American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most popular roulette variants you’ll find in casinos and online. It plays fast, feels familiar, and keeps every spin suspenseful, but it also comes with a built-in twist that affects your odds.

The key difference is simple and important - American Roulette uses two green pockets: “0” and “00.” That extra pocket raises the house edge compared to other versions, which is why it’s smart to know exactly what you’re playing before you start placing chips.

What Makes American Roulette Different (and Why It Matters)

American Roulette uses a wheel with 38 pockets instead of 37. Along with numbers 1-36, you’ll see both a single zero and a double zero.

That second green pocket (“00”) is the whole story. It slightly reduces the chance that any given bet hits, while the payouts stay the same as other roulette variants. The result is a higher house edge, even though the gameplay looks nearly identical.

The Real Origins: A Quick History of Roulette

Roulette traces back to Europe, where early versions developed around the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and eventually standardized into what most players recognize today.

Once roulette reached the United States, casinos and operators adapted it, and the double zero was added to the wheel. Over time, that version became the classic “American” layout, especially in land-based casinos across the country, and it later carried over to online platforms.

American Roulette Wheel Layout, Explained in Plain English

An American Roulette wheel has:

• 38 total pockets
• Numbers 1-36
• A single zero (0)
• A double zero (00)

The numbers 1-36 alternate between red and black pockets. The “0” and “00” pockets are green, and they’re the reason American Roulette has different odds than European Roulette.

If you’re comparing wheels online, the easiest visual check is this - if you see “00,” it’s American Roulette.

The Betting Grid: How the American Roulette Table Layout Works

The table layout is the betting “map” where you place your chips. The main grid contains numbers 1-36 arranged in rows and columns, plus separate spaces for “0” and “00.”

Bets fall into two big categories:

Inside bets - placed on the numbered grid, covering specific numbers or small groups. Outside bets - placed on larger sections around the grid, covering broader groups like red or black.

You place chips directly on a number or on the lines between numbers to signal exactly what you’re betting on. Online, the interface does the same thing with taps or clicks, usually with clear highlights to confirm your bet.

How to Play American Roulette in 5 Simple Steps

American Roulette is easy to learn, even if it’s your first table game.

1. Choose your chip value Pick the denomination you want to bet per chip.
2. Place your bets on the table Put chips on inside bets, outside bets, or both.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball In online live dealer roulette, you’ll see this happen in real time.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket That result is the winning number and color (or green if it’s 0 or 00).
5. Winning bets are paid based on the payout rules Your winning chips are returned, and your profit is added according to the payout table.

Inside Bets: Bigger Payouts, Higher Swings

Inside bets focus on precision - you’re covering fewer numbers, so wins are less frequent, but payouts are higher.

Straight Up A bet on a single number (including 0 or 00). Typical payout is 35: 1.

Split A bet on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. Typical payout is 17: 1.

Street A bet on three numbers in a horizontal row. Typical payout is 11: 1.

Corner A bet covering four numbers that meet at one corner point. Typical payout is 8: 1.

Six Line A bet covering six numbers across two adjacent streets (two rows). Typical payout is 5: 1.

Outside Bets: Lower Risk, Smoother Momentum

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, which generally means more frequent hits and smaller payouts.

Red or Black Covers 18 numbers. Typical payout is 1: 1.

Odd or Even Covers 18 numbers (excluding 0 and 00). Typical payout is 1: 1.

High or Low Low is 1-18, high is 19-36. Covers 18 numbers. Typical payout is 1: 1.

Dozens Bet on 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Covers 12 numbers. Typical payout is 2: 1.

Columns Bet on one of the three vertical columns in the grid. Covers 12 numbers. Typical payout is 2: 1.

American Roulette Payout Table (Quick Reference)

Here’s the typical payout structure you’ll see at most online casinos and live dealer tables:

• Straight Up: 1 number covered, 35: 1 payout. Example: Bet $5 on 17 - win $175 profit.
• Split: 2 numbers covered, 17: 1 payout. Example: Bet $5 on 17-20 - win $85 profit.
• Street: 3 numbers covered, 11: 1 payout. Example: Bet $5 on 1-2-3 - win $55 profit.
• Corner: 4 numbers covered, 8: 1 payout. Example: Bet $5 on 19-20-22-23 - win $40 profit.
• Six Line: 6 numbers covered, 5: 1 payout. Example: Bet $5 on 1-6 - win $25 profit.
• Dozens / Columns: 12 numbers covered, 2: 1 payout. Example: Bet $5 on 1st dozen - win $10 profit.
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 18 numbers covered, 1: 1 payout. Example: Bet $5 on red - win $5 profit.

Payouts can look “generous” on inside bets, but keep the math in mind - the wheel has 38 pockets, so single-number hits are rare by design.

The House Edge: Why American Roulette Costs More to Play

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That’s driven by the double zero - the extra green pocket increases the casino’s advantage across all standard bets.

For comparison, European Roulette (with only one green “0” and 37 pockets) has a house edge of about 2.70%. The gameplay is similar, but the long-term value for players is better on the European wheel.

Smart Strategy Tips That Actually Help

There’s no guaranteed way to win at roulette - it’s a game of chance - but you can still play with more clarity and control.

Know the odds before you bet If you’re not sure what a bet covers or pays, check the table help menu first.

Use outside bets for lower volatility Red or black, odd or even, and high or low won’t “beat” the house, but they usually give your bankroll more balance over time.

Manage your bankroll like it matters (because it does) Set a session budget, decide your base bet size, and don’t chase losses. A simple limit can keep the fun going longer.

Avoid systems that promise guaranteed wins Martingale-style progressions can grow your bet size fast and run into table limits or bankroll limits. They don’t change the house edge.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences Players Notice

These two versions feel similar, but the details affect your results.

Number of pockets American has 38 (0 and 00). European has 37 (0 only).

House edge American is 5.26%. European is about 2.70%.

Where you’ll see it most American Roulette is especially common in casinos across the United States. European Roulette is more common in Europe, and it’s also widely offered online because many players prefer the lower edge.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette: Which Should You Pick?

Online roulette usually comes in two formats:

RNG American Roulette This is software-based with a random number generator. It’s fast, private, and great if you want quick spins, lower minimums, or autoplay features.

Live dealer American Roulette A real dealer spins a physical wheel in a studio, streamed to your device. You get the real-table atmosphere, chat features, and a slower pace that many players find more reassuring.

Both can be fair when offered by licensed, regulated casinos that use audited software and clear game rules.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette Games

If you’re browsing online casinos, these developers are well-known for roulette titles (including American layouts) and polished live dealer productions:

Evolution Playtech Pragmatic Play Live NetEnt Ezugi

Provider availability depends on the casino, your location, and local rules, so it’s worth checking the roulette lobby filters before you deposit.

Mobile American Roulette: Spin Anywhere, Any Time

Most American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, whether you’re playing RNG or live dealer. On mobile, the betting grid is usually simplified with zoom, tap-to-bet controls, and quick re-bet buttons, so you can stay in rhythm without misclicks.

If you’re playing on cellular data, live dealer tables may use more bandwidth than RNG games, so a stable connection helps.

Where to Play Roulette Online (and What to Check First)

Before you play for real money, prioritize licensed platforms with clear rules, fair terms, and reliable payouts. If you’re comparing casinos, look at payment options, support access, and bonus conditions that apply to table games.

If you’re browsing options like Brionis Casino, check the bonus details carefully, including wagering requirements, game contribution rules, and whether roulette is fully eligible.

Responsible Gambling: Keep It Fun, Keep It Controlled

Roulette should feel exciting, not stressful. Set deposit limits, use session time reminders, and take breaks when the momentum stops feeling balanced. If gambling stops being fun, consider a time-out or self-exclusion tool offered by your casino.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette