American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino wheel game where you bet on where a ball will land after the wheel spins. What makes it stand out from other roulette variants is simple - and decisive for your odds: the American wheel has two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra pocket slightly lowers the probability of winning most bets compared to single-zero roulette, but the gameplay remains easy to learn and packed with big-result moments on every spin.

From European Origins to the American Two-Zero Twist

Roulette traces its roots to Europe, where the game gained traction in casinos and evolved into the single-zero format many players now call European Roulette. When roulette crossed the Atlantic and took hold in the United States, the wheel design shifted into what we know today as American Roulette, adding the 00 pocket. That change helped boost the house advantage, and it also became the standard look and feel in many US casinos for generations.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel Layout (38 Pockets)

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total. You’ll see numbers 1-36, plus the single zero (0) and double zero (00). The numbered pockets alternate red and black (with a few layout exceptions depending on wheel arrangement), while 0 and 00 are green.

That color pattern matters because many popular bets are built around it - like Red/Black or Odd/Even - making the wheel instantly readable once you get a few spins under your belt.

How the American Roulette Table Layout Works

The table is where strategy meets speed. The betting grid shows numbers 1-36 in rows and columns, along with sections for outside bets like Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low, and Dozens.

Players place chips directly on the areas that match their chosen bets. A chip placed in the middle of a square targets one number. A chip on a line or corner targets multiple numbers. Outside bets sit in clearly marked boxes, making them easy to play even if you’re brand new.

How to Play American Roulette in 5 Simple Moves

Start with the basics and you’ll be ready to play within minutes.

First, choose your chip value based on your budget. Next, place your bets on the table layout before the spin closes. Then the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball. After the ball settles into a numbered pocket, winning bets are paid according to the payout rules for the bet type.

Inside Bets: Big Payout Potential on Tight Targets

Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups of numbers. They’re higher variance - you’ll hit less often, but wins can be dramatic.

A Straight Up bet is placed on a single number. A Split covers two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. A Street covers three numbers in a row by placing a chip at the edge of that row. A Corner (also called a square) covers four numbers that meet at one point. A Six Line covers six numbers across two adjacent streets.

Outside Bets: More Frequent Hits and Cleaner Risk

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, so they generally win more often but pay less.

Red or Black bets win if the ball lands on a number of the chosen color (excluding green). Odd or Even pays if the result matches the number type. High or Low covers ranges - 1-18 or 19-36. Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time (1-12, 13-24, 25-36). Columns cover 12 numbers each based on vertical columns on the grid.

American Roulette Payout Table (Quick Reference)

Here are the typical payouts you’ll see in American Roulette:

• 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 Real Cost of 0 and 00: House Edge Explained

American Roulette carries a 5.26% house edge, and the reason is the double zero. With 38 pockets instead of 37, your probability of landing on any specific outcome shifts slightly against the player on nearly every bet.

For comparison, European Roulette typically has a 2.7% house edge because it uses only one green pocket (0). If you’re choosing purely on odds, single-zero roulette is the friendlier math - but American Roulette remains a top pick for players who love the classic US casino format.

Smart American Roulette Strategy Tips for New Players

Knowing what you’re buying with each bet is the biggest edge you can give yourself. Understand the odds and payouts before you stack chips across the layout.

If you want steadier results, lean on outside bets like Red/Black, Odd/Even, or High/Low. They won’t produce massive payouts like a Straight Up win, but they can help you stay in the game longer. Set a bankroll limit and keep your bet sizing consistent so one cold streak doesn’t wipe you out.

Be wary of betting systems that claim guaranteed wins. Roulette outcomes are random, and no pattern can change the wheel’s math over time. Treat it as a game of chance, because that’s exactly what it is.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences That Matter

The headline difference is pocket count. American Roulette has 38 pockets (0 and 00), while European Roulette has 37 pockets (0 only). That changes the house edge - 5.26% vs about 2.7%.

Popularity also differs by region. American Roulette is a familiar standard in many US casinos, while European Roulette is more commonly found across Europe and in many online lobbies that prioritize lower house edge variants.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette: Pick Your Pace

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats. RNG roulette uses a random number generator to produce outcomes instantly, making it ideal for quick sessions and rapid betting. Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel from a studio, with a human dealer calling the action and handling the spin, giving you a more authentic casino-style flow.

If you like speed and convenience, RNG is hard to beat. If you want real-wheel energy and a more social feel, live dealer tables deliver a more grounded experience.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

If you’re browsing online casinos for quality roulette, these developers are widely known for producing polished roulette experiences across RNG and live formats: Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi.

Mobile American Roulette: Spin Anytime, Anywhere

American Roulette is fully optimized for smartphones and tablets at most modern casinos. You can place inside and outside bets with tap-friendly layouts, track past results, and adjust chip values quickly without losing the flow of play - perfect for short sessions or playing on the go.

Extra Value Spots: Where to Play American Roulette Online

If you’re choosing a casino based on bonus value and payment flexibility, it’s worth checking out options that support both traditional methods and crypto.

Wicked Plays Casino offers a 300% up to $1000 welcome bonus (code WICKED) and supports Apple Pay, PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, and major crypto options, with help available via live chat, FAQ, or support@wickedplayscasino.com - see the full details here: Wicked Plays Casino.

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Fun of Vegas Casino also brings several welcome bonus paths (including crypto-focused promos) alongside broad banking support - take a look here: Fun of Vegas Casino.

Always review bonus terms like wagering requirements before you deposit, especially if you’re planning to play longer sessions.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun, Keep It Controlled

Set a budget before you play and stick to it. Decide in advance what you’re comfortable spending, and take breaks if you find yourself chasing losses. Roulette should feel like entertainment - if it stops feeling that way, it’s time to pause and reset.

FAQ: American Roulette Answers You’ll Use Right Away