American Roulette

American Roulette is the familiar casino wheel game where players place chips on numbers, colors, or number groups and wait for the spinning wheel to decide the outcome. The key difference from other roulette variants is the presence of two green pockets — single zero (0) and double zero (00) — which changes the odds and payouts compared with other wheels.

How roulette came to the United States

Roulette originated in Europe, evolving from French wheel games in the 1700s and early 1800s. The game’s name comes from the French phrase for “little wheel.” When roulette crossed the Atlantic in the nineteenth century and moved into American casinos, operators adopted a double zero pocket to increase the house advantage. That adaptation became the standard for the version most commonly found in casinos across the United States.

Wheel layout: exactly what’s on the American wheel

American Roulette wheels have 38 pockets total:

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

Numbers 1–36 alternate red and black, while 0 and 00 are green. The layout creates the same mix of single-number and group-bet possibilities players expect, but the extra green pocket shifts the math in the house’s favor.

Table layout: where to place your chips

The American table has a rectangular betting grid for inside bets and several boxes for outside bets. Players place chips directly on numbers or on lines and corners to cover multiple numbers. Outside bets sit to the side and cover larger groups like colors, odds or evens, dozens, and columns. Dealers accept bets until they announce “no more bets,” then spin the wheel and drop the ball.

How to play American Roulette — quick steps

1. Choose your chip value.
2. Place bets on the table — on a single number, a line, a color, or a dozen.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball settles into a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing bets are cleared. Always check the table limits and the casino’s rules before you play.

Inside bets — high payout, lower coverage

Inside bets target specific numbers or small clusters:

• Straight Up — single number — 35: 1
• Split — two adjacent numbers — 17: 1
• Street — row of three numbers — 11: 1
• Corner — four numbers — 8: 1
• Six Line — two adjacent rows (six numbers) — 5: 1

These bets pay more, because they cover fewer numbers and have lower probability of hitting.

Outside bets — lower payout, larger coverage

Outside bets cover bigger chunks of the layout and are a good way to manage risk:

• Red or Black — covers 18 numbers — 1: 1
• Odd or Even — 18 numbers — 1: 1
• High (19–36) or Low (1–18) — 18 numbers — 1: 1
• Dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36) — 12 numbers — 2: 1
• Columns — 12 numbers — 2: 1

Outside bets give more frequent, smaller wins compared with inside bets.

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

House edge — why American Roulette costs more to play

American Roulette carries a house edge of about 5.26%. That figure comes from the fact that zero and double zero exist while most even-money bets are paid at 1: 1 or straight-up bets are paid 35: 1 — payouts that reflect a single-zero wheel, not a double-zero wheel. In comparison, European Roulette, with only a single zero, has a lower house edge of roughly 2.70%.

Smart tips for American Roulette players

• Understand the odds before betting — payouts reflect probability, not guarantees.
• Use outside bets for lower variance and more frequent wins.
• Set a bankroll, stick to session limits, and walk away when you hit them.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins — roulette is a game of chance.
• Check table limits, rules, and any special payouts before you play.

How American and European Roulette differ at a glance

• Number of pockets — American: 38 pockets with 0 and 00; European: 37 pockets with a single 0.
• House edge — American is about 5.26%; European is about 2.70%.
• Popularity — American Roulette is common in casino floors across the United States, while single-zero variants dominate most European venues and many online tables aimed at European players.

Online RNG roulette vs live dealer tables

Online American Roulette comes in two main formats:

• RNG (random number generator) tables — faster, available anytime, and ideal for casual play.
• Live dealer roulette — streamed from studios, with real dealers and a social feel, best for players who prefer the authenticity of a real wheel.

Both formats offer legal, regulated play in states where online casinos operate; check local rules and casino geolocation tools. Payout speeds, mobile compatibility, and lobby variety vary by operator.

Best software providers for American Roulette

Top developers offering high-quality American Roulette and live dealer tables include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These studios focus on smooth gameplay, clear interfaces, and mobile-optimized streams so you can play on smartphones and tablets without losing features.

For an example of a casino with a broad game selection and welcome offers, see the Winberry Casino review — read the terms and conditions carefully for any bonus.

Mobile play: roulette on the go

American Roulette is widely optimized for mobile devices. Modern tables are built for touchscreens, with adjustable camera angles in live dealer games, clear bet history, and easy chip selection. Play on the subway or from home, while making sure you’re in a location where online gambling is permitted within the United States and you meet state requirements.

Responsible gambling — short reminder

Set deposit, loss, and session limits, and take regular breaks. If gambling is causing stress or financial harm, seek help through licensed support services. Play for fun, and never chase losses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Play smart, know the math behind the bets you make, and enjoy American Roulette as a game of chance with clear rules, familiar payouts, and plenty of ways to manage risk. Always read the casino’s terms and conditions before accepting offers or placing real-money bets.