American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic roulette variant most associated with US casinos. It plays like standard roulette - you place bets on a layout, the wheel spins, the ball drops, and winning bets get paid out based on where the ball lands.

What makes American Roulette different from other versions is simple but huge: it has two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra pocket slightly reduces your odds compared to European Roulette, and it’s the reason American Roulette comes with a higher house edge.

From European Salons to American Casino Floors: A Quick History

Roulette’s roots trace back to Europe, where early versions evolved into the single-zero game that became popular in France and beyond. When roulette crossed the Atlantic and found a home in the United States, casinos introduced a key change - the double zero (00) - creating the American wheel used widely today.

That one addition reshaped the math of the game, increasing the casino advantage while keeping the same iconic betting style that roulette players love.

The American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Pockets, More Possibilities

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

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

The numbers 1-36 are split between red and black, arranged in a fixed order around the wheel. The 0 and 00 are colored green, and they’re the pockets that separate American Roulette from European Roulette.

The American Roulette Table Layout: Where Every Chip Tells a Story

The table layout is a betting grid that mirrors the numbers and groups you can wager on. You’ll see 1-36 arranged in rows and columns, with 0 and 00 placed at the top.

Players place chips directly on the areas tied to their chosen bets. A chip on a single number targets that exact pocket. A chip on a line, corner, or outside section targets a larger group of outcomes. The more numbers you cover, the more often you can win - but the payout per win drops accordingly.

How to Play American Roulette: Quick Start in 5 Steps

Playing is easy to learn and satisfying from the first spin:

1. Choose your chip value at the table.
2. Place your bets on the layout before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket (red, black, or green).
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout rules, and then the next round begins.

Inside Bets: Precision Plays With Bigger Payout Potential

Inside bets sit on the numbered grid and focus on specific numbers or small clusters.

A Straight Up bet hits one exact number. A Split covers two adjacent numbers. A Street covers three numbers in a row. A Corner covers four numbers that meet at an intersection. A Six Line covers six numbers across two adjacent streets.

Inside bets can deliver the biggest payouts, but they hit less often because you’re covering fewer pockets.

Outside Bets: Wider Coverage, Steadier Hit Rate

Outside bets sit around the main number grid and cover larger groups of outcomes:

• Red or Black (color bets)
• Odd or Even
• High or Low (1-18 vs 19-36)
• Dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36)
• Columns (one of the three vertical columns)

Outside bets are popular for beginners because they’re easier to track, land more frequently, and help smooth out bankroll swings - even though the payouts are lower than inside bets.

American Roulette Payout Table: Know What Each Bet Pays

Here’s the standard payout structure you’ll see at most tables:

• Straight Up: 1 number, 35: 1 payout (example: Bet on 17)
• Split: 2 numbers, 17: 1 payout (example: Bet on 8-11)
• Street: 3 numbers, 11: 1 payout (example: Bet on 1-2-3)
• Corner: 4 numbers, 8: 1 payout (example: Bet on 10-11-13-14)
• Six Line: 6 numbers, 5: 1 payout (example: Bet on 1-2-3-4-5-6)
• Dozens / Columns: 12 numbers, 2: 1 payout (example: Bet on 1st dozen)
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 18 numbers, 1: 1 payout (example: Bet on Red)

House Edge in American Roulette: Why the Double Zero Matters

American Roulette has a 5.26% house edge. That edge comes from the extra green pocket (00), which increases the number of possible outcomes without increasing the payouts.

For comparison, European Roulette (with only a single zero) has a house edge of about 2.7%. Same core game, different wheel math - and it’s a difference you’ll feel over long sessions.

Smart American Roulette Strategy Tips: Play Cleaner, Not Louder

There’s no guaranteed method to beat roulette long-term, but you can play in a way that keeps decision-making sharp:

• Understand the odds before betting. Bigger payouts usually mean lower hit rates.
• Use outside bets for lower risk and more frequent wins, especially while you’re learning.
• Manage your bankroll carefully. Decide your session budget and keep stake sizes consistent.
• Avoid “guaranteed win” systems. Progressive betting can grow losses quickly, and roulette outcomes don’t “owe” you anything.

Roulette is a game of chance, and the best sessions are the ones where you stay in control and enjoy the ride responsibly.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Real Differences That Count

The two games look similar, but their key differences are decisive:

• Number of pockets: American has 38 (0 and 00), European has 37 (0 only).
• House edge: American 5.26% , European about 2.7% .
• Where it’s most popular: American Roulette is a staple in many US casinos , while European Roulette is more common across Europe and in many online lobbies.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Tables: Pick Your Pace

Online American Roulette usually comes in two styles:

RNG roulette uses a random number generator to produce outcomes instantly, making it ideal for quick rounds, flexible stakes, and playing on your schedule.

Live dealer roulette streams real wheels from professional studios, combining real-time spins with a social casino feel via chat and on-screen betting. If you like the atmosphere of a real table with the convenience of online play, live dealer is the move.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette: Studios That Deliver the Action

If you’re choosing where to play, the developer behind the table matters. Top studios known for roulette (including American Roulette and live tables) include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi.

At casinos like ThorFortune Casino and Crorewin Casino, you’ll often find roulette options powered by leading providers, giving you a mix of classic tables, slick interfaces, and live dealer rooms depending on what you’re chasing.

Mobile American Roulette: Spin Anytime, Anywhere

American Roulette is fully optimized for smartphones and tablets, with layouts designed for touch controls, quick bet placement, and clean visibility of inside and outside options. Whether you prefer RNG tables for speed or live dealer rooms for real-table energy, mobile play keeps every round within easy reach.

Responsible Gambling: Keep the Fun in Control

Set limits before you play - time, budget, and stake size - and stick to them. If the session stops feeling enjoyable, take a break. Roulette is best when it’s entertainment first and always played with discipline.

FAQ: American Roulette Answers You’ll Actually Use