American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic casino wheel game built around one simple goal: predict where the ball will land. You can bet on a single number, a small cluster, or broad outcomes like red/black and odd/even, then get paid based on how precise your pick was.

What separates American Roulette from other variants is the wheel itself. It includes two green pockets - 0 and 00 - which changes the math, shifts the odds, and raises the house edge compared to European Roulette.

Roulette’s European Roots - And How the American Wheel Was Born

Roulette traces back to Europe, where the game evolved into the single-zero format most players now recognize as “European Roulette.” When roulette crossed the Atlantic and took off in the United States, the wheel changed. American casinos adopted a double-zero slot (00), creating the 38-pocket American wheel that’s now a staple in US-style casinos and many online lobbies.

That extra green pocket is the defining twist - and the reason American Roulette plays a little tougher, but often feels more “classic Vegas” in presentation.

The American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Pockets, More Ways to Miss

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

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

The 1-36 pockets alternate red and black (not in numerical order), while 0 and 00 are green. Those two green pockets don’t just look different - they’re the built-in advantage that tilts the game toward the casino.

The American Roulette Table Layout: Where Every Bet Lives

The roulette table is a betting grid that mirrors how outcomes are grouped. You place chips directly on the layout to show what you’re betting:

• Inside areas cover specific numbers or tight number groups (like 17, or 17-20).
• Outside areas cover bigger sets (like red, even, 1-18, or dozens).

Where you put your chip matters. A chip on a single number pays very differently than a chip placed on an outside box like “Red.”

How to Play American Roulette: Quick, Clean, and Easy to Follow

A round of American Roulette follows a simple flow:

1. Choose your chip value (your stake per chip).
2. Place your bets on the table layout before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball drops into a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid based on the payout schedule, and losing bets are cleared.

That’s it - no decisions mid-round, no changing odds, just one spin and a result.

American Roulette Bets That Shape Your Winning Potential

American Roulette bets fall into two main categories: inside bets (high precision, higher payouts) and outside bets (broader coverage, steadier returns).

Inside Bets: Tight Targets, Bigger Payouts

Inside bets are placed on individual numbers or small blocks within the numbered grid:

• Straight Up: one exact number.
• Split: two adjacent numbers (chip on the line between them).
• Street: three numbers in a row (chip on the outer edge of that row).
• Corner: four numbers that meet at a corner (chip on the intersection).
• Six Line: six numbers across two adjacent streets (chip on the shared outer line).

These bets can pay hard when they hit - but they land less often because they cover fewer outcomes.

Outside Bets: Broader Coverage, Smoother Swings

Outside bets sit around the perimeter of the grid and cover larger groups:

• Red or Black (18 numbers)
• Odd or Even (18 numbers)
• High or Low - 19-36 or 1-18 (18 numbers)
• Dozens - 1-12, 13-24, 25-36 (12 numbers)
• Columns - one of the three vertical columns (12 numbers)

Outside bets generally pay less per win, but you’ll connect more frequently because you’re covering more of the board.

American Roulette Payout Table: Know the Returns Before You Bet

Here are the standard payouts you’ll see in most American Roulette games:

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

Payouts are typically listed as “to 1.” A 35: 1 Straight Up win returns 35 units of profit plus your original stake.

House Edge in American Roulette: The Real Cost of 0 and 00

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. The reason is simple: the extra 00 pocket increases the total outcomes to 38 while payouts remain based on 36-number math.

For comparison, European Roulette (with only a single 0) has a lower house edge of about 2.7%. Same style of game, noticeably different long-term value.

Smart American Roulette Tips: Play Sharper Without Overcomplicating It

Roulette is pure chance - no pattern can predict the next landing spot - but you can still play in a way that keeps your sessions controlled and enjoyable.

Understand the odds before you stake bigger amounts. If you’re new, outside bets like red/black or high/low are a straightforward way to reduce volatility. Set a bankroll for the session, keep your bet sizing consistent, and decide ahead of time what “done for today” looks like.

Be cautious with betting systems that claim guaranteed wins. They can increase stakes quickly, and the wheel doesn’t remember past spins. Roulette rewards discipline, not superstition.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Actually Matter

The two versions look similar at a glance, but the core differences are decisive:

• Number of pockets: American has 38 (0 and 00); European has 37 (0 only).
• House edge: American is 5.26%; European is about 2.7%.
• Where you’ll see it most: American Roulette dominates many US-style casinos, while European Roulette is more common across Europe and often favored by players seeking better odds.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer: Two Ways to Play, Two Different Vibes

Online American Roulette typically comes in two formats:

• RNG roulette uses a random number generator to produce outcomes instantly. It’s quick, private, and easy to play at any pace.
• Live dealer roulette streams real tables from professional studios. You see the physical wheel, the dealer, and the ball drop in real time, giving the game a more authentic casino feel.

Many players switch between both depending on mood - rapid sessions with RNG, more immersive play with live tables.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette Games

If you’re browsing for quality American Roulette tables, these developers are well-known for reliable gameplay, strong presentation, and smooth performance: Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi.

Provider matters more than most players think - it influences interface clarity, betting limits, camera angles (for live), and how cleanly the table runs on mobile.

Mobile American Roulette: Spin Anywhere, Bet in Seconds

American Roulette games are commonly optimized for smartphones and tablets, with layouts designed for touch controls and quick chip placement. Whether you prefer RNG play on the go or a live studio feed, mobile versions are built to keep betting simple without shrinking the experience.

Where to Play American Roulette Online Right Now

If you’re looking to put American Roulette on your rotation, check casinos that carry major roulette studios and flexible banking.

Bulletz Casino features a wide mix of top software, plus a welcome package worth checking out - $/€1,000 + 200 Free Spins (split across four deposits). You can review details here: Bulletz Casino.

Casino-Z is built for variety, with a massive software lineup and a welcome offer of $1500 + 150 Free Spins (spread over the first four deposits). Full review here: Casino-Z.

PlayCroco Casino is an option for players who like straightforward promos, including a 200% up to $5000 bonus (code PLAYCROCO) and a $10 Free new-player offer (code 10FREE). See more here: PlayCroco Casino.

Always check the terms for wagering requirements, eligible games, and any max cashout rules before you commit funds.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun, Keep It Controlled

Set limits on deposits, time, and losses before you start. If the game stops feeling fun, take a break - roulette will be there when you’re ready. Playing responsibly protects your bankroll and your mindset, and it keeps the experience enjoyable long-term.

FAQ: American Roulette Answers You’ll Actually Use