American Roulette

American Roulette is the version of roulette most closely tied to US casinos. It follows the same basic idea as other roulette games: players place bets on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel. What sets it apart is one major detail - the wheel has two green pockets, 0 and 00.

That extra green pocket changes the math in the house’s favor. It is the main reason American Roulette has a higher house edge than European Roulette, even though the gameplay looks almost identical at first glance.

From Europe to America: How Roulette Changed Over Time

Roulette began in Europe, with roots that trace back to France in the 18th century. Over time, the game became a casino staple thanks to its simple rules, wide range of bets, and instantly recognizable wheel.

When roulette reached the United States, casino operators adopted a modified wheel that included the double zero. That change created what we now know as American Roulette. Since then, it has remained a standard in many land-based casinos across the US, especially in traditional casino markets.

American Roulette Wheel Layout: Why 38 Pockets Matter

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total. These include numbers 1 through 36, a single zero, and a double zero.

The numbers 1 to 36 are split between red and black pockets, while 0 and 00 are green. The red and black numbers alternate around the wheel, although they are not placed in simple numerical order. That arrangement helps preserve the random nature of the game.

Because there are 38 possible outcomes, every bet in American Roulette is priced around those odds. The extra 00 pocket is what separates it from European Roulette, which has only 37 pockets.

Inside the Table: How the American Roulette Layout Works

The American Roulette table includes a betting grid that mirrors the numbered pockets on the wheel. Players place chips directly on sections of the layout depending on the type of bet they want to make.

You can bet on one number, a pair of numbers, rows, groups of six, colors, odd or even, high or low, dozens, and columns. The position of the chip matters. For example, placing a chip fully inside one square means a straight-up bet, while placing it on a line between two numbers means a split bet.

How to Play American Roulette in 5 Simple Steps

Playing American Roulette is straightforward, even for beginners. First, choose your chip value at the table or in the online game interface.

Next, place your bets on the table before betting closes. After that, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.

Once the ball drops into a numbered pocket, the winning number is announced. Any successful bets are then paid according to the payout table, and a new round begins.

Smart Bet Choices: Inside Bets in American Roulette

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. These bets offer bigger payouts, but they also carry lower chances of winning.

A straight-up bet covers one number and pays 35: 1. A split covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17: 1. A street covers three numbers in a row and pays 11: 1.

A corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one point and pays 8: 1. A six-line bet covers two adjacent rows, or six numbers total, and pays 5: 1.

Safer Betting Options: Outside Bets in American Roulette

Outside bets cover larger sections of the table. They do not pay as much as inside bets, but they hit more often.

A red or black bet covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. Odd or even also covers 18 numbers and pays 1: 1. High or low, covering 19 to 36 or 1 to 18, works the same way.

Dozens and columns each cover 12 numbers and pay 2: 1. These bets strike a middle ground between risk and reward, which is why many beginners start there.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

• Straight Up: 1 number, 35: 1 payout
• Split: 2 numbers, 17: 1 payout
• Street: 3 numbers, 11: 1 payout
• Corner: 4 numbers, 8: 1 payout
• Six Line: 6 numbers, 5: 1 payout
• Dozens: 12 numbers, 2: 1 payout
• Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1 payout
• Red or Black: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout
• Odd or Even: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout
• High or Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout

These are the standard payouts used in most American Roulette games. While the payouts look generous on some bets, the extra 00 keeps the long-term edge with the casino.

The Real Cost of the Double Zero: House Edge Explained

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That figure comes directly from the presence of both 0 and 00 on a 38-pocket wheel.

By comparison, European Roulette has only one green zero pocket and a house edge of 2.7%. That difference may not sound huge at first, but over time it has a real impact on expected losses. If you are comparing roulette variants, this is one of the most important details to understand.

Practical American Roulette Strategy Tips for Beginners

The smartest place to start is by understanding the odds behind each bet. Bigger payouts usually mean lower probability, while lower payouts often come with better hit rates.

Outside bets can be useful for players who want slower bankroll swings. They will not eliminate the house edge, but they can make sessions last longer. Careful bankroll management matters too, especially if you plan to play for more than a few spins.

It is also important to avoid betting systems that claim to guarantee profits. No system can change the built-in odds of roulette. American Roulette is a game of chance, and every spin is independent.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences That Matter

The biggest difference is the number of pockets. American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37.

That one extra pocket raises the house edge from 2.7% in European Roulette to 5.26% in American Roulette. In practical terms, European Roulette gives players slightly better odds.

American Roulette is more common in many US casino settings, while European Roulette is more widely associated with casinos outside the United States. If you want a broader overview of game variants, our guide to roulette rules can help.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette: Which Experience Fits You?

Online American Roulette usually comes in two main formats. The first is RNG roulette, where the wheel spin is generated by random number software. The second is live dealer roulette, where real dealers host the game from a studio and stream the action in real time.

RNG games are faster and often better for quick sessions. Live dealer games feel more like a casino floor experience, with real wheels, professional dealers, and interactive features. Both can be fair when offered by reputable operators.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major gaming companies produce American Roulette titles for online casinos. Evolution is one of the best-known names in live dealer roulette, while Playtech also offers both digital and live versions.

Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi are also common providers in the market. Game quality can vary by studio, but these names are among the most recognized for roulette presentation, interface design, and mobile compatibility.

Mobile American Roulette: Play on Phones and Tablets

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets. That includes both standard RNG games and live dealer titles.

Mobile play usually works through a casino app or a browser-based platform. As long as the casino has a well-built site, you can place bets, change chip values, and follow the action without needing a desktop computer.

Where Players Often Find American Roulette Online

American Roulette is widely available at offshore online casinos that cater to US players. For example, PlayCroco Casino lists Real Time Gaming software and supports payment options such as Visa, Skrill, Neteller, PaySafeCard, and several cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Litecoin. Its welcome package includes a 200% bonus up to $5,000 with the code “PLAYCROCO,” plus a separate $10 free chip offer for new players.

Other options include Lincoln Casino, which features software from Arrow's Edge, Dragon Gaming, and Wager Gaming Technology, along with a 100% welcome offer up to $5,000 across the first five deposits. Liberty Slots Casino is another brand in the same wider category, offering live chat support, multiple banking methods, and a welcome bonus up to $777.

As always, players should review bonus terms, payment limits, and local legal considerations before signing up. Availability can change over time, and game selection may vary by casino.

A Quick Responsible Gambling Reminder

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Set a budget before you play, decide how long you want to play, and stick to those limits.

If gambling stops being fun, take a break. Responsible play is always the better approach, whether you are spinning for pennies or playing at higher stakes.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette remains popular because it is easy to learn, fast to play, and packed with betting options. The most important thing to remember is simple: the double zero changes the odds, so knowing the rules and payouts before you play can make for a better, more informed session.