American Roulette is a classic casino game with its own particular character: the extra double zero on the wheel gives it a distinct layout and set of odds compared with other versions. This guide explains how the game works online, what bets you can place, the payouts and odds, and how to choose a safe site to play.
Read on for clear explanations and useful context so you can feel confident about the rules and choices involved before you spin the wheel.
If you’re curious about how the game differs from other roulette types or want to understand the maths behind the payouts, the sections below walk through each point in turn.
What Is American Roulette & How Does It Differ From European Roulette?
American Roulette uses a wheel with 38 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 plus a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). European Roulette, by contrast, has 37 pockets and only a single zero. The extra 00 changes the probabilities for every bet and is the main structural difference between these versions.
Beyond the number of pockets, the arrangement of numbers around the wheel can vary, which affects the visual layout but not the core betting options. Players still choose between inside bets (individual numbers or small groups) and outside bets (larger categories such as red/black or odd/even). The double zero increases the house edge compared with the single-zero variant, which is why the choice of version matters for long-term odds.
If you want to see the game in action, the next section describes how an online round typically unfolds.
How Do You Play American Roulette Online?
Playing online is a straightforward rhythm rather than a sequence of rigid steps. A player selects an American Roulette table in their chosen casino lobby, places chips on the digital layout — picking single numbers, combinations, or outside bets — and then the platform runs the spin. On-screen graphics show the wheel turning and the ball (or its virtual equivalent) settling into a numbered pocket, at which point winning bets are identified and paid automatically.
Online versions of the game mirror the same bet types and payouts you would find in a physical casino, but the interface lets you place, clear or adjust bets with a few clicks or taps. Some sites give extra detail about prior spins or statistical summaries; these are informational only and don’t change how the game operates.
Before playing, many players set a wallet or session limit and decide how long they will play; keeping these limits visible while you play helps maintain control. If you ever want to stop for a while, the option to pause or close the table is immediate.
What Are the Bets in American Roulette?
Below is a concise overview of the main bets you can place. Each bet covers a different set of numbers and pays at a set rate. The exact payouts and odds are fixed by the game rules, and the presence of both 0 and 00 in American Roulette affects the house edge compared with other roulette types.
Inside Bets
Inside bets target individual numbers or small groups on the main part of the table layout. These bets generally offer higher payouts but cover fewer numbers, so wins are less frequent.
Typical inside bet types include:
- Straight Up: a single number, including 0 or 00.
- Split: two adjacent numbers, indicated by placing a chip on the line between them.
- Street: a row of three numbers.
- Corner (Square): four numbers that meet at a corner.
- Five Number (Basket): the special American bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3. Note that this bet carries a higher house edge than most other wagers.
- Line: six numbers, covering two adjacent rows.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger categories around the edge of the layout, offering lower payouts but a broader chance of landing. These are typically used by players who prefer more frequent, smaller returns.
Common outside bet types include:
- Column: one of the three vertical columns.
- Dozen: the first (1–12), second (13–24) or third (25–36) group of twelve numbers.
- Red or Black: all red numbers or all black numbers.
- Odd or Even: all odd numbers or all even numbers.
- High or Low: low numbers (1–18) or high numbers (19–36).
Each option suits a different approach to risk and reward. Inside bets pay higher but cover fewer numbers, while outside bets offer more frequent, smaller returns. Make sure you know the payout for each bet type and play within your limits. If you are concerned about your gambling, seek help from a recognised support organisation.
What Are the Odds & Payouts in American Roulette?
Payouts in American Roulette are fixed and reflect how many numbers each bet covers. Because there are 38 pockets, the chance of any single number coming up is 1 in 38. Every other probability follows from that base: the more numbers a bet covers, the higher the probability of winning and the lower the payout.
American Roulette uses a double-zero wheel, which changes the mathematics compared with single-zero wheels. The inclusion of 0 and 00 increases the total number of pockets and so raises the house advantage on most bets. That means long-term expected returns are generally lower than on a single-zero wheel.
Payouts
Typical published payouts for American Roulette are:
- Straight Up (single number, including 0 or 00): 35 to 1
- Split (two numbers): 17 to 1
- Street (three numbers): 11 to 1
- Corner (four numbers): 8 to 1
- Five Number (0, 00, 1, 2, 3): 6 to 1
- Line (six numbers): 5 to 1
- Column, Dozen: 2 to 1
- Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 1 to 1 (even money)
These payouts are standard across most online and land-based tables and match the mathematical coverage each bet offers. Because of the double zero, the house edge differs from bet to bet. Typical house edges for American Roulette are:
- Most bets (including straight up, splits, streets, corners, columns and even-money bets): 5.26%
- Five Number bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3): 7.89%
When comparing versions of roulette, remember that the wheel layout changes the underlying probabilities and therefore affects long-term expected returns. No bet changes the fundamental house advantage of the game; outcomes remain probabilistic and losses are possible, so play responsibly.
Is American Roulette Fair & Safe To Play Online?
Online roulette should offer impartial results and secure handling of player funds. Regulated operators follow strict requirements to demonstrate fairness and protect customers.
One of the core measures is the use of Random Number Generator (RNG) technology for digital roulette. Independent testing bodies routinely audit RNGs to ensure they produce statistically fair outcomes, and regulated sites publish evidence of those checks. Licensing authorities also require regular compliance testing and insist operators follow rules on transparency and complaints handling.
From a security perspective, reputable platforms use encryption to safeguard account and payment data and provide clear terms and support channels. They also offer player protection tools, such as deposit limits, time reminders and self-exclusion options, to help players manage their activity.
Choosing a site with clear evidence of independent testing and visible licensing information gives reasonable assurance that the games operate as advertised.
Common Misconceptions About American Roulette
Several persistent myths can mislead players. One is the idea that past results influence future outcomes — that some numbers are “hot” or “cold.” In regulated online play, each spin is produced independently by RNG processes, so earlier results do not change the probability of later ones.
Another misconception is that betting systems can overcome the house edge. While patterns of staking can manage variance in the short term, no staking plan can alter the built-in mathematical advantage of the wheel. Any claim that a system guarantees wins should be treated with scepticism.
A clear understanding of independence of spins and the fixed nature of payouts helps set realistic expectations and supports sensible decision-making while playing.
How Can I Find the Best American Roulette Sites in the UK?
Selecting a site involves looking for objective signs of reliability and transparency. Licensing information, often shown on the footer of a site, indicates that a regulator oversees the operator’s activity. Independent testing certificates, clear terms and easily accessible customer support are further indicators of a trustworthy platform.
Tools that help players manage their activity — such as deposit limits, reality checks and self-exclusion — are important features to look for. Read the terms associated with any bonus offers carefully so you understand wagering requirements and restrictions before you accept them.
Comparing several operators on these practical points will highlight the sites that take fairness and customer care seriously.
Glossary of Key Roulette Terms
Below are common terms you will encounter at the online roulette table, explained plainly to make the game easier to follow.
Wheel
The rotating device with numbered pockets; the final landing pocket determines the winning bets.
Pockets
The numbered slots on the wheel, including the zero and double zero in American Roulette.
Inside Bets
Bets placed on specific numbers or small groups on the main layout.
Outside Bets
Bets placed on broader categories positioned around the outer part of the table layout.
Straight Up
A bet on a single number, including 0 or 00.
Split
A bet covering two adjacent numbers, placed on the line between them.
Street
A bet covering a row of three numbers.
Corner
A bet covering four numbers that meet at a corner.
Five Number Bet
The American-specific bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3.
Column / Dozen
Bets on one of the three vertical columns or one of the three groups of twelve numbers.
Familiarity with these terms will make it easier to follow table layouts and understand how different bets relate to the payouts described earlier.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.