American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most iconic casino table games, built around a spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and a betting layout packed with options. You’re predicting where the ball will land, then getting paid based on how precise (or how broad) your bet is.

What sets American Roulette apart from other variants is simple but massive for the math: it has two green pockets - 0 and 00. That extra 00 changes the odds, bumps the house edge, and makes the American wheel instantly recognizable.

American Roulette Explained in Plain English

Roulette is a number game with quick rounds and clear outcomes. You place chips on the table layout, the wheel spins, the ball drops, and a single pocket decides the result.

American Roulette uses:

• Numbers 1-36
• A single zero (0)
• A double zero (00)

Those two green slots are the key difference versus European Roulette, which only has one green 0.

Roulette’s Origins - And How the American Wheel Changed the Game

Roulette traces its roots to Europe, where versions of the wheel-based game grew in popularity across France and neighboring regions. As roulette traveled and evolved, it reached the United States and adapted to local casino preferences.

That’s where American Roulette took its defining turn: the wheel design shifted to include the 00 pocket. The result was a uniquely American layout that became standard in many US casinos and later carried over into online casinos and live dealer studios worldwide.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel Layout (38 Pockets Total)

An American Roulette wheel contains 38 pockets:

• 1-36 (alternating red and black)
• 0 (green)
• 00 (green)

The red/black pattern alternates across the wheel, but the order is not sequential like the table. The two green pockets are the only non-red/black outcomes, and they’re exactly why the payouts stay the same while the casino edge increases.

The American Roulette Table Layout - Where Bets Really Begin

The table layout is a betting grid that lets you aim at:

• Single numbers (very high payout, lower hit rate)
• Small number groups (balanced risk/reward)
• Big groups like colors or ranges (more frequent hits, smaller payouts)

Players place chips directly on the area that matches the bet. For example, a chip in the center of a single number is a straight-up bet, while a chip on the line between two numbers is a split. Outside bets live on the edges of the grid (red/black, odd/even, dozens, columns, and more).

How to Play American Roulette - Round-by-Round Action

A typical round is easy to follow:

1. Choose your chip value.
2. Place your bets on the table layout 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 out based on the standard payout rules.

In online versions, the process is identical - only the spinning is handled by either software (RNG) or a live dealer on camera.

American Roulette Bets That Matter: Inside vs Outside

American Roulette bets fall into two main categories. Inside bets target specific numbers or tight clusters. Outside bets cover larger sections of the layout for steadier hit frequency.

Inside Bets - Precision Plays With Bigger Payouts

Inside bets are placed on the numbered grid itself:

Straight Up: Bet on 1 single number. Pays 35: 1. Split: Bet on 2 adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. Pays 17: 1. Street: Bet on a row of 3 numbers by placing a chip at the end of the row. Pays 11: 1. Corner: Bet on a block of 4 numbers by placing a chip on the intersection where four numbers meet. Pays 8: 1. Six Line: Bet on 6 numbers across two adjacent rows. Pays 5: 1.

These bets can hit big, but they won’t land as often. They’re best used when you’re comfortable with swings.

Outside Bets - Wider Coverage, More Frequent Wins

Outside bets sit around the main number grid and cover larger groups:

Red or Black: Covers 18 numbers. Pays 1: 1. Odd or Even: Covers 18 numbers. Pays 1: 1. High or Low (1-18 or 19-36): Covers 18 numbers. Pays 1: 1. Dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36): Covers 12 numbers. Pays 2: 1. Columns (12 numbers each vertical column): Covers 12 numbers. Pays 2: 1.

Outside bets don’t remove the house edge, but they can help new players keep sessions smoother and easier to manage.

American Roulette Payout Table (Quick Reference)

• 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

The House Edge in American Roulette (And Why It’s Higher)

American Roulette has a 5.26% house edge. The reason is the double zero (00). Payouts are calculated as if there were only 37 outcomes like European Roulette, but the American wheel has 38 pockets - that extra pocket shifts the long-term expectation toward the casino.

For comparison, European Roulette (single zero only) sits at about 2.7% house edge, making it the lower-edge option when rules are otherwise equal.

Smart Strategy Tips for American Roulette Beginners

Roulette rewards discipline more than “systems.” If you’re new, keep it practical.

Know what your bet really covers before placing it. A straight-up looks exciting because of the 35: 1 payout, but it’s a one-number hit. Outside bets give you more coverage and more frequent results, which can be easier on your bankroll.

Manage your budget like it’s part of the game. Decide your session spend, pick a comfortable chip size, and avoid chasing losses with bigger and bigger bets.

Most importantly: skip any betting system that claims guaranteed profit. Roulette outcomes are random. You can choose risk levels, but you can’t force a pattern.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Change Everything

The two games look similar, but the details matter:

• 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% .
• Casino presence : American Roulette is widely found in US casinos , while European Roulette is more common across Europe and often preferred by edge-conscious players online.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette: Two Ways to Play

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats:

RNG (software) roulette uses a random number generator to produce results instantly. Rounds move quickly, and it’s ideal if you like rapid play and flexible bet sizing.

Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel from a studio, with a dealer calling the action and settling bets. It’s a stronger choice if you want the atmosphere of a real table without leaving your device.

If you’re browsing casinos that carry both casino games and more, you can also compare platforms like Chanze Casino, which supports a wide spread of banking options and a large software lineup.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

If you’re searching for quality roulette tables online, these developers are major names for smooth interfaces, reliable game math, and strong live dealer production:

• Evolution
• Playtech
• Pragmatic Play Live
• NetEnt
• Ezugi

You’ll see these studios across many top casinos - including operators like Kazeeno and Brionis Casino that feature broad provider portfolios.

Mobile American Roulette: Built for Phones and Tablets

Modern American Roulette games are designed to run cleanly on mobile browsers and apps, with tap-friendly betting grids, quick chip selection, and stable performance in both RNG and live dealer formats. Whether you’re placing outside bets with one tap or aiming at corners and splits, mobile play is now fully featured rather than a stripped-down alternative.

Responsible Gambling Reminder

Roulette is meant to be entertainment, not a way to generate guaranteed income. Set deposit and time limits, keep stakes within your comfort zone, and take breaks when the game stops feeling fun. If you ever feel pressure to keep playing, it’s time to pause and reset.

FAQ: American Roulette Questions Players Ask Most