American Roulette
American roulette is unique with its extra green 00 pocket. That additional pocket means more betting options and, more importantly, different odds.
In this guide, I’ll introduce you to the world of American roulette online. You’ll learn the table layout, the best sites for the game, and the odds and payouts specific to this variant.
Table of Contents:
Start Playing American Roulette
American Roulette Basics
Like any variation of the game, American roulette features a felted table, numbered wheel, and ball. This version is unique in having both a 0 and 00 pocket in addition to the numbered spaces 1-36.
Each round begins with you (and other players in live games) placing bets on the table. Your goal is to wager on the winning number or section where the ball will eventually land on the wheel.
After all the bets are in, the software or dealer spins the ball around the wheel, and it determines the winning section/number when it lands in a pocket.
Are you new to roulette and need to learn the basics?
For a complete list of rules and betting options, visit our beginner’s guide to roulette.
American Roulette Wheel & Table Layout
The American roulette wheel contains 38 pockets, including 0, 00, and 1–36. The two zero pockets are green, so they stand out, while the rest of the pockets alternate between red and black. You usually find the wheel on the left side of the table.
The table layout has all of the numbers on the wheel divided into a field of rectangles, clearly illustrating their corresponding color. The zero spaces are usually to the left of the red and black numbers, column betting areas on the right, and remaining bets below.
The diagram below shows a typical table and wheel layout in American roulette.
Ways to Play American Roulette Online
You have two choices when it comes to playing online roulette: single-player RNG games or multiplayer live dealer games. Both formats allow you to utilize bonuses and are available on mobile devices, but they aren’t exactly the same in terms of gameplay.
Each has its own unique style and value proposition. Below are a few pros and cons of each.
RNG Software Games
This is your classic online roulette video game. It’s fast-paced, single-player, and comes in all types of themes and versions.
- Can play free to practice strategy
- Can play for real money as well
- Lowest minimum bets
- No social interaction
- Some players don’t trust RNG
Live Dealer Games
Live roulette provides a real casino setup that many players prefer and trust. Plus, you get to play with other people, which can be a plus.
- Authentic Vegas casino vibes
- Social interaction with dealers and players
- A slower pace of play means less pressure
- No free demos
- Higher minimum bet limits
Where to Play American Roulette Online
Our authors and reviewers give you a curated list of the best sites where you can play American roulette. These sites offer the game in either the single-player RNG format or with a live dealer. Both of which are exciting in their own right.
| RANK | LIVE CASINO | MIN BET | MAX BET | START |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  DuckyLuck Casino | MIN BET $0.50 | MAX BET $12,500 | Play Now |
| 2 |  Bovada Casino | MIN BET $1 | MAX BET $3,000 | Play Now |
| 3 |  SlotsandCasino | MIN BET $0.50 | MAX BET $12,500 | Play Now |
| 4 |  BetUS | MIN BET $1 | MAX BET $1,000 | Play Now |
| 5 |  Cafe Casino | MIN BET $1 | MAX BET $3,000 | Play Now |
American Roulette vs. European
American and European roulette are the two main variations of this game. They are similar in appearance with one slight difference, as seen below:
- The American wheel has 38 pockets, including 0, 00, and 1–36.
- The European wheel features 37 pockets, including 0 and 1–36.
Difference In The Odds
The American wheel’s extra pocket allows for a few more bets, but the 00 space also makes the odds longer on many wagers. The house edge in American roulette is 5.26%, nearly double the 2.70% edge in European roulette.
Check a tables info screen for the “la partage” rule that pays back half on losing wagers if the ball lands in 0 or 00. The house edge can drop as low as 2.63% if it is in play.
Seeing as how European Roulette has a better house edge, I recommend you play this version. If you are looking to have a fun time and not worry so much about the math, American roulette is still a great option.
American Roulette Odds & Payouts
American roulette’s house edge is 5.26%, but the odds of American roulette vary with each type of bet you place. Choosing the correct wager of the many available options can give you a significant advantage at the table.
The zero spots on the wheel allow the game to favor the house on 50/50 bets, like odd/even, red/black, and high/low, that would otherwise break even.
You can see the full spectrum of odds and payouts for each roulette bet in the table below.
| Bet Type | Winning Probability | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight (1 number) | 2.6% | 35 to 1 |
| Split (2 numbers) | 5.3% | 17 to 1 |
| Street (3 numbers) | 7.9% | 11 to 1 |
| Corner (4 numbers) | 10.5% | 8 to 1 |
| Basket (5 numbers) | 13.2% | 6 to 1 |
| Column (12 numbers) | 31.6% | 2 to 1 |
| Dozen (12 numbers) | 31.6% | 2 to 1 |
| Red or Black | 47.4% | 1 to 1 |
| Even or Odd | 47.4% | 1 to 1 |
| Low or High | 47.4% | 1 to 1 |
Practice American Roulette for Free
You can try the RNG version of American roulette online for free right here. Use this game demo to get the gist of the game by playing the free demo below.
Can You Beat the Odds in American Roulette?
American roulette might not have the best odds, but it’s still one of the most popular variants at the casino.
Whether you’re playing live dealer games for their Vegas atmosphere or RNG games for the quick pace and vibrant colors, you can have a great time without leaving the house.
So, can you beat the odds and build your chip stack? Grab your phone, computer, or tablet and fire up a table to find out.
American Roulette FAQ
We’ve received several common questions on live roulette over the years. Most of these FAQs revolve around American vs. European roulette.
What numbers hit the most in American roulette?
Statistically speaking, no numbers are more likely to hit than others in American roulette. All 38 pockets are the same size and have the same chance of winning in a given round.
Is online roulette rigged?
No, neither the RNG or live dealer version of American roulette at online casinos are rigged. The game features fair odds with tested RNG or a real wheel for true randomness. Online casinos must undergo testing as part of their licensing agreements and, thus, make sure to run legitimate games.
