American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic casino wheel players associate with United States gaming floors and online sites. It looks and plays like other roulette variants, but one key rule sets it apart: the wheel has two green pockets, labeled 0 and 00. That second green pocket changes the math of the game, increasing the house edge compared with single-zero versions.

A quick history that shows how American Roulette evolved

Roulette began in Europe, where early wheels and betting layouts developed into the single-zero format most common across the continent. When the game crossed the Atlantic in the nineteenth century, United States operators adopted a double-zero wheel to boost the house margin. That double-zero layout became the standard in many United States casinos, and it carried over into online American Roulette titles designed for players in the United States.

Wheel layout — what the American Roulette wheel looks like

The American Roulette wheel contains 38 pockets total:

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

Numbers 1–36 alternate red and black, while the 0 and 00 pockets are green. The additional green pocket makes the wheel distinct, and it’s what causes the mathematical differences that separate American Roulette from single-zero variants.

Table layout — how the betting grid works

The betting table mirrors the wheel but in a flat grid where players place chips. The layout is divided into inside and outside sections. Inside bets sit on individual numbers or small groups of adjoining numbers. Outside bets cover larger groups, like colors or dozens. Dealers accept chips directly on the number squares, on the lines between numbers for split bets, or in the outside boxes for column, dozen, and even-money wagers.

How to play American Roulette — a simple guide

1. Choose your chip value.
2. Place bets on the table in the inside or outside areas.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket, which determines the winning number and color.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and chips for losing bets are collected.

Always wait for the dealer’s announcement that no more bets are accepted before placing chips.

Inside bets — aim small, win big

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or tight clusters. They offer the highest payouts, because they cover fewer outcomes.

• Straight up — a single number, placed directly on the square.
• Split — two adjacent numbers, placed on the line between them.
• Street — three numbers in a row, placed on the outer edge of the row.
• Corner — four numbers that meet at a corner.
• Six line — two adjacent rows, covering six numbers.

Inside bets pay more, but they occur less frequently than outside bets.

Outside bets — lower risk, steadier play

Outside bets cover larger sections of the wheel and come with lower payouts. They’re ideal for players seeking steadier swings.

• Red or Black — covers 18 numbers by color.
• Odd or Even — covers 18 numbers.
• High (19–36) or Low (1–18) — covers 18 numbers.
• Dozens — first (1–12), second (13–24), or third (25–36).
• Columns — one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers on the table.

Outside bets win less often than the number of covered outcomes might suggest, because the green pockets (0 and 00) are neither red nor black, neither odd nor even, and not part of high/low, dozens, or columns.

American Roulette payout table

• Straight up: 1 number covered, typical payout 35: 1
• Split: 2 numbers covered, typical payout 17: 1
• Street: 3 numbers covered, typical payout 11: 1
• Corner: 4 numbers covered, typical payout 8: 1
• Six line: 6 numbers covered, typical payout 5: 1
• Dozens / Columns: 12 numbers covered, typical payout 2: 1
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 18 numbers covered, typical payout 1: 1

Payouts follow standard casino practice. Always check the table at your casino or online site for any minor variations, and see the terms and conditions.

House edge — where the math matters

American Roulette’s house edge is 5.26%, driven primarily by the double zero. That edge comes from the fact that both 0 and 00 remove many even-money and outside bet wins. By comparison, European Roulette, with a single zero, carries a house edge of about 2.7%. The double zero is the main reason many players prefer single-zero formats when available.

Smart tips for playing American Roulette

• Understand the odds before you place chips — know which bets cover how many numbers, and the payouts you’ll receive.
• Use outside bets for lower variance if you want longer play and steadier bankroll movement.
• Manage your bankroll by setting limits for wins and losses, and stick to them.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; no strategy can change the house edge.
• Treat roulette as a game of chance—enjoy the experience, but don’t chase losses.

How American Roulette compares to European Roulette

The major differences are straightforward:

• Number of pockets — American has 38 pockets, European has 37.
• House edge — American roughly 5.26%, European about 2.7%.
• Popularity — American Roulette dominates many United States casino floors and online sites aimed at United States players, while European Roulette is more common across Europe.

Online RNG roulette vs live dealer versions — choose what fits your play

Online American Roulette comes in two main formats:

• RNG roulette — random number generator versions let you play quickly, often with flexible stakes and helpful features like autoplay.
• Live dealer roulette — streamed from real studios with a live dealer, video feeds, and social interaction.

Both formats offer legitimate gameplay standards when provided by reputable developers and regulated operators. If you prefer the social feel and real wheel action, live dealer games are the choice; if you want speed and private play, RNG is convenient.

For an online option that supports American Roulette at a wide range of stakes, see the Chanze Casino review at /chanze-casino.

Top software developers offering American Roulette

Major providers known for high-quality roulette titles include:

• Evolution
• Playtech
• Pragmatic Play Live
• NetEnt
• Ezugi

These developers supply both RNG and live dealer versions, optimized for desktop and mobile play.

Mobile play — roulette on phones and tablets

American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with touch-friendly controls, responsive layouts, and the same betting options as desktop versions. Look for apps or mobile-friendly sites that offer fast loading, clear graphics, and reliable connection for live dealer streams.

Responsible play — short but important

Set deposit and session limits before you start, and use self-exclusion tools if you need a break. Never stake money you can’t afford to lose. If you feel gambling is becoming a problem, seek help from professional support services and use casino responsible gaming features.

Frequently asked questions

Enjoy playing, know the odds, and keep your sessions within your limits.