American Roulette

American Roulette is the classic casino wheel you see across casinos in the United States, and its defining trait is simple: two green pockets, 0 and 00. That double-zero setup changes the math on every bet, so knowing the wheel, the table, and the payouts helps you play smarter and manage risk.

A short history — from Europe to the United States

Roulette began in Europe during the 18th century, evolving from earlier gambling wheels and games of chance. When the game crossed the Atlantic, American casinos adapted the layout to include a double zero, creating what we now call American Roulette. The double-zero was a house-friendly change that stuck in many United States casinos, while single-zero tables remained more common in Europe.

American Roulette wheel layout — the numbers that matter

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total. That includes:

• Numbers 1 through 36
• A single zero — 0
• A double zero — 00

Numbers 1–36 alternate between red and black, producing that familiar striped look, while 0 and 00 are green. That extra green pocket is the key difference that affects odds and payouts.

American Roulette table layout — placing your chips

The table pairs a numbered grid with outside betting options. Players place chips directly on single numbers, on the lines between numbers, or on larger betting areas along the edge of the grid. A typical table shows:

• The inside grid for single-number and small-group bets
• Dozens and column boxes for 12-number bets
• Single boxes for red/black, odd/even, and high/low outside bets

Dealers accept bets until they announce “no more bets,” then spin the wheel and drop the ball.

How to play American Roulette — quick steps

1. Choose your chip value.
2. Place bets on any combination of inside and outside areas.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball settles into a numbered pocket.
5. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing chips are collected.

It’s straightforward, but understanding payout differences helps you pick the right risks.

Types of American Roulette bets — inside and outside

Inside bets are for specific numbers or small groups. They pay higher because they cover fewer outcomes:

• Straight up — a single number.
• Split — two adjacent numbers.
• Street — three numbers in a row.
• Corner — four numbers forming a square.
• Six line — six numbers across two adjacent rows.

Outside bets cover larger groups and offer lower variance:

• Red or Black — color bets covering 18 numbers.
• Odd or Even — 18 numbers each.
• High or Low — 1–18 or 19–36.
• Dozens — 12-number blocks (1–12, 13–24, 25–36).
• Columns — 12 numbers per column on the grid.

American Roulette payout table

• Straight up: 1 number covered, typical payout 35: 1
• Split: 2 numbers covered, typical payout 17: 1
• Street: 3 numbers covered, typical payout 11: 1
• Corner: 4 numbers covered, typical payout 8: 1
• Six line: 6 numbers covered, typical payout 5: 1
• Dozens / Columns: 12 numbers covered, typical payout 2: 1
• Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 18 numbers covered, typical payout 1: 1

Payouts reflect the long-term odds, not guarantees for any single spin.

House edge — why 0 and 00 matter

American Roulette carries a house edge of about 5.26%, driven by the two green pockets. Because bets lose when the ball lands on 0 or 00, the extra pocket raises the casino’s expected advantage compared with single-zero wheels. For comparison, European Roulette, with a single zero, has a house edge around 2.7%.

Practical strategy tips for American Roulette

• Know the odds before you wager, and match stakes to your bankroll.
• Use outside bets for lower variance and more frequent, smaller wins.
• Set session limits and stick to them—decide beforehand how much you’ll risk.
• Avoid betting systems that promise guaranteed returns; roulette is a game of chance.
• Treat play as entertainment, and pause if it stops being fun.

American Roulette versus European Roulette — key differences

• Number of pockets: American has 38 pockets with 0 and 00; European has 37 with a single 0.
• House edge: American ~5.26%; European ~2.7%.
• Popularity: American Roulette is standard in many United States casinos, while European-style tables are common across Europe and at many international online sites.

Online RNG tables versus live dealer roulette

RNG roulette uses software to simulate spins, offering faster rounds, varied table limits, and lower minimums. Live dealer roulette streams a real wheel and croupier from a studio, giving a social feel and real-time action. Both are fair when provided by reputable operators and audited studios; pick the format that fits your pace and budget.

Ready to try American Roulette online? See live and RNG options at Glimmer Casino to compare table styles, limits, and promotions.

Best software providers for American Roulette

Major developers that power strong American Roulette games include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. These studios offer polished RNG versions, live-streamed tables, and mobile-friendly interfaces that work across smartphones and tablets.

Mobile American Roulette — play on the go

American Roulette is optimized for mobile devices, with responsive layouts for portrait and landscape, touch-friendly betting, and account features like quick deposits and cashouts. Look for apps or mobile sites that state fast withdrawals and secure payment methods.

Responsible gambling — play smart

Set deposit, loss, and session limits, and take breaks. If play becomes stressful or costly, use self-exclusion tools or contact support services. Casinos publish terms, conditions, and responsible play resources—read them before you play.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette