American Roulette Guide
Learn the rules, compare the bets and understand the odds.
American roulette is the version of the game that grew up in the casinos of New Orleans, the Mississippi riverboats and, eventually, Las Vegas. Its defining feature is the double zero: a second green pocket marked 00 that sits on the wheel alongside the single 0. That one extra pocket changes the maths of the entire game, giving American roulette a house edge of 5.26%, roughly double that of European roulette.
Even so, American roulette remains popular with many Canadian players, thanks to its fast pace, familiar layout and unique bets you will not find on a single-zero table. This complete guide explains how American roulette works, every bet and payout, the real odds, the infamous five-number bet, popular variations, strategies, tips, and how to play American roulette online in Canada.
What this guide covers
- What American roulette is
- A brief history of the double zero
- The American roulette wheel
- The table layout
- How to play, step by step
- Inside bets and payouts
- The five-number bet
- Outside bets and payouts
- Odds, probability and house edge
- American vs European vs French roulette
- American roulette variations
- Strategies and betting systems
- Tips for playing American roulette
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Playing American roulette online in Canada
- Frequently asked questions
What Is American Roulette?
American roulette is played on a wheel with 38 pockets: the numbers 1 to 36, coloured red and black, plus two green pockets, 0 and 00. Players bet on where a small ball will land after the dealer spins the wheel. If the ball lands on a number covered by your bet, you win according to that bet's payout.
The payouts in American roulette are exactly the same as in European roulette. A straight-up bet pays 35 to 1, red or black pays 1 to 1, and so on. The difference is that there are 38 possible outcomes instead of 37, so every bet is slightly less likely to win than it would be on a single-zero wheel. That is where the higher house edge comes from.
A Brief History of the Double Zero
Roulette was born in France in the 18th century, and early French wheels already included both a 0 and a 00. In 1843, François and Louis Blanc introduced a single-zero wheel in Germany to attract players with better odds, and that version spread across Europe.
Meanwhile, roulette arrived in the United States through French settlers in New Orleans. American gambling houses kept the double-zero wheel, and some early versions even added a third special pocket, often marked with an American eagle, to increase the house advantage further. Over time, the eagle disappeared, but the double zero stayed. As Las Vegas grew in the 20th century, the double-zero wheel became the standard across North American casinos, which is why it is known today as American roulette.
The American Roulette Wheel
The American wheel has 38 pockets. The numbers 1 to 36 alternate between red and black, while 0 and 00 are both green. The two zeros sit directly opposite each other on the wheel.
The number order on an American wheel is different from the European wheel. It is designed so that pairs of consecutive numbers sit directly across from each other, for example 1 opposite 2, and 3 opposite 4. Odd and even numbers alternate around most of the wheel, and red and black also alternate.
You do not need to know the order to play, since American roulette tables rarely offer the racetrack call bets that rely on wheel sections. All betting is done on the standard table layout.
The American Roulette Table Layout
The American table looks very similar to the European one. The main difference is at the top of the grid, where you will find two zero boxes, 0 and 00, instead of one.
- Inside betting area: the numbers 1 to 36 in three columns and 12 rows, with 0 and 00 at the head of the layout.
- Outside betting area: red, black, odd, even, 1 to 18, 19 to 36, three dozens and three columns.
In land-based casinos, American roulette tables often use special coloured "wheel chips," with each player at the table assigned their own colour. This makes it easy for the dealer to keep track of who placed which bets, especially at busy tables.
How to Play American Roulette, Step by Step
- Buy in or choose your chips. At a casino, exchange cash for roulette chips. Online, select a chip value from the tray.
- Check the table limits. Each table shows a minimum and maximum bet for inside and outside bets.
- Place your bets. Put chips on any combination of inside and outside bets.
- The spin. The dealer spins the wheel and launches the ball, or you press "Spin" in a digital game. Betting closes shortly before the ball drops.
- The result. The ball lands in a pocket. The dealer places a marker on the winning number, clears losing bets and pays winners.
- Play again. Use "rebet" to repeat your last bets, or place new ones.
Important: If the ball lands on 0 or 00, all outside bets lose. Only inside bets that include the winning zero are paid.
Inside Bets and Payouts
| Bet | Numbers | Payout | Win Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight up | 1 | 35 to 1 | 2.63% |
| Split | 2 | 17 to 1 | 5.26% |
| Street | 3 | 11 to 1 | 7.89% |
| Corner | 4 | 8 to 1 | 10.53% |
| Five-number | 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 | 6 to 1 | 13.16% |
| Six line | 6 | 5 to 1 | 15.79% |
You can also place a split bet on 0 and 00 together, which pays 17 to 1, and street-style trio bets such as 0-1-2 or 00-2-3, which pay 11 to 1.
The Five-Number Bet: The Worst Bet on the Table
The five-number bet, also known as the top line or basket, is unique to American roulette. It covers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3, and you place it on the line between the zeros and the first row of numbers.
It pays 6 to 1. To be fair, a bet covering five of 38 numbers should pay about 6.6 to 1. Because the payout is lower than it should be, the house edge on this bet is 7.89%, compared with 5.26% for every other bet on the American table. That makes it the single worst bet you can make in standard roulette.
If you want to cover the zeros, a split on 0 and 00 or a trio bet is a better option, because they carry the standard 5.26% edge.
Outside Bets and Payouts
| Bet | Numbers | Payout | Win Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red or Black | 18 | 1 to 1 | 47.37% |
| Odd or Even | 18 | 1 to 1 | 47.37% |
| Low (1 to 18) | 18 | 1 to 1 | 47.37% |
| High (19 to 36) | 18 | 1 to 1 | 47.37% |
| Dozen | 12 | 2 to 1 | 31.58% |
| Column | 12 | 2 to 1 | 31.58% |
Compared with European roulette, every outside bet wins a little less often, because there are two zeros instead of one that cause outside bets to lose.
Odds, Probability and House Edge
Where the house edge comes from
Roulette payouts are calculated as if the wheel had only 36 numbers. On an American wheel there are 38 pockets, so the true odds of a single number are 37 to 1, while the payout is 35 to 1. Over many spins, the casino keeps the difference.
The result is a house edge of 5.26% on every standard bet, which equals an RTP of 94.74%. The five-number bet is the exception, with an edge of 7.89% and an RTP of 92.11%.
What it means for your bankroll
If you wager a total of $1,000 over a session, the expected long-term loss in American roulette is about $52.60. On a European wheel, the same amount of betting would cost about $27 on average, and on a French wheel with La Partage, even-money bets would cost about $13.50.
| Game | House Edge | Expected Loss per $1,000 |
|---|---|---|
| American roulette | 5.26% | $52.60 |
| American five-number bet | 7.89% | $78.90 |
| European roulette | 2.70% | $27.00 |
| French with La Partage | 1.35% | $13.50 |
The Surrender rule
Some land-based American roulette tables, particularly in Atlantic City, use a rule called Surrender. If the ball lands on 0 or 00, players lose only half of their even-money bets. This cuts the house edge on those bets to 2.63%, close to European roulette. It is rare online, but if you find it, it greatly improves the value of even-money bets.
American vs European vs French Roulette
| Feature | American | European | French |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pockets | 38 | 37 | 37 |
| Zeros | 0 and 00 | 0 | 0 |
| House edge | 5.26% | 2.70% | 1.35% to 2.70% |
| Five-number bet | Yes | No | No |
| Call bets | Rare | Often | Standard |
| Even-money rule | Surrender, rare | Usually none | La Partage |
Why do people still play American roulette? Some players simply prefer the familiar North American layout, while others play it at land-based casinos where it may be the main version offered. Some enjoy the extra betting options around the double zero. However, if you have a choice, European or French roulette always offers better value.
American Roulette Variations
Classic digital American roulette
The standard RNG version from online casino providers. It is fast, available at low stakes, and often playable in free demo mode.
Live dealer American roulette
A real dealer spins a real double-zero wheel, streamed live from a studio or casino floor. Live American roulette brings the atmosphere of a Las Vegas table to your screen, with chat and multiple camera angles.
Triple Zero Roulette
Some casinos have introduced a wheel with three zeros: 0, 00 and 000. With 39 pockets and the same payouts, the house edge rises to 7.69%. It is best avoided.
Double Ball Roulette
Some games launch two balls at once on a roulette wheel, with special payouts for bets on both balls. Rules and house edge vary, so check the game information before playing.
Multi-wheel and multiplier versions
Certain providers offer American roulette with several wheels at once, or with random multipliers on straight-up numbers. These change the payouts and volatility, so read the pay tables carefully.
Strategies and Betting Systems
No betting system can overcome the 5.26% house edge of American roulette. Because each spin is independent, systems change only the pattern of your bets and results, not your expected loss. With that in mind, here are the most common approaches.
Martingale
Double your even-money bet after every loss, and reset to your base bet after a win. On an American wheel, losing streaks are slightly more common than on a European one, so the risk of hitting your bankroll limit or the table maximum is higher.
Reverse Martingale
Double your bet after each win and reset after a loss or after a target number of wins. Losses are limited to your base bet, and you benefit from winning streaks.
D'Alembert
Raise your bet by one unit after a loss and lower it by one unit after a win. It is a slower, steadier progression that suits cautious players.
Fibonacci
Bet according to the sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, moving forward one step after a loss and back two steps after a win.
Flat betting
Bet the same amount every spin. It is the simplest approach and makes your losses predictable, which helps you budget your time and money.
Covering the zeros
Some players add a small split bet on 0 and 00 to their outside bets as a form of insurance. It adds a little protection when a zero comes up, but it also adds cost to every spin, and the overall house edge stays the same.
The best strategy: The single most effective way to improve your odds is not a betting system. It is choosing a single-zero European or French table instead of American roulette whenever you can.
Bankroll Management for American Roulette
Because the house edge in American roulette is higher than in other versions, managing your money carefully is even more important. A clear plan helps your sessions last longer and keeps the game enjoyable.
- Set a session budget. Decide in advance how much you are willing to spend, and treat that money as the cost of entertainment.
- Choose a base bet that fits. Your budget should cover at least 50 base bets. With a $100 budget, that means bets of around $2 per spin.
- Set a loss limit. If you lose a set portion of your budget, such as half, end the session.
- Set a win goal. If you are up by a target amount, consider cashing out and enjoying the result.
- Track your time. Digital American roulette can deliver hundreds of spins an hour. At 5.26%, fast play increases your expected losses quickly.
- Use casino limits. Licensed casinos offer deposit limits, loss limits and reality checks. Set them before you start.
How the double zero affects a session
Imagine betting $5 on red for 100 spins on each type of wheel. On a European wheel, you would expect to lose about $13.50 on average. On an American wheel, the same session would cost about $26.30 on average. Over a few spins the difference is barely noticeable, but over many sessions it adds up to a real cost. This is why experienced players treat the choice of wheel as the most important decision they make.
American Roulette Terms to Know
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Double zero (00) | The extra green pocket unique to American roulette |
| Top line or basket | The five-number bet on 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3 |
| Wheel chips | Coloured chips assigned to each player at a table |
| Dolly | Marker placed on the winning number |
| Surrender | Rule returning half of even-money bets on 0 or 00 |
| Inside bets | Bets on specific numbers or small groups |
| Outside bets | Bets on colours, dozens, columns and similar groups |
| RTP | Return to player, the long-term percentage paid back |
Tips for Playing American Roulette
- Prefer single-zero tables. If European or French roulette is available, it nearly halves the house edge.
- Skip the five-number bet. At 7.89%, it is the worst standard bet in roulette.
- Look for Surrender. If even-money bets lose only half on 0 and 00, the edge drops to 2.63%.
- Set a budget before you play. The higher house edge means your money disappears faster than on a European table.
- Bet smaller and slower. Lower stakes and slower live tables stretch your bankroll.
- Practise for free. Demo games help you learn the layout without risking money.
- Ignore past results. Previous numbers have no effect on future spins.
- Check bonus terms. Roulette usually contributes little to wagering requirements.
- Set win and loss limits. Walk away when you reach either one.
- Take regular breaks. Fast games can make time and money slip away.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not noticing the double zero. Many players choose American roulette by accident. Always check the wheel before you bet.
- Chasing losses. Raising your stakes to recover losses can quickly drain your balance.
- Trusting hot and cold numbers. Every spin is random and independent.
- Using aggressive progressions with a small bankroll. Systems like Martingale need deep pockets and can still fail.
- Covering too many numbers. Spreading chips across the whole table creates small, steady losses.
- Playing at unlicensed casinos. Without regulation, you have no guarantee of fair play or secure withdrawals.
Playing American Roulette Online in Canada
The legal situation
Gambling in Canada is regulated by the provinces. Ontario operates a regulated private online casino market overseen by iGaming Ontario and the AGCO, and Alberta launched its own regulated private market in July 2026. In other provinces, official online casinos are run by provincial lottery corporations, including PlayNow, Loto-Québec and Atlantic Lottery. You must be 19 in most provinces, and 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec.
Choosing a casino
- Choose a licensed casino, ideally regulated in your province.
- Look for both American and European roulette, so you can switch to the better odds.
- Check for live dealer American roulette if you enjoy the Las Vegas feel.
- Make sure Canadian dollars and Interac are supported.
- Look for clear payout rules and fast withdrawals.
- Confirm that deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion tools are available.
Mobile play
American roulette is fully playable on smartphones and tablets. Most games offer a mobile-friendly betting grid, and live dealer streams run smoothly over Wi-Fi or a strong data connection.
Taxes
For recreational players, gambling winnings are generally not taxable in Canada.
Responsible Gambling
Roulette is a game of chance meant for entertainment. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, use the limit tools offered by licensed casinos, and take a break if the game stops being fun. Free and confidential support is available:
- ConnexOntario for players in Ontario, available 24/7.
- GameSense, a responsible gambling program used by several provinces.
- Responsible Gambling Council, a national independent organization.
Frequently Asked Questions About American Roulette
What is the house edge in American roulette?
The house edge is 5.26% on all standard bets, and 7.89% on the five-number bet.
How many numbers are on an American roulette wheel?
There are 38 pockets: the numbers 1 to 36, plus 0 and 00.
Why is American roulette worse than European roulette?
The extra double zero adds a 38th pocket without changing the payouts, which doubles the house edge from 2.70% to 5.26%.
What is the best bet in American roulette?
All standard bets share the same 5.26% edge, except the five-number bet, which is worse. Even-money bets offer the lowest volatility, winning 47.37% of the time.
Does 00 count as an even number?
No. Neither 0 nor 00 counts as even, odd, red, black, high or low. If either appears, all outside bets lose.
Can I play American roulette for free?
Yes. Many online casinos and providers offer free demo versions of American roulette.
Is there a winning strategy for American roulette?
No strategy can beat the house edge. Choosing European or French roulette when possible, avoiding the five-number bet and managing your bankroll are the smartest moves.
Is online American roulette fair?
At licensed casinos, digital games use certified random number generators and live games use real, regularly inspected wheels.
Final Thoughts
American roulette is fast, familiar and full of North American casino history. It is also the version with the highest house edge, so it pays to play smart: skip the five-number bet, look for the Surrender rule, keep your stakes sensible and switch to a single-zero table whenever you can. Play at a licensed Canadian-friendly casino, set your limits, and enjoy the spin.