American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most recognized versions of roulette, built around the same simple idea players love: place your bets, watch the wheel spin, and see where the ball lands. What separates American Roulette from other variants is a single, high-impact detail - it uses two green pockets: 0 and 00. That extra pocket slightly shifts the odds, changes the house edge, and gives the American wheel its signature feel.

American Roulette, Explained in Plain English

American Roulette is a casino table game played with a numbered wheel and a betting layout. You can bet on one number, small clusters of numbers, or broad outcomes like red/black or odd/even.

The key difference that defines American Roulette is the double zero (00). European Roulette has only one green zero (0). American Roulette includes both 0 and 00, which increases the total pockets and raises the casino edge.

Roulette’s European Roots - And How the American Wheel Took Shape

Roulette traces back to Europe, where early versions of the wheel gained popularity in French casinos. Over time, the single-zero format became the standard across much of Europe.

When roulette arrived in the United States, the game evolved. The double zero (00) was added to the wheel, creating what we now call American Roulette. That one adjustment boosted the house advantage and became the defining feature of roulette in many US casinos.

The American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Ways to Win (and Lose)

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

• Numbers 1-36
• Single zero (0)
• Double zero (00)

The numbers 1-36 alternate between red and black pockets. The 0 and 00 pockets are green, and they’re the reason American Roulette plays differently from European Roulette. Even though your bets may look the same, the presence of 00 changes the probability of outcomes across the board.

The American Roulette Table Layout: Where Every Bet Lives

The table layout is a betting grid that mirrors the wheel’s outcomes. The numbers 1-36 appear in rows and columns, letting you place chips directly on individual numbers or across lines between numbers to cover groups.

Around the numbered grid, you’ll find broader betting areas for outside bets such as red/black, odd/even, dozens, and columns. Players place chips on specific spots - the exact position determines what you’re betting on and how much it pays if it hits.

How to Play American Roulette: A Quick Spin-to-Payout Walkthrough

A round of American Roulette follows a simple flow:

1. Choose your chip value at the table (online, you’ll select a stake size).
2. Place your bets on the layout before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball settles into a numbered pocket (including 0 or 00).
5. Winning bets are paid based on the payout rules, and losing bets are cleared.

Online, the process is the same - you just click the betting spots instead of placing physical chips.

Inside Bets: Bigger Upside, Tighter Targets

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups. They can deliver higher payouts, but they hit less often.

Straight Up covers a single number (including 0 or 00). Split covers two neighboring numbers by placing the chip on the line between them. Street covers three numbers in a row. Corner covers four numbers that meet at a corner point. Six Line covers six numbers across two adjacent rows.

These bets are popular when you’re aiming for higher payouts and don’t mind more variance per spin.

Outside Bets: Steadier Results with Smaller Payouts

Outside bets cover larger sets of numbers and typically pay closer to even money.

Red or Black, Odd or Even, and High or Low each cover 18 numbers (with 0 and 00 losing for these bets). Dozens cover 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36). Columns also cover 12 numbers, based on which vertical column you choose on the grid.

Outside bets are often the go-to choice for beginners because they’re easier to understand and deliver more frequent wins - even though the payouts are lower.

American Roulette Payout Table: What Each Bet Typically Pays

Here’s the standard payout structure you’ll see at most American Roulette tables:

• 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

Payouts are usually consistent across casinos, but always check table rules - especially in live dealer rooms where minimums and side rules can vary.

The House Edge in American Roulette: Why 00 Matters

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That edge is driven by the extra green pocket (00), which increases the total outcomes from 37 (European) to 38 (American) without improving payouts to compensate.

By comparison, European Roulette (single zero) has a house edge of about 2.7%. In practical terms, European Roulette gives you better odds over time, while American Roulette brings the classic US wheel experience with a higher casino advantage.

American Roulette Strategy Tips That Actually Help Beginners

The most useful “strategy” in roulette is playing with clear expectations and smart control, because roulette outcomes are random and independent.

Start by understanding the odds behind each bet so you know what you’re paying for - frequent smaller wins or rare bigger hits. If you want lower risk per spin, lean toward outside bets like red/black or high/low and avoid overloading your layout with too many inside bets at once.

Bankroll management matters more than most players expect. Pick a session budget, set a stop point, and keep stakes consistent instead of chasing losses. Be especially cautious with betting systems that claim guaranteed profit - no pattern can override the math of a wheel with 0 and 00. Roulette is a game of chance, and the best sessions are the ones you control.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Change the Math

American Roulette and European Roulette look similar, but they play differently in three major ways.

First, pockets: American Roulette has 38 pockets (0 and 00), while European Roulette has 37 (only 0). Second, house edge: 5.26% in American versus about 2.7% in European. Third, popularity: American Roulette is common in US casinos, while European Roulette is more common across Europe and often preferred by players who prioritize lower house edge.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette: Two Ways to Spin

Online American Roulette usually comes in two formats.

RNG roulette uses a random number generator to produce outcomes instantly. It’s quick, private, and great if you want rapid rounds and flexible bet sizing.

Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel from a studio with a real dealer, giving you the authentic pace and atmosphere of a casino table - with the convenience of playing from home.

If you like speed, RNG tables are hard to beat. If you like the real wheel, real ball, and a more social experience, live dealer rooms deliver that table energy on demand.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette Right Now

Several major developers power high-quality American Roulette online, including Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These studios are known for reliable game performance, clean interfaces, and live dealer production that feels close to a land-based table.

If you’re browsing casino lobbies, these names are a strong signal you’re looking at a well-built roulette experience.

Where to Play American Roulette Online: Featured Casinos and Bonuses

If you’re ready to spin online, a strong casino matters as much as the game itself - look for trusted software, smooth payments, and support that responds fast.

At 7Games Casino, you can explore roulette alongside a deep catalog of top providers and grab a welcome offer up to R$500 - details are on the 7Games Casino page. Brionis Casino runs a heavier bonus package - 345% up to EUR 2000 plus 225 Free Spins - and hosts tournaments if you like extra challenges between roulette sessions - see the full breakdown at Brionis Casino. If you want a wide payment mix including cards and crypto and a large welcome deal up to $/EUR1500 plus 250 Free Spins, check the current offer terms at Fridayroll Casino.

Bonus availability and terms can change, so always verify the latest limits, wagering requirements, and eligible games before you opt in.

Mobile American Roulette: Spin Anywhere, Bet with Full Control

American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with layouts designed for tapping and quick bet adjustments. Whether you’re playing RNG or live dealer, mobile versions usually keep the same betting options, table limits, and payouts as desktop - just built for smaller screens and faster navigation.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun, Keep It Controlled

Roulette is best when it stays within your limits. Set a budget before you play, decide your session length, and never stake money meant for essentials. If you feel pressure to chase losses or keep playing past your comfort zone, take a break and reset.

FAQ: American Roulette Questions Players Ask Most