American Roulette

American Roulette puts a classic casino staple in a distinctly American format: a spinning wheel, a small white ball, and two green pockets labeled 0 and 00. That extra green pocket is the key difference from other roulette variants, and it changes the odds and payouts in ways every player should know before they wager.

How American Roulette started and reached the United States

Roulette began in Europe in the 18th century as a blend of earlier games and mechanical inventions. The single-zero wheel became the dominant form across much of Europe. When the game crossed the Atlantic, operators in the United States introduced a double-zero wheel to increase the house advantage. Over time, that “0 and 00” layout became the standard at many American brick-and-mortar and online casinos.

Wheel layout that changes the math

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total. They include:

• Numbers 1–36
• A single zero pocket, 0
• A double zero pocket, 00

The numbered pockets alternate red and black, while the 0 and 00 pockets are green. That extra green pocket reduces the player’s long-term chances compared with single-zero wheels, which is why the layout matters to your bankroll.

How the table layout works

The betting grid reflects the wheel, and it’s where you place chips. The table shows individual numbers in a 3-by-12 grid, separate boxes for 0 and 00, and outside areas for broader bets like dozens, columns, red or black, odd or even, and high or low. Dealers accept chips placed directly on a single number or on lines, corners, or larger sections to indicate which combination you’re betting.

Simple step-by-step play

• Choose your chip value.
• Place bets on the table before the dealer closes betting.
• The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
• The ball lands in a numbered pocket.
• Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing bets are collected. Always check the table minimums, maximums, and the casino’s terms and conditions before you play.

Inside bets — big payouts on small targets

Inside bets target individual numbers or small groups on the grid, and they pay more because the odds are longer.

• Straight Up — a single number. Highest payout for an inside bet.
• Split — covers two adjacent numbers.
• Street — covers three numbers in a row.
• Corner — covers four numbers that meet at a corner.
• Six Line — covers two adjacent rows, for six numbers total.

Outside bets — lower risk, steadier returns

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, so payouts are smaller but chances of winning are higher.

• Red or Black — color bets covering 18 numbers.
• Odd or Even — covers 18 numbers.
• High or Low — covers 1–18 or 19–36.
• Dozens — first, second, or third group of 12 numbers.
• Columns — one of three vertical columns of 12 numbers.

American Roulette payout table

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, Odd/Even, High/Low — 18 numbers — 1: 1

Payouts shown are standard, but always verify the casino’s payout table and any special rules before playing.

Why the house edge matters

American Roulette carries a house edge of 5.26%, driven by the presence of both 0 and 00. Each green pocket gives the casino its built-in advantage on almost every bet type. By comparison, European Roulette, which uses a single zero, has a house edge around 2.7%. That difference affects long-term outcomes, bankroll volatility, and which bets make sense for your goals.

Practical strategy tips for American Roulette

• Understand the odds before betting, and size your bets to match the risk.
• Use outside bets for lower variance and a steadier experience.
• Set a session bankroll, and stick to loss and win limits.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed wins; roulette is a game of chance, and no system changes the underlying probabilities.
• Look for table rules or promotions that improve value, but read the fine print and terms and conditions first.

American Roulette versus European Roulette — quick comparison

• Number of pockets: American has 38 pockets (0 and 00), European has 37 (single zero).
• House edge: American is about 5.26%, European is about 2.7%.
• Popularity: American Roulette dominates many casinos in the United States, while European Roulette is more common in European casinos and many online platforms outside the United States.

Online American Roulette and live dealer options

Online American Roulette comes in two main formats. RNG versions use certified software to generate results and are fast, mobile-friendly, and available anytime. Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel and dealer from a studio or land-based casino, offering social interaction and a more immersive feel. Both formats let you play American Roulette, so choose based on whether you prefer speed or a live table atmosphere.

Top software providers offering American Roulette

Major developers that supply high-quality roulette games include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These providers offer polished interfaces, certified random number generation for RNG titles, and professional live dealer studios.

Mobile play and platform features to look for

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with responsive controls and portrait or landscape modes. Look for platforms that offer fast payouts, clear geolocation for legal play in your state, and verified customer support. Some sites also accept cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and Tether, or traditional payment options if you prefer fiat.

Where to try American Roulette now

If you want to try American Roulette with crypto-friendly options, Mint In Forge Casino accepts Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, Dogecoin, Cardano, and Solana, and offers a $50 Free Chip welcome bonus—see the full review at /mint-in-forge-casino. For bigger welcome package choices, Planet of the Apes Casino lists multiple bonuses, including a 300% up to $3,000 Bitcoin welcome offer—see its review at /planet-of-the-apes-casino. Always read each casino’s terms and conditions and verify state regulations before playing for real money.

Responsible play reminder

Set deposit, time, and loss limits, and never chase losses. If gambling stops being fun or starts to harm your finances or relationships, seek help from professional support services. Play within your budget, and treat roulette as entertainment, not income.

Frequently asked questions

American Roulette is straightforward to learn, and it offers a wide range of betting options for different risk appetites. Know the wheel layout, respect the house edge, and play responsibly to get the most from each session.