American Roulette is a casino game of chance featuring a wheel with 38 pockets numbered 0, 00, and 1-36. Players predict where the ball will land by placing bets on numbers, colors, or groupings, with payouts ranging from even money to 35:1.
American Roulette stands as one of the most iconic casino games worldwide, combining simple rules with exciting gameplay and substantial payout potential. Distinguished by its 38-pocket wheel featuring both a single zero and double zero, this variant offers players numerous betting options ranging from straightforward even-money wagers to high-risk single-number bets paying 35:1. Understanding the game's mechanics, betting structures, and mathematical foundations enables players to approach the table with confidence and realistic expectations.
The game's appeal lies in its accessibility—novice players can quickly grasp the basic concepts while experienced gamblers appreciate the strategic depth and variety of betting combinations available. Whether playing in land-based casinos or online platforms, American Roulette maintains consistent rules and payout structures that have remained largely unchanged since the game's establishment in 18th-century France.
Roulette's development traces back to 18th-century France, with many historians crediting mathematician Blaise Pascal with introducing a primitive form of the game during his experiments with perpetual motion machines in the 17th century. The roulette mechanism evolved as a hybrid of a gaming wheel invented in 1720 and the Italian game Biribi, eventually taking its current form by 1796 in Paris.
American Roulette emerged when the game crossed the Atlantic, with casino operators adding the double zero pocket to increase the house advantage. This modification distinguished the American variant from its European counterpart, creating a unique version that became standard in United States casinos. The double zero configuration has remained a defining characteristic of American Roulette, despite offering less favorable odds for players compared to the single-zero European wheel.
Early American roulette tables appeared in gambling establishments along the Mississippi River and in frontier towns during westward expansion. The game's popularity grew alongside the development of Las Vegas and Atlantic City as major gambling destinations, cementing American Roulette as a staple of casino floors throughout North America.
American Roulette follows straightforward rules that make it accessible to players of all experience levels. The game begins when the croupier announces betting is open, and players place their chips on the table layout to indicate their chosen wagers. Bets can be placed on individual numbers, groups of numbers, colors, odd or even outcomes, or high and low number ranges.
Once all bets are placed, the croupier spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction along the tilted circular track. As the wheel's momentum decreases, the ball passes through a series of deflectors before settling into one of the 38 numbered pockets. The croupier then announces the winning number and color, places a marker on the corresponding spot on the table layout, and proceeds to collect losing bets and pay winners.
Players use colored chips specific to each individual at the table, preventing confusion when multiple people place bets on similar numbers or sections. The value of these chips is determined when purchasing them from the dealer, and they must be redeemed at the same table before leaving, as their denomination is not marked and only the issuing dealer knows their value.
The American Roulette wheel contains 38 pockets numbered 0, 00, and 1 through 36. The numbers are arranged in a specific non-sequential order designed to distribute odd and even numbers, as well as high and low numbers, as evenly as possible around the wheel. Red and black pockets alternate throughout most of the wheel, with the 0 and 00 pockets colored green to distinguish them from the other numbers.
The wheel's number sequence differs significantly from the table layout sequence, a deliberate design choice that prevents any mechanical bias from favoring consecutive numbers on the betting grid. Opposite sides of the wheel are balanced with complementary numbers—for example, consecutive numbers on the table layout are positioned across from each other on the wheel.
The physical construction of the wheel includes precision-engineered pockets, a balanced rotor, and a tilted bowl that ensures random outcomes. Modern wheels undergo regular inspection and maintenance to prevent any bias or predictability that could compromise the game's integrity. The ball track features deflectors that randomize the ball's path before it drops into a pocket, further ensuring unpredictable results.
The game begins when players place chips on the roulette table layout, selecting from inside bets on specific numbers or outside bets on broader categories. The croupier spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction around the tilted circular track. As the ball loses momentum, it passes through deflectors and eventually settles into one of the 38 colored and numbered pockets. The croupier marks the winning number with a dolly, collects losing bets, and pays out winners according to the established payout structure. American Roulette offers a comprehensive betting structure divided into inside and outside bets, each with distinct odds and payout ratios. Understanding these betting options is fundamental to developing effective gameplay strategies. Inside bets are placed directly on the numbered grid and offer higher payouts with lower probability of winning. A straight-up bet on a single number pays 35:1, giving players the maximum payout potential. Split bets cover two adjacent numbers and pay 17:1, while street bets spanning three numbers in a row pay 11:1. Corner bets cover four numbers at their intersection and pay 8:1. Line bets span six numbers across two rows and pay 5:1. Players can also bet on the zero and double zero by placing chips on the line between them, treating them as a split bet. Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer better winning probability with lower payouts. Red or black bets pay even money at 1:1, as do odd or even bets. High bets cover numbers 19-36, while low bets cover 1-18, both paying 1:1. Dozen bets cover 12 consecutive numbers and pay 2:1, with options for 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Column bets also cover 12 numbers running vertically down the layout and pay 2:1. These outside bets provide more conservative gameplay with nearly 50% winning probability, excluding the zero and double zero. The defining characteristic of American Roulette is its 5.26% house edge on most bets, significantly higher than the 2.70% edge in European Roulette. This difference stems from the addition of the double zero pocket, which increases the total pockets to 38 while maintaining the same payout structure. For a straight-up bet, the true odds are 37:1 against winning, but the payout is only 35:1. This two-unit difference represents the house advantage. On outside bets like red or black, players have 18 winning pockets out of 38 total, creating a 47.37% winning probability rather than the 50% that even-money payouts would suggest. The five-number bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 carries the worst house edge at 7.89%, making it the least favorable wager on the table. Experienced players typically avoid this bet due to its disproportionately poor odds compared to all other available options. American Roulette requires specialized equipment designed for precision and fairness. The roulette wheel features 38 pockets alternating between red and black, with the 0 and 00 in green. The pockets are arranged in a specific non-sequential order designed to distribute high, low, odd, and even numbers evenly around the wheel. The table layout displays all betting options in an organized grid. The inside betting area shows numbers 1-36 in three columns of 12 rows, with 0 and 00 at the top. Outside betting areas flank the number grid, showing options for red, black, odd, even, high, low, dozens, and columns. Modern roulette balls are crafted from materials like nylon, phenolic, or molded acetal, replacing the traditional ivory balls. The croupier uses a rake to collect losing chips and distribute winnings, while colored chips distinguish each player's bets to prevent confusion at crowded tables. While no betting system can overcome the mathematical house edge, various strategies help players manage their bankroll and structure their gameplay. The Martingale system involves doubling bets after each loss to recover previous losses plus one unit profit, but requires substantial bankroll and faces table limit constraints. The Reverse Martingale or Paroli system doubles bets after wins rather than losses, attempting to capitalize on winning streaks while limiting losses during cold runs. The D'Alembert system uses a more conservative progression, increasing bets by one unit after losses and decreasing by one unit after wins. The Labouchere system involves creating a number sequence and betting the sum of the first and last numbers, crossing them off after wins and adding the lost amount after losses. These systems provide structure but cannot alter the fundamental house advantage built into the game's mathematics. The primary distinction between American and European Roulette lies in the wheel configuration. European Roulette features 37 pockets with a single zero, while American Roulette has 38 pockets including both 0 and 00. This single pocket difference significantly impacts the house edge and player odds. European Roulette's 2.70% house edge makes it mathematically more favorable than American Roulette's 5.26% edge. Over extended play sessions, this difference compounds, affecting long-term player returns. European Roulette also often includes the "en prison" or "la partage" rules, which further reduce the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35%. Despite the mathematical disadvantage, American Roulette remains popular in many casinos, particularly in the United States, due to tradition and availability. Players should understand these differences when choosing which variant to play, balancing game availability with optimal odds. Online American Roulette offers convenience and accessibility, allowing players to enjoy the game from home on computers or mobile devices. Digital versions maintain the same rules and odds as physical tables while providing features like bet history, statistics tracking, and adjustable game speed. Live dealer roulette bridges the gap between online and land-based play, streaming real croupiers spinning physical wheels in real-time. This format combines the convenience of online play with the authenticity and social atmosphere of casino floors, complete with chat functionality and multiple camera angles. Land-based casinos provide the traditional roulette experience with tangible chips, physical wheels, and social interaction with other players and dealers. The atmosphere, sounds, and tactile elements create an immersive experience that digital versions attempt to replicate but cannot fully duplicate. American Roulette remains one of the most recognizable and accessible casino games, offering straightforward rules combined with diverse betting options. While the 5.26% house edge makes it less favorable than European variants, understanding the game's mechanics, betting structures, and odds allows players to make informed decisions and manage expectations appropriately. Success in American Roulette comes not from beating the mathematical edge but from understanding probability, managing bankroll effectively, and approaching the game as entertainment rather than income generation. Whether playing online or in land-based casinos, knowledge of bet types, payout ratios, and strategic considerations enhances the overall gaming experience while promoting responsible play. American Roulette has 38 pockets including 0 and 00, while European Roulette has 37 pockets with only a single 0. This gives American Roulette a 5.26% house edge compared to 2.70% in European Roulette. A straight-up bet on a single number pays 35:1, meaning you receive 35 times your original wager plus your original bet back if you win. No betting system can overcome the house edge in American Roulette. Systems like Martingale or D'Alembert may structure your gameplay but cannot change the mathematical probability that favors the house over time. The five-number bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 has the highest house edge at 7.89%, making it the least favorable wager on the table. American Roulette offers numerous betting combinations including inside bets on specific numbers or small groups and outside bets on larger categories like red/black, odd/even, dozens, and columns, providing dozens of distinct wagering options. Outside bets are wagers placed on broader categories outside the numbered grid, including red or black, odd or even, high or low numbers, dozens, and columns. These bets offer lower payouts but higher winning probability. Play American Roulette at verified and licensed online casino platforms Comprehensive analysis of popular roulette betting systems including Martingale, Fibonacci, and D'Alembert strategies with mathematical breakdowns and practical applications. Complete breakdown of all roulette bet types, their corresponding odds, payout ratios, and house edge calculations for informed betting decisions. Enhanced roulette games featuring multiplier mechanics are attracting new players with payouts reaching 200:1 on selected numbers. Online casinos report 65% of roulette play now occurs on mobile devices as optimization and live dealer technology improve. Advanced wheel manufacturing techniques and monitoring systems provide increased transparency and randomness verification for players.
How American Roulette Works
Types of Bets in American Roulette
Inside Bets
Outside Bets
House Edge and Odds
Equipment and Table Layout
Betting Strategies and Systems
American vs European Roulette
Playing Online vs Land-Based Casinos
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between American and European Roulette?
What does a straight-up bet pay in American Roulette?
Can betting systems help you win at American Roulette?
What is the worst bet in American Roulette?
How many betting options are available in American Roulette?
What are outside bets in American Roulette?
Trusted Casino Partners
Featured Roulette Guides
Roulette Betting Systems Explained
Understanding Roulette Odds and Payouts
Latest Roulette News
Recent developments in roulette gaming
Lightning Roulette Variants Gain Popularity
Mobile Roulette Gaming Reaches Record Levels
2025-08-11
New Roulette Wheel Technology Enhances Fairness
2025-01-11