American Roulette

American Roulette remains one of the most recognized casino table games in the US, both online and in land-based casinos. It follows the same core idea as other roulette versions - players bet on where the ball will land after the wheel spins - but one feature makes it stand apart: the wheel includes two green pockets, 0 and 00.

That extra green pocket changes the odds, the house edge, and the overall player experience. If you are comparing roulette variants before placing a bet, understanding how American Roulette works is essential.

What Makes American Roulette Different

American Roulette is a version of roulette played on a wheel with 38 total pockets. Those pockets include numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero and a double zero. The biggest difference from European Roulette is simple but important: European Roulette has only one green zero pocket, while American Roulette has both 0 and 00.

Because of that added pocket, American Roulette gives the house a bigger mathematical advantage. It is still easy to learn, fast-moving, and widely available, especially at US-focused online casinos and live dealer tables.

Players looking for American Roulette games can often find them alongside other table games at casinos such as BetArenas Casino, which lists a large mix of software providers and casino content.

Roulette’s European Roots and Its American Twist

Roulette began in Europe several centuries ago, with the game most commonly linked to France. The name “roulette” means “little wheel” in French. Over time, the game spread across European gambling halls and developed into a popular casino staple.

After roulette reached the United States, the wheel changed. American operators added the double zero pocket, creating the 38-pocket version still used in many US casinos today. That adjustment increased the house edge and became the defining feature of American Roulette.

A Closer Look at the American Roulette Wheel

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total. These include:

1 through 36

0

00

The numbered pockets from 1 to 36 are colored red or black in an alternating pattern. The 0 and 00 pockets are green. That color setup helps players quickly identify common outside bets, such as red or black.

Unlike European Roulette, which has 37 pockets, the American wheel’s extra green slot slightly lowers your chance of hitting any given bet. That is why even familiar wagers like red/black are not true 50-50 bets.

How the American Roulette Table Layout Works

The table layout for American Roulette shows every betting option in a grid format. The numbers 1 through 36 are arranged in three columns and 12 rows. The 0 and 00 usually sit at the top of the layout.

Players place chips directly on numbers or on the lines between them to make inside bets. They can also place chips on larger labeled sections around the grid for outside bets, including red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns.

The layout may look busy at first, but it becomes much easier once you understand that each chip position corresponds to a specific group of covered numbers.

How to Play American Roulette Without Overthinking It

Playing American Roulette is straightforward. First, choose your chip denomination at the table. Then place one or more bets before the dealer closes betting.

Once all bets are in, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction. After the ball slows down and drops into a pocket, the winning number is announced.

Any winning bets are paid based on the payout table, and losing bets are removed. Then a new round begins.

American Roulette Bets Every Player Should Know

American Roulette bets are generally split into two groups: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets cover fewer numbers and offer bigger payouts. Outside bets cover more numbers and usually pay less, but they hit more often.

Inside Bets With Bigger Payout Potential

A straight up bet is placed on a single number. If the ball lands exactly there, it usually pays 35: 1.

A split bet covers two adjacent numbers by placing the chip on the line between them. This bet typically pays 17: 1.

A street bet covers three numbers in a single row. It usually pays 11: 1.

A corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one corner. This one usually pays 8: 1.

A six line bet covers six numbers across two adjacent rows. It usually pays 5: 1.

Outside Bets That Offer More Coverage

Red or black covers all numbers of one color and usually pays 1: 1.

Odd or even covers 18 numbers and also pays 1: 1.

High or low covers either 1 to 18 or 19 to 36 and pays 1: 1.

Dozens cover 12 numbers at a time - either 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36 - and usually pay 2: 1.

Columns also cover 12 numbers, based on one of the three vertical columns on the layout, and typically pay 2: 1.

If you want more game variety beyond standard roulette, platforms such as LolaJack Casino often combine casino tables with sportsbook and racebook options in one account.

American Roulette Payout Table at a Glance

Here is the standard payout structure for most American Roulette games:

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

Payouts may be shown slightly differently depending on the casino interface, but these are the standard odds used in American Roulette.

The House Edge Explained in Plain English

The house edge in American Roulette is 5.26%. That number comes from the extra double zero pocket. Since there are 38 total pockets, your chances of winning any fixed bet are slightly lower than they would be on a 37-pocket wheel.

By comparison, European Roulette has a house edge of about 2.70%. That version uses only one zero, making it the better option from a purely mathematical standpoint.

This does not mean American Roulette is unfair. It simply means the casino’s built-in edge is higher over the long run.

Smart Strategy Tips for New American Roulette Players

The best starting point is understanding the odds before you place any chips. Bigger payouts can look appealing, but those bets are harder to hit consistently.

Many beginners prefer outside bets because they cover more numbers and can stretch a bankroll longer. Red/black, odd/even, and high/low are common low-volatility options, even though the payouts are smaller.

Bankroll management matters. Set a spending limit before you play, decide how much each bet should be, and avoid chasing losses. Roulette is a game of chance, not a beatable pattern game.

It is also wise to ignore betting systems that claim guaranteed profits. No progression strategy can remove the house edge or predict where the ball will land.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Comparison

The most important difference between American Roulette and European Roulette is the number of pockets. American Roulette has 38 pockets, while European Roulette has 37.

That difference leads directly to the house edge gap. American Roulette sits at 5.26%, while European Roulette is about 2.70%.

In terms of popularity, American Roulette is more common in many US casinos, while European Roulette is a standard option in many international markets. Online casinos often offer both, letting players choose based on preference and value.

Online American Roulette or Live Dealer: Which Feels Better

Online American Roulette is usually available in two main formats. The first is RNG roulette, where outcomes are generated by certified random number software. These games are fast, simple, and easy to play on desktop or mobile.

The second is live dealer roulette, which is streamed from a real studio with an actual dealer and physical wheel. Many players prefer live dealer games because they feel closer to the casino floor experience.

Casinos like 7Slots Casino list live gaming providers such as Evolution Gaming, Ezugi, and Vivo Gaming, which are often associated with live roulette tables.

Top Software Providers Behind American Roulette Games

Several major developers power American Roulette online. Evolution is one of the biggest names in live dealer roulette and is widely known for studio-based table games.

Playtech also offers established roulette titles, including live dealer options. Pragmatic Play Live has continued to expand its live casino footprint with roulette and other table games.

NetEnt is a recognizable name for digital casino content, including RNG table games. Ezugi remains a familiar live dealer provider as well, especially at casinos with broad table game libraries.

When choosing where to play, the software provider can affect video quality, interface design, betting limits, and side features.

Mobile American Roulette Keeps the Action Simple

American Roulette games are now built with mobile play in mind. Most online casinos optimize roulette titles for smartphones and tablets, whether you are using iOS or Android.

That means players can place bets, switch chip values, and watch spins from a smaller screen without losing core functionality. Live dealer versions are also commonly mobile compatible, provided you have a steady internet connection.

A Quick Reminder About Responsible Play

Roulette should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make guaranteed money. Set time and spending limits before you play, and stick to them.

If the game stops being fun, take a break. Responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits and session reminders, can help you stay in control.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette is easy to learn, widely available, and still a staple of the US casino scene. The double zero changes the math, but the core appeal stays the same: simple betting options, quick rounds, and a format that works just as well online as it does at a live table.