American Roulette

American Roulette is a casino wheel game where players bet on where a ball will land. Its defining feature is the pair of green pockets: 0 and 00. That extra pocket makes the American wheel different from the European version and increases the house edge.

Players can wager on one number, a group of numbers, or broader outcomes such as red or black. The wider the group, the more often a bet may win, but its payout is lower.

From European Origins to American Roulette

Roulette developed in Europe, with versions of the game appearing in France during the 18th century. The wheel is often linked to 17th-century French experiments by mathematician Blaise Pascal, though modern roulette took shape later.

When roulette reached the United States, operators added a double-zero pocket to the wheel. That change created the 38-pocket American layout, compared with the 37 pockets on a standard European wheel.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets:

• Numbers 1 through 36
• One green 0 pocket
• One green 00 pocket

The numbers from 1 to 36 are split evenly between red and black: 18 of each. The green pockets are neither color. The numbered pockets appear in a fixed wheel sequence, which differs from the betting grid’s numerical order.

How the Betting Table Works

The table layout places numbers 1 through 36 in three columns of 12. Players can put chips directly on a number or on lines and corners that cover several numbers. These are known as inside bets.

The lower part of the layout offers outside bets on larger groups, including red or black, odd or even, and high or low. Separate areas cover dozens and columns. A chip’s position determines the bet: for example, a chip on a single number is a straight-up wager, while one placed on the line between two numbers is a split.

How to Play American Roulette

1. Choose a chip value.
2. Place one or more bets on the table 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 according to the game’s payout table.

The 0 and 00 pockets matter: standard red/black, odd/even, and high/low bets lose when the ball lands on either green pocket.

Inside Bets: Aim at Specific Numbers

Inside bets cover a single number or a compact group. They offer larger payouts than outside bets, but the covered numbers are less likely to win.

• Straight Up: one number
• Split: two adjacent numbers
• Street: three numbers in a row
• Corner: four numbers meeting at a corner
• Six Line: six numbers across two rows

Outside Bets: Cover More Numbers

Outside bets cover broader sets of outcomes. They generally pay less than inside bets, but they can win more often.

• Red or Black: one of the 18 red or 18 black numbers
• Odd or Even: odd or even numbers from 1 to 36
• High or Low: 1-18 or 19-36
• Dozens: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36
• Columns: one of the table’s three columns, each containing 12 numbers

A zero or double zero is not included in these groups, so it causes the usual even-money bets to lose.

American Roulette Payout Table

Payouts below are typical and shown as net winnings. A 35: 1 payout, for example, returns 35 units in winnings for each unit wagered, plus the original stake.

• 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 or Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1

The 5.26% House Edge

On a standard American wheel, the house edge is about 5.26%. The 0 and 00 pockets contribute to that edge because they are losing outcomes for most bets, while payouts are calculated as if those extra pockets were not present.

Standard European Roulette has one green pocket, 0, and a house edge of about 2.7%. That makes its mathematical edge lower than American Roulette’s under standard rules.

Practical Tips for New Players

• Learn the odds and rules before placing a wager.
• Consider outside bets if you prefer covering more numbers, while remembering that they do not remove the house edge.
• Set a budget before play and keep track of your spending.
• Treat betting systems that promise guaranteed wins with caution. No staking pattern can control where the ball lands.
• Keep in mind that roulette is a game of chance. Each spin is independent, and past results do not predict the next one.

American vs. European Roulette

The clearest difference is the pocket count: American Roulette has 38 pockets, including 0 and 00, while standard European Roulette has 37, including only 0. That additional American pocket raises the standard house edge from about 2.7% to 5.26%.

American Roulette is widely associated with casinos in the United States, while European Roulette is commonly found in European casinos. Online platforms may offer both, so check the wheel layout and rules before choosing a game.

Online RNG and Live Dealer Games

Online American Roulette is available in two common formats. RNG games use a random number generator to determine each result, with the wheel and ball represented digitally. Live dealer games stream a real wheel and dealer from a studio, with the betting interface shown on screen.

Game selection and rules can vary by casino and location. For casino details, see LuckyDinero Casino, which lists 1,000 Free Gold Coins, or Bucky's Casino, which lists a 100% Table Games offer. Review the offer terms and confirm game availability before depositing; bonus eligibility and real-money play depend on the casino’s rules and your location.

Roulette Software Providers

American Roulette titles may be offered by developers and live casino studios such as Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. The available games, features, and rules differ by provider and casino, and a provider’s full catalog may not be offered in every region.

Play on a Phone or Tablet

Many online roulette games are designed for smartphone and tablet screens. Players can typically view the wheel, table, and bet controls without a desktop computer. Before playing, check that the game interface is clear on your device and that you can easily review the table limits and rules.

Keep Play Responsible

Set a time limit and spending limit before you play, and do not wager money needed for everyday expenses. Take a break if play stops feeling enjoyable. Gambling is intended for adults of legal age, and local laws apply.

American Roulette FAQs