American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic wheel-and-ball table game you see in brick-and-mortar and online casinos across the United States. The key difference from other variants is simple and game-changing: the wheel has two green pockets — a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). Those two green pockets increase the house edge, and they change how players weigh risk across inside and outside bets.

A quick look at the history

Roulette traces back to 17th-century Europe, with roots in French gambling salons and mathematical curiosity from early inventors. The game migrated to the United States in the 19th century, where casinos adapted the wheel and introduced the double zero to boost house advantage. That American adaptation became the standard in many United States casinos, while Europe largely retained the single-zero format.

Wheel layout explained — the 38-pocket setup

• Total pockets: 38.
• Numbers: 1–36, plus 0 and 00.
• Colors: Numbers alternate red and black, while 0 and 00 are green.

The alternating red and black pattern helps visual balance, and the two green pockets are why outcomes and odds differ from single-zero wheels.

Table layout — where to place your chips

The American Roulette table pairs a numbered grid with outside betting strips. The numbered grid holds the inside bets — single numbers and small combinations — while the outside sections cover larger groups like dozens, columns, and even-money bets. Players place chips directly on numbers, on the lines between numbers, or on labeled areas for red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns.

How to play American Roulette — step by step

1. Choose your chip value.
2. Place your bets on the table before the dealer calls “no more bets.”
3. The dealer spins the wheel in one direction and rolls the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, then losing bets are cleared.

Always check the dealer’s call and confirm the table minimums and maximums.

Inside bets — high payout, smaller chance

Inside bets target single numbers or tight combinations on the numbered grid:

• Straight up — single number.
• Split — two adjacent numbers.
• Street — three numbers in a row.
• Corner — four numbers meeting at a corner.
• Six line — two adjacent rows, six numbers total.

Payouts are higher on inside bets because they cover fewer numbers.

Outside bets — lower risk, steadier returns

Outside bets cover larger groups and pay closer to even money:

• Red or Black — color bet.
• Odd or Even — parity bet.
• High or Low — 19–36 or 1–18.
• Dozens — 1–12, 13–24, 25–36.
• Columns — one of three vertical columns of 12 numbers.

Outside bets reduce variance and are a common choice for conservative bankroll management.

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

Note: Payouts reflect typical casino practice. Always verify the table rules at your casino and read the terms and conditions.

House edge — why 0 and 00 matter

American Roulette has a house edge of about 5.26%, driven by the presence of both 0 and 00. Each of those green pockets means some outside bets lose even when the ball lands on a non-matching number. By comparison, European Roulette with a single zero has a house edge around 2.7%. That difference affects expected value over time and is why many players prefer single-zero games when available.

Practical strategy tips for beginners

• Understand the odds before betting. Know which bets cover how many numbers.
• Use outside bets for lower risk and steadier play.
• Manage bankroll carefully—set session limits, and stick to them.
• Avoid systems that promise guaranteed wins; roulette outcomes are random.
• Check table limits and minimums to match your bankroll.

Roulette is a random game; strategies can help manage variance, but they do not change the house edge.

American Roulette versus European Roulette — quick comparisons

• Number of pockets: American 38 versus European 37.
• House edge: American ~5.26% versus European ~2.7%.
• Popularity: American Roulette is common in United States casinos, while European and French variants dominate many European venues.

The extra 00 in American Roulette is the core reason for rule and odds differences.

Online American Roulette and live dealer variants

Online players can choose RNG (random number generator) American Roulette or live dealer tables streamed from studios. RNG games offer fast action and flexible limits, while live dealer versions give a casino-floor feel with a human dealer, real wheel, and chat features. Both types are widely available on desktop and mobile platforms; pick the format that suits your comfort level and desired pace.

Top developers offering American Roulette

Major providers that produce high-quality American Roulette titles and live versions include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These studios offer polished interfaces, mobile-optimized gameplay, and trusted randomness or professionally run live streams.

For a casino that lists a broad selection of providers and live options, see the Chanze Casino review at /chanze-casino.

Mobile play — roulette in your pocket

American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with responsive design and touch-friendly controls. Whether you prefer quick spins on the go or longer sessions at home, mobile versions preserve the core rules, betting layout, and payout structure.

Responsible play — set limits, play smart

Set deposit, loss, and session limits before you play, and treat roulette as entertainment, not a way to make money. If gambling stops being fun, take a break and seek support. Remember that terms and conditions apply to all casino offers and bonuses.

Frequently asked questions

Try American Roulette responsibly, understand the odds before placing bets, and consult the casino’s terms and conditions for rules and promotions. Good luck, and play within your limits.