American Roulette Explained: How To Play & Strategies

The most noticeable – and main – difference is that American Roulette features a double zero (00) pocket in addition to the single zero (0) and pockets numbered 1-36. As a result, the house edge increases to 5.26% from the 2.70% offered by European Roulette.

This page provides everything readers need to know about American Roulette, including how to play and maximise their chances of success.

A Short History of American Roulette

American Roulette traces its roots to late eighteenth century France, where early roulette layouts commonly featured both a single zero and a double zero. Casinos favored the extra zero pockets because they increased the house advantage while preserving familiar payout ratios on inside and outside bets. Wheel construction at the time was not yet standardized. Pocket depth, fret design, and bearings varied from maker to maker, which sometimes produced small biases. The combination of higher edge and occasional mechanical quirks gave operators strong reasons to keep the 0 and 00 on the wheel.

The game crossed the Atlantic with French dealers and entrepreneurs in the early nineteenth century. New Orleans became the most important early hub, with gaming houses that blended European practices and local invention. During the 1800s some American operators added a special “eagle” pocket. The eagle often acted as a house capture. Players disliked the rule, and as wheels and procedures matured the eagle pocket disappeared. What remained was a steady move toward the double zero layout as the American standard.

By the mid to late nineteenth century, American casinos had largely converged on a 38-pocket design with 0 and 00 in green and numbers 1 through 36 split evenly between red and black. Wagers kept their familiar payouts, which meant the added zero simply increased the long run tax on every spin. On most bets the house edge settled around 5.26 percent. A uniquely American wager also appeared: the five number bet that covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. It pays 6 to 1 and carries a comparatively steep edge, which reinforced the reputation of the American wheel as less forgiving than the single zero European game.

Distribution followed the arteries of nineteenth century commerce. Riverboats carried roulette up and down the Mississippi, and frontier towns adopted it alongside faro and poker. Portable tables and itinerant dealers made the double zero wheel a familiar sight in saloons and gambling halls from the Gulf Coast to the Mountain West. As demand grew, wheel makers improved tolerances and bearings, which reduced unintentional bias and made play more consistent from venue to venue.

Regulation in the twentieth century shaped the modern form. Nevada legalized casino gambling in 1931, which brought American Roulette into regulated pits in Reno and later Las Vegas. Atlantic City followed with casino legislation in 1976 and opened the first legal casinos in 1978. Tribal gaming expanded later in the century under federal and state compacts. Across these jurisdictions, inspections and standardized maintenance reduced the scope for mechanical bias and imposed consistent procedures on dealers and floors. The double zero format remained the default in the United States even as European single zero wheels continued to dominate abroad.

The digital era broadened access. Online casinos in the 1990s introduced RNG based American Roulette, which brought the 38 pocket layout into homes. Certification labs emerged to test software randomness and payout integrity. In the 2010s, live streamed studios combined physical wheels with online wagering. Players could choose between software driven games for speed or live tables for atmosphere while using the same double zero layout. Today, American Roulette appears on mobile and desktop platforms in regulated markets, and it remains a mainstay on U.S. casino floors. Some properties also offer single zero tables to appeal to experienced players, but the double zero wheel is still the iconic American version.

So, for a simpler timeline:

Period	Milestone	What changed	Why it mattered
Late 1700s	French origins with 0 and 00	Early wheels carry both zero pockets	Higher edge without changing posted payouts
Early 1800s	Arrival in New Orleans	French immigrants introduce roulette to U.S. halls	Establishes the American market and hybrid rules
Mid 1800s	Experiments with the “eagle” pocket	Some houses add a house capture slot	Player pushback leads to its eventual removal
Late 1800s	Standardization on double zero	38 pocket wheels become the norm	House edge near 5.26 percent becomes the American baseline
Late 1800s	Five number bet appears	Bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 pays 6 to 1	Distinctive American wager with a higher edge
19th century	Riverboats and frontier spread	Game travels along trade routes	Double zero layout diffuses nationwide
1931	Nevada legalization	Regulated casino era begins	Consistent procedures and oversight
1978	Atlantic City openings	East Coast regulated casinos launch	Wider national footprint for the American layout
1990s	Online RNG roulette	Software driven American Roulette goes live	Access expands beyond physical casinos
2010s	Live dealer streaming	Real wheels streamed to online players	Digital convenience with physical authenticity
Today	Ubiquity across channels	Double zero on floors, desktop, and mobile	Iconic American format remains dominant

Wheel & Table Anatomy – How American Differs from European/French

American Roulette is played on a wheel that features 38 pockets. As with other variants of the game (European/French), there are 36 numbered pockets (1-36). These are split evenly across two colours: red and black. There is a slight difference in the wheel’s layout, with these numbers and colours balanced around it.

In addition to these numbers, there is also a single zero (0) pocket and a double zero (00) pocket. The addition of the latter is the biggest difference between all variants. The inclusion of the 00 pocket increases the house edge from 2.70% (European) to 5.26% on standard bets. This makes it less favourable by almost two times.

American Roulette features a unique bet: “top line.” It covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 and pays 6 to 1. This bet carries a higher house edge of 7.89%, which is greater than most other bets on the American wheel.

American Roulette is generally considered to have a faster gameplay pace compared to European Roulette. The table layout in American Roulette is often designed for quicker betting and turnover, and the presence of two zero pockets (0 and 00) can lead to a slightly faster cycle of spins and payouts.

How to Play American Roulette – Step-by-Step for UK Players

1. Choose a UKGC-licensed casino.

Pick only operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. A licence means games are independently tested, player funds are protected under set categories, and safer-gambling tools are required. On the homepage footer you should see a UKGC licence number and the BeGambleAware logo. Click through to the public licence register to verify the company name matches the website brand. Prefer sites that clearly publish their roulette game providers, RTP information, table limits, and terms for bonuses. Check that the casino supports the payment methods you’ll actually use, with transparent fees and withdrawal timeframes. Make sure the site participates in GAMSTOP and offers reality checks, deposit limits, and time-outs. If you want American Roulette specifically, confirm they stock double-zero RNG tables and live-dealer options. Avoid offshore sites that mimic UK brands without a licence.

2. Register and complete the process.

Account creation asks for legal name, date of birth, address, email, and mobile. UKGC rules require identity verification before you can gamble, so be ready to pass Know Your Customer checks. Most operators complete a soft check automatically, but you may be asked to upload documents. Typical documents include a photo ID such as a passport or driving licence, and a proof of address such as a bank statement or utility bill dated within 3 months. Some casinos also request source of funds if your deposits are high relative to the information on file. Turn on two-factor authentication in your account settings to secure logins. While you’re there, set your safer-gambling limits. Good defaults are a daily or weekly deposit limit, a session timer, and reality check popups at 20 to 30 minutes. If you ever feel at risk, enroll in GAMSTOP for multi-brand self-exclusion.

3. Make a deposit to your casino account and claim a bonus (if applicable).

Open the cashier and select a payment method. Common options in the UK include debit cards, bank transfer via open banking, and e-wallets. Credit cards are not allowed for gambling. Name on the payment method must match your account. If you plan to claim a welcome bonus, read the terms before depositing. Many bonuses exclude roulette or count roulette wagers at a low percentage toward wagering, so you might see 0 to 20 percent contribution on table games compared to 100 percent on slots. Look for maximum bet per spin caps during wagering, game weighting tables, restricted games lists, and expiry deadlines. If the contribution is low, a bonus may slow you down without much benefit for roulette. You can always deposit without a bonus and still use cashback or loyalty perks later. Keep your base unit small relative to your deposit so you do not hit table limits quickly.

4. Go to the casino section of the site and find American Roulette options.

Navigate to the Casino or Live Casino lobby and use filters for “Roulette” and “American” or “Double Zero.” Many lobbies default to European single zero, so read the game tile or rules panel to confirm 0 and 00 are present. For live tables, check the provider and studio name, the minimum and maximum stakes, and whether special side bets like the five-number bet are available. For RNG titles, open the info page to view the rules summary and the published RTP. American Roulette typically lists 38 pockets with green 0 and 00. Avoid mixing it up with “American style” graphics on a single-zero wheel. If the casino offers both RNG and live games, start with RNG to learn the layout, then move to live if you prefer a human dealer and slower pace.

5. Open the game, place your bets, and play!

Load the table and review the paytable and rules overlay. Confirm table limits, chip sizes, and any special rules. Remember that on American Roulette the standard house edge on most bets is about 5.26 percent, and the five-number bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 has an even higher edge. Choose a small chip value and place even-money bets such as red or black to get used to the flow, or inside bets if you prefer higher variance. If you use a staking system, treat it as a pacing tool rather than a path to profit. Set a firm stop loss, a session time limit, and a modest win target. Use reality checks, take breaks, and never chase losses. When finished, cash out from the cashier to the same payment method where possible. Keep your account verified and documents up to date to avoid withdrawal delays.

RTP & House Edge

The house edge in American Roulette is 5.26%, due to its 38 pockets, including both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). This makes it less favourable to players compared to other roulette variants.

The payout structure is the same as European Roulette—35 to 1 for a straight-up bet—but the extra zero pocket reduces the chance of winning each bet, bringing the return to player (RTP) down to approximately 94.74%.​

European Roulette, by comparison, uses a single zero and has 37 slots, giving it a house edge of 2.7% and an RTP of around 97.3%. This difference means players lose less, on average, when playing European Roulette over longer sessions.

French Roulette is even more advantageous for players, as rules like “La Partage” can cut the house edge roughly in half for even-money bets, bringing it close to 1.35%.​

Popular American Roulette Variants

American Roulette can be found in various guises at UK online casinos. Players can enjoy the core game concept of this variant, but in many unique ways. Popular variants of the game can include:

• American Roulette (Classic): The standard version featuring a 38-pocket wheel with numbers 1-36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). It has a house edge of 5.26% and offers a range of inside and outside bets.

• Double Ball Roulette: A variant of American Roulette played with two balls, increasing the chances of winning on each spin and offering unique betting options.

• Triple Bonus Spin Roulette: An American Roulette spin-off that includes a bonus spin mechanic and an additional zero slot on the wheel, creating higher payout opportunities but increased volatility.

• Mini Roulette: A simplified version of American Roulette with fewer pockets (typically 13), designed for faster gameplay and easier betting, sometimes including the double zero.

• Live Dealer American Roulette: An online variant where real dealers operate physical American Roulette wheels in casino studios, streamed live to players, combining classic gameplay with immersive digital interaction.

American Roulette Comparison to Other Variants Summary Table

Variant	Pockets/Zero(s)	House Edge	Speed of Game	Unique Features
American Roulette	30 (0,00)	5.26%	Fast	Top Line (5-number bet), double zero
European Roulette	37 (single 0)	2.7%	Moderate	Single zero, simpler bets
French Roulette	37 (single 0)	1.35% (even bets)	Moderate	“La Partage” and “En Prison” rules reduce edge for even bets
Double Ball	37 (single 0)	~2.7%	Very Fast	Two balls per spin, extra wager types and payouts

American Roulette Strategies

American Roulette strategies can help have a positive impact on each game. They cannot guarantee wins and beat the house edge, but they encourage responsible gambling.

The strategies that can be played include:

Martingale

The Martingale aims to recover all prior losses with a single win while keeping a profit equal to your base unit. You choose a small starting chip size and place even money bets such as red or black. The appeal is its simplicity. The rhythm of reset on a win and double on a loss is easy to follow and gives quick feedback.

In practice you stake £5, lose, then stake £10. Lose again and stake £20. When a win lands, you recoup the previous losses and bank £5, then return to £5. This creates many short sessions that end slightly up if a win arrives before the stake grows too large. On American Roulette, the presence of 0 and 00 increases the chance that a losing run appears before the recovery win.

The risks are concentrated in the rare but inevitable long streak. Stakes grow fast and can hit table limits or the edge of your bankroll. For safer use, select a very small base unit, decide the maximum number of doubles you will allow, and stop the session when you hit that cap. Avoid the five number bet. Use even money wagers only, track your steps, and treat the method as pacing rather than profit seeking.

d’Alembert

The d’Alembert is a gentler negative progression that aims to smooth swings by stepping stakes up or down in single units. After a loss you increase by one unit. After a win you decrease by one unit. This pacing keeps bets closer to the base size and reduces the chance of hitting the table maximum during a short run of losses.

A simple example starts at £5. Lose and go to £10. Win and drop back to £5. If you suffer a few losses in a row, the stake might rise to £15 or £20, but not at the explosive pace of Martingale. On an American wheel the higher edge still applies on every spin, so even controlled steps can drift upward during a bad patch.

Use a small base unit and set a hard ceiling for the highest step you will take. Predefine a maximum session time and a stop loss that fits your budget. The system feels comfortable because it moves slowly, but discipline matters. Do not chase the last loss to get back to even. Reset after a planned break or when you reach a modest win target.

Fibonacci

The Fibonacci uses the well known sequence of 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 and so on, measured in betting units. After a loss you advance one step in the sequence. After a win you move back two steps. The idea is to recover losses over several wins rather than in a single jump, which can feel calmer than doubling.

Suppose your unit is £5. You bet 1 unit and lose, then 1 unit and lose, then 2 units and win. You step back two and return to 1 unit. This back and forth can unwind drawdowns without instant stake explosions. On American Roulette, strings of losses still push you deeper into the sequence, where the numbers rise quickly to 8 or 13 units.

Keep written notes of your current index to avoid errors at speed. Choose a maximum index where you will stop and take a break. Reset to the base unit after any complete recovery so the list does not drift upward session by session. Stick to even money bets for consistent variance and skip side bets with higher house edges.

Labouchere

The Labouchère is a list based method that starts with a target profit in units. You write a short list of small numbers that add up to this target. Each bet equals the sum of the first and the last number in the list. After a win you cross off both ends. After a loss you append the stake to the end, which grows the list.

For example, choose 8 units as your goal with a list of 1, 2, 2, 3. Your first bet is 1 plus 3, which equals 4 units. If you win, cross off to leave 2, 2. Next bet is 2 plus 2, which equals 4 units. Win again and the list clears for an 8 unit profit. If you lose at any point, you add the lost 4 to the end, which can stretch the list and later stakes.

On American Roulette the higher edge means losing bursts will appear. That can lengthen the list and raise the required bet at awkward times. Start with a very short list and a low unit size. Cap the largest single bet you will allow and the maximum list length. Pause or fully reset after a recovery. Keep careful records on each spin so you do not miscopy the sequence.

In summary,

Strategy	Core mechanic	After loss / after win	Practical tips and risks (American wheel ~5.26% edge)
Martingale	Recover all prior losses with one win to earn one base unit profit	Loss: double stake. Win: reset to base unit	Very simple and fast recovery if a win arrives quickly. Stakes can explode on losing streaks and hit table limits or bankroll. Use small base units, cap the number of doubles, stick to even-money bets, avoid the five-number bet, stop when you hit limits.
d’Alembert	Gentle step progression to smooth swings	Loss: +1 unit. Win: −1 unit (never below one unit)	Easier bankroll control with slower stake growth. Recovery is slower during extended downswings. Set a max step, use time and loss limits, reset after breaks, keep units small.
Fibonacci	Sequence-based staking to unwind losses over several wins	Loss: move one step forward in 1,1,2,3,5,8,13… Win: move two steps back	Avoids immediate doubling but sequences can still climb quickly in bad runs. Track your index carefully, predefine a maximum step, reset after full recovery, stick to even-money bets.
Labouchère	List sums to target profit; bet first + last number; cross off on wins, append lost stake on losses	Loss: append stake to list. Win: cross off first and last	Goal oriented and flexible, but losing bursts can lengthen the list and raise stakes. Start with short lists and low units, cap list length and max single bet, record meticulously, reset after recovery.

Most Advantageous Bets for American Roulette

The most advantageous bets in American Roulette are the simple “even-money” wagers: Red/Black, Odd/Even, and High/Low. These bets offer the lowest house edge available in American Roulette, which is 5.26%, and provide the best long-term returns for players.

All other bets, such as columns, dozens, or straight-up bets, share this same house edge, with the exception of the five-number bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3), which carries a much higher house edge of 7.89% and should generally be avoided.

Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling is an essential component in making American Roulette more entertaining. Players must only ever bet with money they can afford to lose, and never expect to win. The rules of the game should always be understood before playing, as this can limit the risk.

Players must set budgets and stick to them to ensure financial safety. Players should only use UKGC-licensed casinos, as protections and tools are in place. Self-imposed tools like deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion can be accessed, as can independent help.

Main Takeaways

American Roulette is a popular variant of the classic table game. It features 38 pockets, including a double zero (00). The house edge is increased from 2.7% (European Roulette – single zero (0)) to 5.26%.

The game can be accessed online and on mobile, as well as being played in physical casinos across the UK. Many variants of the game are available.

Players must ensure they understand all of the game’s rules before playing, and follow responsible gambling practices. Using American Roulette strategies can be advantageous, as these can encourage disciplined wagering and promote player safety.

Using a UKGC-licensed casino is the only way to ensure a positive experience and is a must.

TL;DR:

• 38 pockets, including 0 and 00 = 5.26% house edge
• Playable on many platforms across the UK (online/mobile)
• Unique bets including “Top Line” – 7.89% house edge
• American Roulette strategies can be used
• Always gamble responsibly

FAQs

Is American Roulette different from European Roulette?
Yes. American has 0 and 00 for 38 pockets, which raises the house edge to about 5.26 percent compared with European’s 2.70 percent.

What makes the American wheel’s house edge higher?
The extra 00 adds one more losing outcome without improving payouts. This lowers the game’s average return on every bet.

What is the five-number or top line bet?
It covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 and pays 6 to 1. It has the worst edge on the table at about 7.89 percent.

Are outside bets better for beginners?
Yes because they win more frequently and pay 1 to 1, which smooths bankroll swings. They still carry the same house edge as other standard bets on the American table.

Do American and European tables pay the same?
Yes, both pay 35 to 1 on a straight up and standard odds on other bets. The difference in value comes from the number of pockets, not from the posted payouts.

Is there any way to get the edge below 5.26 percent on American Roulette?
Not on standard rules. To reduce the edge you would need single-zero European or French tables, or French rules like La Partage on even-money bets.

Should I ever place the five-number bet?
Only if you accept its high cost and use tiny stakes for fun. Most players avoid it because there are cheaper ways to cover numbers.

Which systems work best on American Roulette?
No system beats the edge, but gentler progressions like d’Alembert or a modest Fibonacci can help manage pace. Aggressive doubling can hit table limits quickly.

Is Martingale safe on American wheels?
It is simple but risky because 0 and 00 increase losing streak frequency. Stakes can rise fast and collide with limits or bankroll.

Does past spin history help predict the next result?
No. Each spin is independent and unaffected by previous outcomes.

Are “hot” and “cold” numbers real?
Short bursts happen by chance in random sequences. They do not create a lasting advantage.

Can dealers influence where the ball lands?
In regulated settings, procedures and equipment aim to prevent influence. If you doubt fairness, choose another UKGC-licensed table.

What bet has the lowest variance on American Roulette?
Even-money bets like Red or Black and Odd or Even. They settle frequently and keep swings smaller than inside bets.

What is the minimum I should bring to the table?
Enough to place many base-unit bets without pressure. A common guide is to keep your base unit at 1 to 2 percent of your session bankroll.

How do table limits affect strategy?
Limits cap recovery progressions and can force a stop during a losing run. Check minimums and maximums before you begin.

Is American Roulette available online in the UK?
Yes across most UKGC-licensed sites in RNG and live dealer formats. Verify the game tile shows 0 and 00.

Which is better online: RNG or live dealer American Roulette?
RNG is faster and usually has lower minimums. Live dealer is slower and more social, which can help you control pace.

What RTP should I expect on American Roulette?
Table RTP reflects the house edge and bet mix. Standard American layouts align with about 94.74 percent on even-money play over time.

Is the American layout ever single-zero with American graphics?
Occasionally lobbies label cosmetic styles as “American.” Always open the rules panel to confirm both 0 and 00 are present.

What is the “street” and “split” on American Roulette?
A split covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17 to 1. A street covers three numbers in a row and pays 11 to 1.

Does the 00 change inside bet payouts?
No, payouts are the same as European. The extra pocket simply reduces hit frequency.

Can bonuses be used on American Roulette?
Often they contribute little or are excluded. Read terms for game weighting, maximum bet caps, and expiry before opting in.

How fast should I play?
Slower pace reduces hourly exposure to the edge. Use reality checks and breaks to keep sessions controlled.

What is the safest approach to bankroll management?
Set a session budget, choose a small base unit, and define loss and time limits. Do not chase losses to get even.

Are there any good American Roulette side bets?
Most side bets increase volatility without better value. If you use them, keep stakes small and treat them as entertainment only.

Is American Roulette fair at UK sites?
UKGC-licensed operators use audited RNGs and inspected live equipment. Stick to licensed brands and verify details on the public register.

Does stopping after a small win improve results?
It can protect a session outcome but does not change long-term expectation. Use stop points for discipline, not for edge.

How do I choose between American and European if both are offered?
Choose European or French for a lower house edge. Play American if you specifically want that format and accept the higher cost.

Can wheel bias be exploited on American tables?
Modern equipment and oversight make exploitable bias rare. Treat bias hunting as curiosity rather than a strategy.

What should I avoid as a beginner?
Large chip sizes, the five-number bet, and aggressive progressions without limits. Start small, learn the layout, and use firm session controls.