American Roulette

American Roulette is a roulette variant very popular in US casinos and also present in land-based and online venues. The feature that distinguishes it from all other versions is the presence of two green pockets on the wheel: the single zero (0) and the double zero (00). This simple difference alters the winning probabilities and increases the house edge compared, for example, to European Roulette.

Origins of Roulette and the Evolution to American Roulette

Roulette originated in Europe in the 18th century, with roots blending French inventions and mathematical concepts. The classic European version spread quickly in clubs and casinos across the Old Continent. When the game reached the United States in the 19th century, table manufacturers introduced the double zero to boost the house advantage: thus, American Roulette was born. Over time, this variant became dominant in American casinos and later entered online gaming catalogs.

Wheel Layout: What's on the Wheel

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total:

Numbers 1 to 36
Single zero (0)
Double zero (00)

Numbers 1 to 36 alternate between red and black, while the 0 and 00 pockets are green. The number arrangement on the wheel is non-sequential to balance probabilities; the two green pockets critically affect the player's theoretical return.

Table Layout: Where to Place Chips

The American Roulette table features a grid with numbers 1-36 and areas for betting on combinations and outside options. The main areas include:

Inside grid for bets on specific numbers or small groups
Outside areas for bets on colors, parity, high/low, dozens, and columns

Players place chips directly on the corresponding box or area. The dealer accepts bets until announcing "no more bets," then spins the wheel and releases the ball.

How to Play American Roulette

1. Choose your chip value
Select the value of the chip you wish to use.
2. Place your bets
Place bets on the table areas (numbers, columns, colors, etc.).
3. Dealer spins the wheel
The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. Ball lands
The ball stops in one of the 38 pockets.
5. Winning bets paid
Winning bets are paid according to the payout table; losing ones are collected.

Types of Bets in American Roulette

Inside Bets

Straight Up: bet on a single number
Split: bet on two adjacent numbers
Street: bet on a row of three numbers
Corner (or Square): bet on four adjacent numbers
Six Line (or Double Street): bet on two contiguous rows (six numbers)

Outside Bets

Red or Black: bet on color
Even or Odd: bet on number parity
High or Low: bet on 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high)
Dozens: first (1-12), second (13-24), or third (25-36)
Columns: bet on an entire column of numbers

American Roulette Payout Table

Bet Type	Numbers Covered	Typical Payout
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, Even/Odd, High/Low	18 numbers	1:1

House Edge in American Roulette

American Roulette has a theoretical house edge of 5.26%, due to the 0 and 00 pockets. This stems from the payout-to-probability ratio with two green pockets. European Roulette, with only one zero, has a lower 2.70% house edge.

Strategy Tips for American Roulette

Understand odds before betting: inside bets offer higher payouts but lower probabilities
Use outside bets for lower risk and more frequent wins
Manage your bankroll: set loss limits and bet gradually
Avoid systems promising guaranteed wins; roulette is pure chance
Practice in free mode before real money play

American Roulette vs European Roulette

Key differences:

Pockets: 38 (American) vs 37 (European)
House edge: 5.26% (American) vs 2.70% (European)
Popularity: dominant in US casinos; European preferred in Europe and many online platforms

Online American Roulette: RNG vs Live Dealer

Online options include:

RNG: digital with certified algorithms for results
Live dealer: streamed with real croupiers, physical wheel, and live interaction

RNG is faster; live offers authentic casino atmosphere.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

Major developers include:

Evolution
Playtech
Pragmatic Play Live
NetEnt
Ezugi

These offer variants, live options, and mobile compatibility.

Mobile American Roulette

American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with responsive designs, smooth gameplay, touch controls, and real-time stats.

Responsible Gambling Reminder

Keep gambling as entertainment. Set limits on time and money, use self-exclusion tools on licensed sites. Seek help if needed through responsible gambling resources.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette is a roulette variant with 38 pockets, including 0 and 00, increasing the house edge over the European version.

The main difference is the double zero in American, leading to a higher house edge.

The two green pockets (0 and 00) reduce bet success probability while payouts stay the same.

No guaranteed best bet: outside bets lower risk, inside higher payouts but rarer wins.

Yes, on licensed platforms in RNG or live dealer modes. Verify licensing first.

Yes on licensed sites with certified games, but it's chance-based with no win guarantees.

Double zero, an extra green pocket favoring the house.

European has lower house edge; choice depends on availability and preference.