How to play American roulette
Learning how to play American roulette only takes a few minutes. You’ll need to read up on the different bet types first so you know the odds and payout of each bet. Then you just need to make your bets, hit the spin button, and wait and see where the ball lands. The game (or the dealer if you’re in a casino) will tell you if you’ve won, and what you’ve won.
Playing a free American roulette game first is a great way to put what you’ve learned to the test. It’s risk free and will help you to understand the game without wagering any money.
How to play Roulette | The difference between European and American Roulette
American roulette wheel
- There are 38 pockets in total
- Pockets are numbered 1-36, plus 0 and 00
- Numbers 1-36 are red and black, while 0 and 00 are green
What’s unique about American roulette odds and payout?
Unlike other variants, American roulette wheels have a 0 and 00 pocket. The additional 00 pocket means that the house edge is slightly higher and the odds slightly lower for players. Despite this, the game is still very popular and remains a favorite at many casinos today.
The table below explains the odds of the different bets and how they pay out. For example, if you were to bet on a column, there’s a 31.6% chance you will win your bet. With a $1 bet, you would win $2, plus your $1 wager.
The house edge is a percentage to show you how much more likely it is for the house, or casino, to win.
| Bet type | Player odds | Payout |
|---|---|---|
Straight (single number) | 2.6% | 35 to 1 |
Split (two numbers) | 5.3% | 17 to 1 |
Street (three numbers) | 7.9% | 11 to 1 |
Corner (four numbers) | 10.5% | 8 to 1 |
Column | 31.6% | 2 to 1 |
Dozen | 31.6% | 2 to 1 |
Red/Black | 47.4% | 1 to 1 |
Even/Odd | 47.4% | 1 to 1 |
Low/High | 47.4% | 1 to 1 |
Other roulette variants
American roulette strategy and tips
- 1
Keep an eye on the house edge
There’s no getting around the fact that the American roulette house edge is high. Sticking with outside bets (like red/black, even/odd) is a less risky way to play.
- 2
Play free games
Before you commit any money, why not practice American roulette for free? There are plenty of free roulette games online, so take your pick and see how you get on.
- 3
Experiment with strategies
Trying out different roulette strategies is a great way to manage your bankroll. There’s no guarantee any of the strategies will work, but they can help your money go further! Visit our roulette strategies page to find out which is best for you.
- 4
Play it safe
The best way to enjoy American roulette is safely. That means only wagering what you can afford to lose, never chasing losses, and taking regular breaks. If you need more support, head to our responsible gambling section.
Playing American roulette on mobile
Enjoy American roulette wherever you are thanks to the high quality apps and casinos on offer. If you’ve got an iPhone, Android, iPad, or another smartphone, you can pick from hundreds of games. Either open up an app or in-browser casino to get playing straight away.
Playing American roulette on mobile or tablet is a fun way for people to enjoy this classic variant on the go. Take a look at the top mobile casinos to see for yourself.
Keep the facts and figures close by with our guide to online roulette bets and odds. Tap to download the free PDF and save it to your device.
