American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino table game where you bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. What makes it “American” is the wheel’s key twist: it has two green pockets - “0” and “00.” That extra green pocket changes the math, raises the house edge, and is the main reason American Roulette plays a little tougher than other roulette variants.

You’ll still see the same fast pace, simple bet options, and that satisfying moment when the dealer calls the winning number.

A Quick History: From Europe to American Casino Floors

Roulette traces its roots back to Europe, where early versions took shape in France and spread through major gambling hubs. Over time, the single-zero wheel became the standard in many European casinos.

When roulette reached the United States, the game evolved into what players now know as American Roulette. The most important change was the addition of the “00” pocket, creating the 38-slot wheel that became common in many land-based casinos across the country.

American Roulette Wheel Layout: 38 Pockets, One Extra Trap

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

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

The numbers 1 through 36 alternate red and black around the wheel, while the “0” and “00” pockets are green. Those two green pockets are not just cosmetic - they’re the built-in edge that keeps the game profitable for the casino over the long run.

American Roulette Table Layout: How the Betting Grid Works

The roulette table is basically a betting map. The main grid shows numbers 1 to 36 arranged in rows, plus separate spaces for “0” and “00.” You place chips directly on the layout to indicate exactly what you’re betting on.

Where you put your chips matters:

• On a single number for a “Straight Up” bet
• On a line between numbers to split coverage
• On corners or rows for small groups
• On larger labeled areas (like red, black, odd, even, dozens, and columns) for broader coverage

In most online versions, you click or tap the area you want, and the interface drops chips for you.

How to Play American Roulette: Step-by-Step

Getting started is simple, even if you’ve never touched a roulette wheel before:

1. Choose your chip value.
2. Place your bet (or multiple bets) on the table.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
4. The ball lands in a numbered pocket (including 0 or 00).
5. Winning bets are paid based on the payout rules for that bet type.

That’s it. The only real “skill” is choosing bets that match your risk comfort and bankroll.

Types of American Roulette Bets: Inside vs Outside (With Payouts)

American Roulette bets fall into two big categories - inside bets (tighter coverage, bigger payouts) and outside bets (wider coverage, smaller payouts).

Inside Bets: Bigger Swings, Bigger Payout Potential

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small clusters on the main grid:

• Straight Up - 1 number - pays 35: 1
• Split - 2 numbers - pays 17: 1
• Street - 3 numbers in a row - pays 11: 1
• Corner - 4 numbers that meet at a corner - pays 8: 1
• Six Line - 6 numbers across two rows - pays 5: 1

These bets can be exciting because a single hit can pay nicely, but the tradeoff is that they miss more often.

Outside Bets: Smoother Momentum and More Frequent Hits

Outside bets cover larger sections of the layout:

• Red or Black - 18 numbers - pays 1: 1
• Odd or Even - 18 numbers - pays 1: 1
• High (19-36) or Low (1-18) - 18 numbers - pays 1: 1
• Dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) - 12 numbers - pays 2: 1
• Columns (one of the three vertical columns) - 12 numbers - pays 2: 1

Outside bets are popular for beginners because they provide more balance - you’ll generally hit more often, even though the payouts are smaller.

American Roulette Payout Table: The Quick Reference Players Actually Use

• 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

Payouts are standardized across most casinos, but it’s still smart to check the game rules, especially online.

The House Edge in American Roulette: Why “00” Matters

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That edge comes directly from the extra “00” pocket, which reduces your probability of winning compared to a single-zero wheel.

For comparison, European Roulette (with only one green zero) has a house edge of about 2.7%. That’s a meaningful difference if you play for longer sessions or place higher-volume bets.

American Roulette Strategy Tips: Simple Moves That Keep You Grounded

Roulette is a game of chance, not a game you can “solve,” but you can still play smarter and protect your bankroll.

Understand the odds before you bet. A Straight Up win feels huge, but it’s a 1-in-38 shot on an American wheel.

Use outside bets for lower risk. Red/black, odd/even, and high/low can help you keep steadier momentum, especially if you’re learning.

Manage your bankroll carefully. Set a session budget, keep bet sizes consistent, and don’t chase losses when variance swings against you.

Avoid “guaranteed win” betting systems. No system changes the house edge, and aggressive progressions can drain a bankroll fast. If it sounds too perfect, it usually is.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Differences That Change Everything

The two games look similar at a glance, but they’re not the same value.

Pockets:

• American Roulette: 38 pockets (0 and 00)
• European Roulette: 37 pockets (0 only)

House edge:

• American Roulette: 5.26%
• European Roulette: about 2.7%

Popularity: American Roulette is a staple in many United States casinos, while European Roulette is more common in many European gambling markets and is often preferred by players who want better odds.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette: Two Ways to Spin

Online roulette usually comes in two styles:

RNG American Roulette This version uses a certified random number generator to determine outcomes. It’s fast, private, and great for quick sessions.

Live dealer American Roulette This version streams a real wheel from a studio with a human dealer. You place bets digitally, but the spin is physical, which many players find more transparent and immersive.

Best Software Providers for American Roulette: Who Builds the Top Games

If you’re shopping for high-quality roulette online, these developers are known for strong interfaces, reliable gameplay, and polished live studios:

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

You’ll often see multiple roulette tables from the same provider, including different table limits and camera styles for live play.

Mobile American Roulette: Smooth Play on Phones and Tablets

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with tap-friendly betting grids and clean zoom controls. Whether you prefer RNG speed or a live dealer stream, mobile play is typically designed to stay clear, fair, and easy to use, even on smaller screens.

Where Brionis Casino and MegaFishWins Casino Fit In

If you’re comparing platforms that carry roulette alongside slots and other table games, it helps to look at licensing, game providers, banking options, and support access.

Brionis Casino offers a wide spread of software studios and supports payment methods like Visa, MasterCard, MiFinity, Neosurf, Santander, and Tether. If you want to learn more about the platform, you can check the full review here: Brionis Casino.

MegaFishWins Casino features a large provider lineup that includes live-dealer specialists and supports payment options like Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, PaySafeCard, Interac, Klarna Instant Bank Transfer, and bank transfer. You can review details here: MegaFishWins Casino.

Always confirm game availability, minimum deposits, withdrawal rules, and bonus terms before you opt in.

Responsible Gambling Reminder: Keep It Fun, Keep It in Bounds

Roulette should feel like entertainment, not pressure. Set deposit limits, use time-outs when you need a reset, and consider self-exclusion tools if play stops feeling balanced. If you’re wagering real money, only play with funds you can afford to lose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)