American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most played roulette variants in online casinos and land-based venues across the United States. The goal is simple - predict where the ball will land on the spinning wheel, then get paid based on the type of bet you placed.

What sets American Roulette apart from other versions is the wheel: it has two green pockets, 0 and 00. That small change reshapes the odds, the house edge, and the overall feel of the game compared to European Roulette.

How Roulette Started in Europe - And Why the US Version Changed

Roulette traces its roots back to Europe, where early wheel-based games evolved into the format players recognize today. The classic European wheel featured one zero (0), which helped define the game’s balance between risk and payout.

After roulette arrived in the United States, the game shifted into what’s now called American Roulette. The most important evolution was the addition of the double zero (00), which increased the casino’s advantage and became the standard wheel layout in many US casinos.

The American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Ways to Win (or Miss)

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

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

Numbers 1 to 36 are split between red and black, generally alternating around the wheel (though the exact sequence isn’t perfectly alternating all the way through). The 0 and 00 pockets are green, and they’re the reason American Roulette has different odds than most other roulette variants.

The American Roulette Table Layout: Where Every Bet Lives

The table layout is a betting grid that mirrors the numbers and groups you can wager on. Players place chips directly onto the felt in specific zones:

• On a single number for precise picks
• On lines between numbers for multi-number coverage
• On larger outside sections for broader categories like red/black, odd/even, dozens, and columns

Where your chip lands matters - a small move on the felt can change your bet type and payout.

How to Play American Roulette: Quick Start Steps

Playing a round is easy, even if it’s your first time:

1. Choose your chip value.
2. Place one or more bets on the table before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball drops into a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid based on the payout rules for your bet type.

American Roulette Bets That Keep Every Spin Interesting

Roulette betting is typically split into inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets aim for bigger payouts with lower hit frequency. Outside bets cover more outcomes for steadier results.

Inside Bets: Higher Payouts, Tighter Targets

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small clusters on the number grid:

Straight Up: Bet on one number. Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. Street: Bet on a row of three numbers. Corner: Bet on a block of four numbers where corners meet. Six Line: Bet on two adjacent streets (six numbers total).

Outside Bets: Broader Coverage, Smoother Swings

Outside bets sit on the outer areas of the table and cover larger groups:

Red or Black: Bet on the color of the winning number. Odd or Even: Bet whether the winning number is odd or even. High or Low: Bet 19-36 (high) or 1-18 (low). Dozens: Bet 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Columns: Bet one of the three vertical columns (12 numbers each).

American Roulette Payout Table (Typical)

Here’s the standard payout structure most American Roulette games use:

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

Payouts are designed around probability, and the 0 and 00 pockets are what tilt the long-term math toward the house.

The Real Cost of the Double Zero: American Roulette House Edge

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That edge exists mainly because of the added 00 pocket, which reduces the player’s overall probability of winning compared to a single-zero wheel.

For comparison, European Roulette usually has a house edge of about 2.7% because it only includes one green pocket (0). Over many spins, that difference becomes very noticeable.

Smart American Roulette Tips for New Players

Roulette is easy to learn, but it’s still a money game - bring a plan, not just hope.

Start by understanding what each bet actually pays versus how often it can hit. Outside bets (like red/black or high/low) won’t pay as much, but they tend to stretch your session because they cover 18 numbers.

Bankroll management is what keeps roulette fun. Decide your budget and stop points in advance, and avoid raising stakes emotionally after a loss.

Be cautious with betting systems that claim guaranteed wins. Roulette outcomes are independent spin to spin, and no pattern is “due.” Roulette is ultimately a game of chance, so your best move is controlling risk, not trying to outsmart randomness.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Matter

The biggest differences come down to wheel design and long-term value:

• Pockets: American has 38 (includes 0 and 00). European has 37 (0 only).
• House edge: American is 5.26% . European is about 2.7% .
• Popularity: American Roulette is widely seen in US casinos, while European Roulette is more common across Europe and also popular online for players chasing a lower house edge.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer: Two Ways to Play

Online American Roulette generally comes in two formats. RNG (random number generator) roulette is software-based - quick rounds, instant results, and you can play at your pace.

Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel from a studio with a professional dealer calling the action. It’s a great pick when you want the real-table vibe, visible spins, and a more social pace.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

Many top studios develop roulette titles and live roulette tables, including Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. Provider quality impacts how the game looks, how smoothly it runs on mobile, and which extra features (like statistics panels or table limits) are available.

Mobile American Roulette: Built for Phones and Tablets

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for mobile play, so you can place inside and outside bets comfortably on a touchscreen. Expect responsive layouts, quick chip selection, and smooth gameplay on both smartphones and tablets as long as you have a stable connection.

Where to Play American Roulette Online (Bonuses and Banking)

If you’re choosing an online casino, look for reliable payments, solid support, and welcome offers that fit your playstyle.

At Crypto Palace Casino, you’ll find crypto-friendly banking like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Tether (USDT), and USD Coin (USDC), plus card and wallet options such as Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. New players can grab the 400% + 75 Free Spins welcome bonus with code CRYPTOKING. See the full details here: Crypto Palace Casino.

Island Reels Casino supports major coins (BTC, ETH, LTC, USDT, USDC) alongside traditional methods like Visa, MasterCard, and bank wire. Its welcome offer features 300% + 100 Free Spins with code WELCOME300. Full review: Island Reels Casino.

For players who like variety across software libraries, SpinDimension Casino includes multiple providers and a large welcome package - the $7000 Starter Pack spread across four deposits. Review page: SpinDimension Casino.

Bonus terms vary by casino and can include playthrough requirements - always check the promo rules before you deposit.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun and Controlled

Set a budget before you play and stick to it. Choose limits that match your comfort level, take breaks, and never chase losses. Roulette is entertainment first - the best sessions are the ones you can walk away from calmly.

American Roulette FAQ