American Roulette
Last updated: 2025-12-26
American roulette is a roulette game variant where the wheel contains numbers 0–36 plus an additional double zero 00. This structure distinguishes it from European and French roulette and directly affects probabilities and house edge. This guide describes the background, rules, bet types, and key differences from other roulette versions from a neutral and technical perspective.
History of American Roulette
Roulette is considered a game of European origin, with its early stages placed in the 1700s. The American version became established in the 1800s when roulette spread to North America and the game’s structure was modified. The key change was adding the double zero 00 to the wheel. Some historical sources mention that in early American wheels, there may have been a symbol in place of the double zero, which was later replaced by the 00 notation.
Adding the double zero increases the number of possible outcomes and raises the house edge compared to single-zero versions. This is a key reason why American roulette is often treated as a separate probability model alongside European roulette.
Basic Game Structure
American roulette has two key elements: the roulette wheel and the table. The wheel has a total of 38 pockets, and on the table, betting areas are divided into inside bets (number-specific bets and their combinations) and outside bets (broader group bets).
American Roulette in a Nutshell
0–36 plus 00 (total 38)
Double zero 00 increases house edge
Inside bets and outside bets
Rules and Game Flow
The game flow is structurally similar to most roulette forms. During a single round, the player places a bet on the table, the dealer spins the ball, and the result is determined by which pocket the ball lands in.
How a Round Proceeds
- Placing Bets The player selects a betting target from the table including numbers, colors, or number groups.
- Spinning the Ball The ball is spun into the roulette wheel and eventually lands in one of 38 pockets.
- Result Confirmation The result is announced and winning bets are paid according to that bet type’s multiplier.
Most Common Bet Types
Bets are often divided into outside bets and inside bets. Outside bets cover broader outcome sets, and inside bets target individual numbers or small number groups more precisely.
Probabilities and House Edge
American roulette probabilities are based on 38 equally likely outcomes. When the wheel has both 0 and 00, outside bets (such as red or black) do not have a 50% win probability, because 0 and 00 do not belong to red or black numbers.
Key Numbers
38
5.26%
1 / 38
For comparison, European roulette has 37 outcomes and the house edge is typically 2.70%. For more from the European version’s perspective, see the European Roulette page.
Differences Between American and European Roulette
American and European roulette are close to each other at the rules level, but the wheel structure changes expected value. This is particularly visible in outside bets, where the effect of one additional number (00) compounds over the long term.
Betting Systems and What They Mean in Practice
Roulette guides often describe betting systems such as Martingale, Fibonacci, and D’Alembert. It is essential to distinguish two things: a betting system can change bet variation and bankroll behavior, but it does not change the game’s mathematical house edge.
For more reading on the basic principles of systems, see the betting strategies page.
Common Systems
- Martingale The bet is increased after a loss (typically doubled) and returned to the starting level after a win. Practical limitations of the system include bet caps and bankroll size.
- Fibonacci The bet is increased according to the number sequence. The change is often gentler than in Martingale, but long losing streaks increase the bet in this model as well.
- D’Alembert The bet is raised by one unit after a loss and lowered by one unit after a win. The model emphasizes gradual bet changes.
American Roulette Online and in Live Environments
In digital environments, American roulette may be available either as a random number generator-based (RNG) game or as a live dealer broadcast. In both forms, key differences relate to implementation method, interface, round speed, and session management tools.
General concepts related to live environments are also covered on the live casino dealers page.
Responsibility and Management Basics
Roulette is a chance-based game, and results are determined round-by-round regardless of previous results. At a practical level, management is supported by budgeting, time limits, and tracking game history. General-level guidance can be found on the online casino tips for beginners page.
General principles related to payments and security are covered on the secure payment methods at online casinos page.
Related Reading
- Roulette Online Overview
- Four-Step Model for Online Roulette
- Mini Roulette
- Blackjack Sites and Security Perspective
- Casino Games
Frequently Asked Questions
How many numbers are in American roulette
American roulette has 38 pockets: numbers 1–36 plus 0 and 00.
What is the house edge of American roulette
The generally stated house edge in American roulette is 5.26%. The figure is based on 38 outcomes and standard payout tables.
Do betting systems like Martingale affect house edge
Betting systems change bet size and variation but do not change the game’s mathematical expected value or house edge. Practical limitations may include bet caps and available bankroll.
How does American roulette differ from European roulette in probabilities
The main difference comes from the double zero 00. When there are 38 outcomes instead of 37 with one zero, many bets’ hit probabilities decrease and house edge increases.
This content about American roulette is part of the site’s independent monitoring and update work, conducted as part of preparation for new regulatory frameworks and licensing systems.