American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic wheel-and-table game many players picture when they think of casinos in the United States. Its defining feature—the extra green pocket marked "00" alongside the single "0"—changes the math and the way players approach bets. That difference creates a distinct pace and payoff structure that many players enjoy for its higher-risk, higher-reward feel.

A Short History: From Europe to the United States

Roulette originated in Europe during the 18th century, evolving from wheel games and early betting toys. When the game crossed the Atlantic in the 19th century, American casinos adapted the wheel by adding the double zero to increase house retention and to create a recognizable variant for the local market. Over time, that version became the go-to wheel in many United States casinos, while Europe kept the single-zero layout that favors players slightly more.

The Wheel Layout: 38 Pockets and Two Greens

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

• Numbers 1 through 36
• Single zero ("0")
• Double zero ("00")

The numbered pockets alternate red and black, while the "0" and "00" pockets are green. That extra green pocket is small in appearance but big in impact: it increases the frequency of losing outcomes for even-money bets and other wagers compared with the single-zero wheel.

Table Layout: Where You Place Your Bets

The American Roulette table pairs a numbered betting grid with sections for broader wagers. The grid shows numbers 1–36 in a 3-by-12 layout, and separate boxes mark the "0" and the "00." Outside the grid you’ll find areas for even-money bets, dozens, and columns. Players place chips directly on numbers, on the lines between numbers, or on labeled boxes for outside bets, then the dealer handles the spin and payout process.

How to Play American Roulette — Quick Walkthrough

1. Choose your chip value and buy chips from the dealer or cashier.
2. Place your bets on the table before the dealer closes wagering—on single numbers, groups of numbers, or outside sections.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and launches the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball settles into a numbered pocket—"0," "00," or 1–36.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing bets are cleared from the layout.

Always check the table limits and the casino’s terms and conditions before you play.

Inside Bets: Targeted, Bigger Payouts

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or compact groups on the main grid. They offer the highest payouts, but cover fewer numbers:

• Straight up — single number
• Split — two adjacent numbers
• Street — a row of three numbers
• Corner — block of four numbers
• Six line — two adjacent rows, six numbers total

These bets are great when you want a chance at a larger payoff from a single spin, but they come with lower hit frequency.

Outside Bets: Lower Risk, More Frequent Wins

Outside bets cover larger portions of the wheel and pay lower odds, making them a staple for players who prefer steadier action:

• Red or black
• Odd or even
• High (19–36) or low (1–18)
• Dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36)
• Columns (each vertical column of 12)

Outside bets are ideal for bankroll management, since wins occur more often even if payouts are smaller.

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

Payouts are standard across many casinos, but always confirm the table payout rules before placing significant bets.

Why the House Edge Is Higher in American Roulette

The double zero raises the house edge to about 5.26%. With 38 pockets, a straight-up bet’s true odds would be 37: 1, but casinos pay 35: 1, creating the edge. European Roulette, with a single zero and 37 pockets, has a house edge around 2.70%, because the fewer green pockets reduce the built-in advantage for the house.

Smart Tips for Playing American Roulette

• Understand the odds before you bet so you know what you’re risking.
• Favor outside bets for lower volatility, especially when building a bankroll.
• Set a session budget and stick to it—manage your bankroll in fixed increments.
• Avoid betting systems that claim to beat the wheel; roulette is a game of chance and no system guarantees wins.
• Check table limits, payout rules, and the casino’s terms and conditions before you play.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: Key Differences

• Number of pockets — American has 38, European has 37.
• House edge — American ~5.26%, European ~2.70%.
• Popularity — American Roulette is more common in casinos across the United States, while European Roulette is favored in many European venues and in international online lobbies. These distinctions affect both strategy and expected variance, so choose the wheel that aligns with your risk tolerance.

Online vs Live Dealer: Which Fits Your Style

Online American Roulette comes in two main flavors:

• RNG (random number generator) versions — automated spins, consistent pace, and often multiple simultaneous tables.
• Live dealer versions — a real dealer spins a physical wheel in a studio and streams the action, giving a more social, authentic experience.

Both formats offer legal real-money play in licensed jurisdictions in the United States. If you want a social table and the feel of a real wheel, live dealer games are the way to go. For faster play and varied betting options, RNG tables excel. Check our review of Bovada Casino for examples of both formats and current bonus offers, and always read the site’s terms and conditions.

Top Developers Building American Roulette Games

Major providers that deliver high-quality American Roulette or live roulette tables include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These studios focus on smooth mobile play, realistic dealers, and fair RNG mechanics if applicable.

Mobile Play and Fast Pacing

American Roulette is optimized for smartphones and tablets, with responsive layouts and touch-friendly betting grids. Mobile versions keep the table clear and the betting process quick, so you can place outside bets or snap on a straight-up wager in seconds. Performance varies by developer, so pick a provider with a strong mobile reputation.

Play Responsibly

Set deposit, time, and loss limits before playing. If gambling stops being fun or you feel pressure to recover losses, step away and seek help. Licensed casinos provide responsible gaming tools and resources; use them, and consult the casino’s terms and conditions for limits and support options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you prefer quick online spins or the live-table atmosphere, American Roulette offers straightforward rules and a range of betting choices. Keep limits in place, know the math, and choose the table that matches your style.