Thinking about trying American Roulette? This classic casino game is straightforward to learn and offers a wide range of betting options, so it’s worth knowing how the odds and payouts work before you place chips.
Whether you’re new to the wheel or comparing different roulette types, understanding the fundamentals helps you make clearer choices and enjoy the experience more.
Ready to see how American Roulette odds compare and what payouts you can expect? Read on for a clear, practical guide.
What Is American Roulette?
American Roulette is a table game where players wager on which numbered pocket a small ball will settle in once the wheel stops. The wheel has 38 pockets: numbers 1–36, plus a single zero (0) and a double zero (00).
That double zero is the key difference from European or French roulette, which only feature a single zero. The extra pocket affects the probabilities for every bet and is worth bearing in mind when choosing which variant to play.
To take part, you place chips on the table layout to indicate numbers, colours or groups of numbers. The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball; if it lands on a spot you backed, your bet pays according to the type of wager you made.
How Are The Odds Different In American Roulette?
The additional double zero increases the number of possible outcomes from 37 to 38, which alters the odds for all bets. A straight-up bet on a single number has a 1 in 38 chance in American Roulette, compared with 1 in 37 in European Roulette. That small difference reduces the probability of a win on any given single-number bet.
Similarly, even-money bets such as red/black or odd/even are affected because the zeros are neither red nor black, nor odd nor even. Understanding these shifted probabilities helps set realistic expectations for each spin.
With that in mind, you can choose bet types that match the balance you want between potential payout and frequency of wins.
Understanding American Roulette Bets & What They Pay
Bets fall into two broad categories: inside bets (on individual numbers or small groups) and outside bets (covering larger sections of the table). Inside bets offer higher payouts with lower chances, while outside bets win more often but pay less. The layout and payout structure stay the same whether you play in a virtual lobby or at a physical table, so knowing these options lets you find the approach that suits you best.
Inside Bets: Odds & Payouts
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or compact clusters on the layout, and they pay more because they cover few pockets.
- Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers. Pays 17 to 1. Odds: 2 in 38.
- Street: Bet on a row of three numbers. Pays 11 to 1. Odds: 3 in 38.
- Corner: Bet on four numbers that meet. Pays 8 to 1. Odds: 4 in 38.
- Five-Number Bet: Bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Pays 6 to 1. Odds: 5 in 38.
- Line Bet: Bet on two rows (six numbers). Pays 5 to 1. Odds: 6 in 38.
These pays are fixed and reflect the narrower coverage of inside bets, so larger returns come with lower probability.
Outside Bets: Odds & Payouts
Outside bets cover more numbers and therefore win more frequently, though they pay less per successful bet.
- Red or Black: Pays 1 to 1. Odds: 18 in 38.
- Odd or Even: Pays 1 to 1. Odds: 18 in 38.
- 1–18 or 19–36: Pays 1 to 1. Odds: 18 in 38.
- Dozens: Bet on one of three groups of 12 numbers. Pays 2 to 1. Odds: 12 in 38.
- Columns: Bet on a vertical column of 12 numbers. Pays 2 to 1. Odds: 12 in 38.
Choosing between inside and outside bets is a matter of balancing the size of potential wins against the frequency you expect to win.
Which Bets Have The Best Chances In American Roulette?
Bets that cover more numbers offer the highest chance of winning. The outside bets that give you the best chance are the even-money options:
- Red or black
- Odd or even
- 1–18 or 19–36
Each of these covers 18 pockets out of 38 on an American wheel, which is roughly a 47.4% chance per spin. These bets pay out at 1:1, so wins return your stake plus an equal amount.
Dozens and column bets cover a third of the wheel each, so their probability is about 31.6%. These wagers pay 2:1, reflecting their lower chance compared with even-money bets.
Inside bets target smaller groups of numbers and are far less likely to win. For example, a straight-up bet on a single number covers just one pocket and has the lowest probability, but it pays 35:1. Choosing between bet types comes down to whether you prefer more frequent, smaller wins or rarer, larger payouts.
Remember that the American wheel has both a 0 and a 00, which increases the house edge compared with single-zero wheels. Play responsibly and be aware of the risks before placing bets.
How Do You Play American Roulette Online?
Playing online mirrors the physical game but with the convenience of a digital interface. Before you start, you must be 18 or over and able to verify your age as required by law. Register an account with accurate details and protect it with a strong password.
Once logged in, deposit an amount you are comfortable with and consider using account tools to set personal limits. Find American Roulette in the games section, select your stake and place chips on the digital layout to indicate your chosen bets. The virtual wheel will spin and the result appears immediately.
Once logged in, deposit an amount you are comfortable with and consider using account tools to set personal limits. Find American Roulette in the games section, select your stake and place chips on the digital layout to indicate your chosen bets. The virtual wheel will spin and the result appears immediately.
Playing online mirrors the physical game but with the convenience of a digital interface. Before you start, you must be 18 or over and able to verify your age as required by law. Register an account with accurate details and protect it with a strong password.
Using the platform’s account controls to manage spend and time helps keep play within your own boundaries. Treat the activity as entertainment and stick to any limits you set.
Are Online American Roulette Games Fair?
Fairness is ensured when games are run by regulated operators and use certified random number generators (RNGs). Independent testing verifies that spins are unpredictable and that payouts match the published rules. Reputable sites also publish test certificates and auditor reports so players can check for themselves.
Licensed operators are accountable to their regulator, which may require regular audits, adherence to technical standards and clear reporting of game mechanics and probabilities. That oversight gives players added confidence that outcomes are generated and paid out according to the rules, rather than being manipulated.
Many operators also publish return-to-player (RTP) figures and results from independent test houses such as recognised laboratories. Players should look for clearly displayed licence details, testing certificates and audit reports, and can contact the regulator if they have concerns. Responsible play and choosing well-known, properly regulated sites are the best ways to reduce the risk of unfair practice.
Common Myths About American Roulette Odds
A few persistent myths surround roulette. Two of the most common misunderstandings are:
- The idea that previous results influence the next spin. Every spin is independent and the probabilities remain the same regardless of what happened before.
- The belief that specific betting systems can alter the underlying odds. Betting systems can change how you stake your money, but they do not change the mathematics of the wheel or the house edge.
Concerns that online roulette might be predictable are addressed by independent testing and certification of random number generators. When reputable checks and regular audits are in place, RNGs are designed to produce statistically random outcomes and to meet published fairness standards.
Separating fact from misconception helps you make clearer choices at the table and supports safer, more informed play.
How Does American Roulette Compare To European Roulette?
There are two main practical differences between the versions. First is the wheel layout: American Roulette includes both 0 and 00, giving 38 pockets, while European Roulette has a single zero and 37 pockets. That extra pocket in the American wheel slightly lowers the probability of winning for any given bet compared with the European layout.
Second is the house edge: the double zero increases the casino’s advantage in American Roulette compared with European Roulette. The difference is small but measurable, so players seeking marginally better odds often prefer the single-zero game.
Either version offers the same range of betting choices and similar gameplay; the decision comes down to whether you prefer the slightly higher probabilities of the single-zero layout or the specific feel of the American table.
Final note: choose the variant and betting style that suit your preferences, use account tools to manage play, and treat each session as entertainment with clear limits.
**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.