American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino game where a spinning wheel and a bouncing ball decide the outcome of your bets. The version most commonly found in United States casinos is defined by one simple, but important, difference from other roulette types — the wheel includes two green pockets: single zero, and double zero. That extra pocket changes the math players face, so it’s worth knowing before you place chips.

A Short History — From Europe to the United States

Roulette began in Europe in the 18th century, blending elements of earlier wheel games and probability theory. When the game reached the United States in the 19th century, local casinos adapted the wheel by adding a double zero pocket. That change became the hallmark of American Roulette, and it stuck as the version commonly offered across United States venues, both land-based and online.

Wheel Layout — 38 Pockets, Two Green Zeros

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total:

• Numbers 1 through 36
• Single zero — 0
• Double zero — 00

Numbers 1–36 alternate red and black, while 0 and 00 are green. That visual layout makes it easy to spot inside and outside bet outcomes as the ball settles.

Table Layout — Where Bets Go

The betting layout is a rectangular grid that mirrors the numbers on the wheel, with extra boxes for outside bets. Players place chips directly on:

• Single numbers and small number groups on the inner grid
• Larger groupings, color bets, and dozen bets in the outer sections

The dealer collects and pays bets based on where chips sit when the winning number is revealed.

How to Play American Roulette — A Simple Guide

1. Choose a chip value that fits your bankroll.
2. Place bets on the table — pick single numbers, combinations, or outside bets.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball drops into a numbered pocket; that number wins.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing bets are removed.

Always check the table limits before betting, and review the casino’s terms and conditions.

Inside Bets — Target Specific Numbers

Inside bets are placed on the number grid and cover fewer numbers, which means higher payouts:

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

These bets offer bigger returns when they hit, but they win less frequently.

Outside Bets — Broader Coverage, Lower Risk

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and pay lower returns, which can help manage risk:

• Red or black
• Odd or even
• High (19–36) or low (1–18)
• Dozens — first (1–12), second (13–24), third (25–36)
• Columns — vertical columns on the grid

Outside bets are a common choice for players who prefer steadier, lower-variance play.

American Roulette Payout Table

• 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

These are standard payouts, but always confirm with the table you’re playing on.

House Edge Explained — Why Two Zeros Matter

American Roulette’s house edge is 5.26%. That percentage comes from the presence of both 0 and 00, which pay the same as other single-number wins but increase the number of losing pockets. By contrast, European Roulette typically has one zero and a house edge around 2.7%. The double zero makes a measurable difference in expected returns.

Smart Tips for Playing American Roulette

• Understand the odds for each bet before you stake cash.
• Use outside bets for lower variance and steadier sessions.
• Set a bankroll and win-loss limits, and stick to them.
• Avoid betting systems that claim to guarantee profits; roulette outcomes are random.
• Try lower-stakes tables or free-play demos to learn without risking much.

Remember that roulette is a game of chance; no strategy can change that.

American Roulette vs European Roulette — The Key Differences

• Pockets: American — 38 pockets with 0 and 00; European — 37 pockets with a single zero.
• House edge: American — about 5.26%; European — about 2.7%.
• Where they’re found: American Roulette is common in United States casinos, while European Roulette is prevalent across many European venues and some online sites.

The choice depends on whether you want the broader market variety or the slightly better odds of the single-zero wheel.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette

Online options include random number generator (RNG) tables and live dealer games streamed from studios. RNG tables run faster and often let you set autoplay or faster spins. Live dealer games give the social feel and real tables via video, with a human dealer announcing results. Both use the same wheel structure when labeled American Roulette; pick the format that matches how you like to play.

Top Software Providers for American Roulette

Major developers that offer high-quality American Roulette or live roulette experiences include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These providers focus on smooth performance, realistic table design, and mobile-friendly play.

If you want a quick platform check, see the review for Spinimax Casino, which covers games, support, and banking options.

Mobile Play — Roulette on Phones and Tablets

Most modern American Roulette titles are optimized for smartphones and tablets. The mobile versions keep touch-friendly layouts, responsive visuals, and the same betting options you’d find on desktop. Look for games that state “mobile compatible” or list iOS and Android support in their descriptions.

Play Responsibly — Keep It Fun

Set deposit and session limits, take regular breaks, and never chase losses. If gambling stops being fun, seek help and use the platform’s responsible gambling tools. Remember to review the casino’s terms and conditions before you play.

Frequently Asked Questions