American Roulette

American Roulette puts a familiar casino staple front and center for players in the United States: a roulette wheel with two green pockets, labeled 0 and 00. That simple change affects odds, payouts, and the house edge, and it’s the defining feature that sets American Roulette apart from other variants.

Brief origins: From Europe to the United States

Roulette began in Europe in the 18th century, blending earlier wheel games and roulette-style betting into a single table game. When roulette crossed the Atlantic, American casinos adapted the wheel and added the double zero to increase the house advantage. Over time, that version became the standard in many United States casinos, while European casinos mostly kept the single-zero wheel.

Why the two green pockets matter

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total: numbers 1 through 36, a single zero labeled 0, and a double zero labeled 00. The numbers alternate red and black around the rim, while the zero pockets are green. That extra green pocket changes the math on every bet, which is why understanding the wheel layout is the first step to smart play.

How the table works and where to place chips

The betting grid on an American Roulette table mirrors the wheel’s numbers and offers area bets for larger groups. Players place chips directly on numbers or on designated lines and boxes for group bets. Inside bets cover specific numbers or tight clusters, while outside bets cover colors, parity, ranges, dozens, and columns. Dealers—or digital interfaces—accept bets until the dealer announces “no more bets.”

How to play American Roulette — a simple step-by-step

• Choose your chip value.
• Place one or more bets on the table before the spin.
• The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
• The ball lands in a numbered pocket.
• Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing bets are collected. Play moves quickly, and online versions handle payouts instantly; live dealer tables follow the same flow but with a real person managing the spin.

Inside bets — big payouts for small targets

Inside bets focus on single numbers or small groups, so payouts are higher but wins are less frequent.

• Straight up — bet on one number, highest payout.
• Split — covers two adjacent numbers.
• Street — covers a row of three numbers.
• Corner — covers a block of four numbers.
• Six line — covers two adjacent rows, six numbers total.

These bets are for players chasing bigger returns on a single spin, with correspondingly higher variance.

Outside bets — lower variance, steadier play

Outside bets cover larger groups and pay less, making them useful for bankroll management.

• Red or black — color bets, roughly half the wheel minus green pockets.
• Odd or even — parity bets, similar coverage as color.
• High or low — covers 1–18 or 19–36.
• Dozens — cover 12-number blocks.
• Columns — cover an entire vertical column on the grid.

Outside bets are popular for players who prefer more frequent, smaller wins and longer sessions.

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

These are standard payouts; always check the table or game rules where you play. T&Cs apply.

House edge explained — why it’s 5.26%

The double zero creates a higher house edge in American Roulette: about 5.26% on most bets. Each bet faces the extra green pocket, which reduces the player’s expected return compared with a single-zero wheel. By comparison, European Roulette, which has one zero, typically shows a house edge around 2.7%. That difference is why many players choose single-zero variants when available.

Strategy tips that actually help beginners

• Understand the odds before you bet—know payout ratios and how many numbers each bet covers.
• Use outside bets for lower risk and more frequent wins when preserving your bankroll matters.
• Set a session budget, and stop when you hit either your loss limit or a preset win goal.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; roulette is a game of chance.
• Treat spins as independent events; previous results don’t change future outcomes.

American Roulette versus European Roulette — quick differences

• Number of pockets: American has 38 pockets, European has 37.
• House edge: American ~5.26%, European ~2.7%.
• Popularity: American Roulette is common in United States casinos, while European Roulette dominates in many European venues and online single-zero lobbies. The extra zero is the main reason a player’s long-term expected loss is higher in the American version.

RNG or live dealer — which American Roulette fits you?

Online American Roulette comes in two main forms: RNG versions use certified random number generators and are fast, available 24/7, and ideal for solo play. Live dealer games stream a real table and dealer from a studio or casino floor, supplying the social feel of a physical table with real-time interaction. Choose RNG for quick sessions and low-stakes testing, or live dealer if you want to watch the wheel and chat with a dealer.

Top providers making American Roulette worth playing

Major developers known for high-quality American Roulette titles include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These studios offer polished interfaces, reliable randomization or live streaming, and mobile-friendly designs, so you can play on desktop or phone with consistent performance. If you want a vetted site to try, see our Gizbo Casino review for one example of a platform that lists many major studios.

Mobile play — roulette on phones and tablets

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with touchscreen betting, clear layouts, and fast load times. Mobile versions balance usability and visibility so you can place inside or outside bets with a few taps, and live dealer streams adapt to smaller screens without losing key information.

Play responsibly — short reminder

Set deposit limits, session time caps, and loss thresholds before you play. Know that roulette is a game of chance, and no strategy can guarantee profits. If you feel your play is becoming risky, seek help resources and tools offered by platforms and regulators. Always read the game and bonus terms and conditions before accepting offers.

Frequently asked questions

Whether you’re trying American Roulette for the first time on mobile, practicing with RNG games, or joining a live table, knowing the wheel layout, bet types, and house edge helps you make clearer choices at the table. Always play within limits, read the rules where you play, and enjoy the game responsibly.