smartphones and tablets, with touch-friendly betting areas and layouts adjusted for smaller screens. If you’re comparing platforms, see the details for Jackpot88 Casino and Two Coppers Casino; game availability can vary.

Play Within Your Limits

Set a spending limit and a time limit before you start, and treat roulette as entertainment rather than a way to make money. Don’t chase losses or wager funds needed for essentials. If play stops feeling manageable, take a break and seek support from a responsible gambling service in your area.

American Roulette FAQ