American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most recognizable casino table games in the United States, known for its fast rounds, simple rules, and iconic spinning wheel. Like all roulette variants, it centers on predicting where a small ball will land on a numbered wheel, but American Roulette has one key twist that changes the odds.

The biggest difference is the wheel includes two green pockets - 0 and 00. That extra “00” is what separates American Roulette from European Roulette and is the reason the game carries a higher house edge.

What Makes American Roulette Different (And Why It Matters)

American Roulette is a wheel-and-ball game where you place chips on a betting layout, the dealer spins the wheel, and a ball drops into a pocket. If your bet matches the winning number or group, you get paid based on the bet type.

What makes American Roulette unique is simple:

• European Roulette has one green pocket (0).
• American Roulette has two green pockets (0 and 00).

That extra pocket slightly reduces your long-term chances of winning, even though the payouts look the same as other roulette versions.

The Origins of Roulette: From Europe to American Casinos

Roulette traces back to Europe, with the modern game developing in France and spreading through major gambling hubs over time. The classic wheel design evolved into what many people now call European Roulette.

When roulette made its way to the United States, operators introduced a wheel with an additional zero pocket. That double zero (00) became a defining feature of American Roulette, helping casinos increase their advantage while keeping gameplay familiar for players.

Inside the American Roulette Wheel: The 38-Pocket Setup

An American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets total:

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

The numbers 1-36 alternate red and black (with a specific fixed arrangement around the wheel). The 0 and 00 pockets are green, and they are not considered red, black, odd, even, high, or low. That detail matters because when the ball lands on 0 or 00, most outside bets lose.

How the American Roulette Table Layout Works

The table layout is a betting grid that represents the numbers and betting areas you can cover with your chips.

The main sections are:

• The inside grid for individual numbers (1-36) and small combinations of numbers.
• The outside betting fields for larger groups, like red or black, odd or even, dozens, and columns.
• The 0 and 00 positions are usually placed at the top of the inside grid, separate from the 1-36 block.

To place a bet, you put your chips directly on a number, on the line between numbers, or on labeled boxes (like “RED” or “1st 12”), depending on what you want to cover.

How to Play American Roulette: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve never played before, here’s the basic flow of a round:

1. Choose your chip value at the table (or select your stake online).
2. Place your bets on the layout before betting closes.
3. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
4. The ball bounces and settles into a numbered pocket.
5. The winning number and color are announced, and winning bets are paid based on the standard payout rules.

Then the next round begins, and you can repeat the process with new bets.

American Roulette Bets Explained: Inside vs Outside

Roulette bets usually fall into two categories - inside bets (smaller coverage, higher payouts) and outside bets (bigger coverage, lower payouts).

Inside Bets: Higher Payouts, Smaller Targets

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or tight groups of numbers on the main grid.

Common inside bets include:

• Straight Up - bet on one number. Typical payout: 35: 1.
• Split - bet on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. Typical payout: 17: 1.
• Street - bet on a row of three numbers by placing a chip at the edge of the row. Typical payout: 11: 1.
• Corner - bet on a block of four numbers by placing a chip on the intersection where four numbers meet. Typical payout: 8: 1.
• Six Line - bet on two adjacent rows (six numbers) by placing a chip on the shared outer line. Typical payout: 5: 1.

Inside bets can be exciting, but they swing more because you’re covering fewer outcomes.

Outside Bets: Lower Risk, More Coverage

Outside bets cover larger sets of numbers and are popular with beginners because they hit more often.

Typical outside bets include:

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

Remember, 0 and 00 are green and don’t count as red/black, odd/even, or high/low, which is why outside bets lose when those pockets hit.

American Roulette Payout Table (Quick Reference)

Here’s a clear snapshot of the typical payouts you’ll see in American Roulette:

• Straight Up covers 1 number at 35: 1
• Split covers 2 numbers at 17: 1
• Street covers 3 numbers at 11: 1
• Corner covers 4 numbers at 8: 1
• Six Line covers 6 numbers at 5: 1
• Dozens covers 12 numbers at 2: 1
• Columns covers 12 numbers at 2: 1
• Red/Black covers 18 numbers at 1: 1
• Odd/Even covers 18 numbers at 1: 1
• High/Low covers 18 numbers at 1: 1

Payouts can be displayed slightly differently online, but the math behind standard roulette payouts is consistent.

The Real Cost of the Double Zero: American Roulette House Edge

American Roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. That advantage comes directly from the extra green pocket (00), which adds one more losing outcome for most bets without increasing payouts.

For comparison, European Roulette typically has a house edge of about 2.7% because it only has a single zero (0). In practical terms, European Roulette generally gives you better odds over time, even though both games can feel nearly identical in the moment.

Smart American Roulette Tips That Actually Help Beginners

Roulette is a game of chance, so no strategy can change the underlying odds. Still, you can make choices that help you play more comfortably and avoid common mistakes.

A few practical tips:

• Understand the odds before betting - especially how 0 and 00 affect outside bets.
• Use outside bets for lower volatility if you want a smoother ride.
• Set a bankroll and stick to it - decide ahead of time what you can afford to spend.
• Be cautious with betting systems that claim “guaranteed wins.” They can increase your bet size quickly, and they do not remove the house edge.

If you treat roulette as entertainment and keep your stakes realistic, it’s much easier to enjoy.

American Roulette vs European Roulette: The Key Differences

If you’re choosing between variants, here’s what to watch:

• Number of pockets: American has 38 (includes 0 and 00), European has 37 (0 only).
• House edge: American is 5.26%, European is about 2.7%.
• Popularity: American Roulette is common in United States casinos, while European Roulette is more common in many European casinos and in online lobbies labeled “European.”

If you’re optimizing for better odds, European Roulette usually wins. If you want the classic United States-style wheel, American Roulette is the familiar pick.

Online American Roulette vs Live Dealer Roulette: Which Feels Better?

Online roulette typically comes in two formats:

• RNG (random number generator) roulette: The outcome is generated by certified software, and gameplay is quick, with instant spins.
• Live dealer roulette: A real roulette wheel is streamed from a studio (or casino floor), and you place bets through an interface while a human dealer runs the game.

RNG games are great for speed and convenience. Live dealer roulette is great if you like the atmosphere, pacing, and “real table” feel.

Top Roulette Game Providers to Know Before You Play

If you’re browsing online casinos, the software provider can influence game quality, interface design, streaming stability (for live tables), and available table limits.

Some widely known developers that offer roulette titles include:

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

When comparing casinos, it can also help to see which providers they host and whether they offer both RNG and live roulette options.

Where to Play: American Roulette at EmberBet Casino and Winnix Casino

Many online casinos feature American Roulette alongside other table games and live dealer options. If you’re exploring platforms, you can start by reviewing options like EmberBet Casino and Winnix Casino to compare game libraries, banking methods, and support.

If you’d like to dig deeper, you can also check the site’s internal reviews for each brand once:

• EmberBet Casino review: /eember-bet-casino
• Winnix Casino review: /winnix-casino

Always confirm game availability in your location and read the bonus terms before opting in, especially wagering requirements and any table-game contribution rules.

Mobile American Roulette: Built for Phones and Tablets

Most modern American Roulette games are optimized for mobile play, meaning you can place bets, zoom the layout, and track results comfortably on smaller screens. Live dealer roulette is also commonly mobile-friendly, as long as you have a stable internet connection.

If you’re playing on mobile, it helps to:

• Use landscape mode for a wider view of the table.
• Check table limits carefully (some mobile lobbies default to higher-limit tables).
• Keep an eye on session time - mobile play makes it easy to keep spinning longer than you planned.

Responsible Gambling Reminder: Keep It Fun and Controlled

Roulette should feel like entertainment, not pressure. Set a budget, take breaks, and avoid chasing losses. If gambling stops being fun, pause and seek support from reputable responsible gambling resources available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette