American Roulette

American Roulette is a popular roulette variant at casinos in the United States and many international online casinos. The game revolves around a wheel, a ball, and a betting table where you place chips to predict which pocket the ball will land in.

The core difference from other variants lies in the two green pockets on the wheel: 0 and 00. The '00' is the key factor that gives American roulette a higher house edge, while creating a characteristic gameplay rhythm that many players enjoy.

History of Roulette: From Europe to the American Version

Roulette originated in Europe, stemming from classic wheel games and gradually standardized in French casinos. It later spread across Europe, leading to popular versions like European Roulette (single 0) and French Roulette (single 0 with additional favorable rules in certain cases).

Upon arriving in the United States, casinos developed the wheel by adding a 00 pocket. This birthed American Roulette, which became the standard in many US casinos and followed online operators to global markets.

American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Pockets and '00' Makes All the Difference

The American Roulette wheel features 38 pockets, including:

• 36 numbers from 1 to 36
• 1 pocket for 0
• 1 pocket for 00

Red and black numbers alternate (not in strict ascending order), while 0 and 00 are green. These green pockets do not belong to red/black, odd/even, or high/low groups, reducing win probabilities for most bet types.

American Roulette Table Layout: How the Betting Grid Works

The roulette betting table is a grid of numbers from 1–36 arranged in rows and columns, with outside betting areas such as Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low, Dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36), and Columns.

Players place chips:

• On a single number (straight bet)
• On lines between numbers (small group bets)
• In outside areas (larger groups with lower risk)

Simply place the chip in the correct area, and the dealer will recognize the bet type without explanation.

How to Play American Roulette

Roulette is quick and easy to play, but understanding the probabilities is key before increasing stakes.

Types of American Roulette Bets: Inside Bets and Outside Bets (with Payouts)

Roulette bets are divided into Inside Bets (on specific numbers or small groups) and Outside Bets (on larger groups, easier wins but lower payouts).

Inside Bets: High-Risk Bets for Specific Numbers

• Straight Up : One single number. Typical payout: 35:1
• Split : Two adjacent numbers (chip on dividing line). Typical payout: 17:1
• Street : Three numbers in one horizontal row. Typical payout: 11:1
• Corner : Four numbers in a square (chip at intersection). Typical payout: 8:1
• Six Line : Six numbers (two adjacent rows). Typical payout: 5:1

Outside Bets: Safer Options for Beginners

• Red/Black : 18 numbers. Typical payout: 1:1
• Odd/Even : 18 numbers. Typical payout: 1:1
• High/Low : 19–36 or 1–18 (18 numbers). Typical payout: 1:1
• Dozens : 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36 (12 numbers). Typical payout: 2:1
• Columns : One of three vertical columns (12 numbers). Typical payout: 2:1

Note: 0 and 00 mean 18-number bets like Red/Black are not quite 50/50.

American Roulette Payout Table

These are the standard payouts at most casinos and online sites.

House Edge in American Roulette: Why 5.26%?

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%, directly due to the 38 pockets including 0 and 00—unfavorable for most bets.

Comparison: European Roulette has 37 pockets (only 0), with a house edge of about 2.7%. This gap matters for prolonged play or high stakes.

Strategy Tips for American Roulette Beginners: Practical and Realistic

View roulette as pure chance and focus on safe, disciplined enjoyment over chasing losses.

• Know the odds first : High payouts = low hit rates; avoid all-in on tempting 35:1.
• Start with outside bets : Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low for longer sessions and less volatility.
• Strict bankroll management : Set limits per session, e.g., stop at $50 loss.
• Skip 'guaranteed win' systems : Martingale etc. don't beat the odds, just amplify loss streaks.

No surefire edges in roulette. Aim for control, sensible sizing, and knowing when to quit.

American Roulette vs European Roulette

Key differences:

• Pockets : American (38 with 0/00) vs European (37 with 0).
• House edge : 5.26% vs ~2.7% .
• Popularity : American dominates US casinos and some online lobbies; European preferred in Europe and by value players.

European offers better long-term odds; American delivers classic Vegas vibe.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette

RNG (Random Number Generator): Algorithm-based results, certified fair. Fast, flexible, mobile-optimized.

Live Dealer: Real dealers, wheels, streamed from studios. Authentic feel, paced action, chat interaction.

RNG for quick learning; live for immersion.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette

Major developers offering American Roulette, especially live:

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

Varies by casino: different speeds, limits, UIs.

Mobile American Roulette

Most American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with touch betting. Use stable Wi-Fi/4G for live to avoid lag at 'no more bets'.

Responsible Gambling Reminder

Roulette's speed makes discipline essential. Play responsibly—set deposit/loss/time limits and self-exclude if needed. Seek help for gambling issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette

American Roulette suits fans of fast-paced US casino action despite the higher house edge. Whether inside or outside bets, always set clear limits for enjoyable play.