The American Roulette Wheel is one of the most recognizable roulette wheels in the casino world. An American roulette wheel has 38 pockets, including both 0 and 00. That second green pocket is what separates it from the 37-pocket European wheel and raises the standard house edge from about 2.70% to 5.26%.
That extra double-zero pocket changes the mathematics of the game and gives the casino a higher house edge than standard European roulette. For anyone learning how to play American roulette, understanding the wheel itself is an important first step.
In this guide, we will explain the American roulette wheel layout, its numbers and colors, the meaning of 0 and 00, common roulette bets, payouts, odds, the difference between the wheel and table layout, and what players should know before playing.
| American Roulette Wheel Design, Numbers, and Pockets American roulette has 38 pockets: 1–36, 0, and 00. Eighteen pockets are red, 18 are black, and 0/00 are green. The fixed wheel sequence differs from the betting table's numerical layout. Standard bets include straight-up, split, street, corner, dozens, columns, and even-money wagers. Most standard bets carry a 5.26% house edge. The five-number bet has a higher 7.89% house edge. European roulette has one zero and a lower 2.70% standard house edge. Roulette outcomes are independent, so previous spins cannot reliably predict future results. |
What Is an American Roulette Wheel?
An American roulette wheel is a 38-pocket roulette wheel containing numbers 1 through 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). The numbered pockets alternate between red and black, while both zero pockets are green.
The 38 pockets are divided as follows:
- 18 red numbers
- 18 black numbers
- 1 green 0
- 1 green 00
The objective of the game is simple. A dealer spins the wheel and releases a small ball in the opposite direction. As the wheel and ball slow down, the ball eventually settles into one of the 38 pockets.
Players place bets before the spin. Depending on the wager, they can predict a specific number, a group of numbers, a color, an odd or even result, or another section of the betting layout.
The fundamental rules are straightforward, but the wheel's structure is important because it determines the probability of every possible result.
How Many Numbers Are on an American Roulette Wheel?
A standard American roulette wheel contains 38 pockets.
There are 36 numbered pockets, from 1 to 36, plus:
- 0
- 00
The 36 numbered pockets are evenly split between 18 red and 18 black pockets, with the colors alternating between numbered pockets and the two green zero pockets interrupting the sequence.
The 0 and 00 pockets are green.
This is the defining feature of double-zero roulette. European roulette has only one green zero, resulting in 37 pockets, while American roulette has two green zero pockets and therefore 38 pockets.
The additional pocket may appear to be a minor difference, but it has a significant impact on the game's mathematical odds.
American Roulette Wheel Layout Explained
The physical American roulette wheel layout is different from the betting layout printed on the table.
Starting from 0 and moving clockwise, the standard American wheel sequence is:
0, 28, 9, 26, 30, 11, 7, 20, 32, 17, 5, 22, 34, 15, 3, 24, 36, 13, 1, 00, 27, 10, 25, 29, 12, 8, 19, 31, 18, 6, 21, 33, 16, 4, 23, 35, 14, 2.
On the standard American roulette wheel, the 0 and 00 pockets are positioned opposite each other. The numbered pockets alternate between red and black, with the green 0 and 00 interrupting the sequence.
An important point for beginners is that the physical wheel sequence does not match the numerical order displayed on the betting table.
For example, the table presents numbers in a grid beginning with 1, 2, 3 and continuing through 36. On the physical wheel, those numbers are distributed around the circumference according to a completely different sequence.
Understanding this distinction is useful when learning the game, especially when looking at wheel-neighbor or sector-style bets offered by some online roulette games.
Why Are 0 and 00 Green?
The 0 and 00 pockets are colored green to distinguish them from the red and black numbered pockets.
They are not considered:
- Red or black
- Odd or even
- High or low
- Part of the standard dozen groups
- Part of the standard column bets
This matters because many popular outside bets lose when the ball lands on either green pocket.
For example, if you place a $10 bet on red and the ball lands on 00, the red wager loses. The same principle generally applies to black, odd, even, high, low, dozens, and columns.
The presence of two green pockets is one of the most important things to understand about American roulette odds.
American Roulette Wheel vs. Roulette Table Layout
It is easy for beginners to confuse the wheel with the betting table.
The roulette wheel is the physical circular device containing the 38 pockets.
The roulette table layout is the betting area where players place their chips.
The table generally contains a grid covering numbers 1 through 36, along with separate areas for 0 and 00. It also includes betting sections for colors, odd/even numbers, high/low numbers, dozens, and columns.
The table is designed to make different bets easy to identify.
For example, placing a chip directly on a number creates a straight-up bet. Placing a chip between two adjacent numbers creates a split bet, while placing it on the corner where four numbers meet creates a corner bet.
The wheel and table therefore serve different purposes, even though they work together during every spin.
American Roulette Bets Explained
Learning the American roulette wheel is only part of understanding the game. You also need to know how the different bets work.
Roulette wagers are generally divided into two categories: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets cover individual numbers or small groups of numbers.
Common inside bets include:
- Straight-up bet: Covers one number and typically pays 35 to 1.
- Split bet: Covers two adjacent numbers and typically pays 17 to 1.
- Street bet: Covers three numbers in a row and typically pays 11 to 1.
- Corner bet: Covers four numbers and typically pays 8 to 1.
- Six-line bet: Covers six numbers and typically pays 5 to 1.
These wagers generally have higher potential payouts because they cover fewer outcomes.
For example, a straight-up bet on 17 wins only if the ball lands in the 17 pocket.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover broader groups of numbers and generally have lower payouts.
Common outside bets include:
- Red or black: Pays 1 to 1.
- Odd or even: Pays 1 to 1.
- Low or high: Covers 1–18 or 19–36 and pays 1 to 1.
- Dozens: Covers 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36 and pays 2 to 1.
- Columns: Covers one of three columns of 12 numbers and pays 2 to 1.
Standard outside bets such as red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns do not cover 0 or 00.
American Roulette Payouts
The standard American roulette payouts are generally the same as those found on European roulette.
Here is a basic overview:
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Typical Payout |
| Straight-up | 1 | 35 to 1 |
| Split | 2 | 17 to 1 |
| Street | 3 | 11 to 1 |
| Corner | 4 | 8 to 1 |
| Six-line | 6 | 5 to 1 |
| Dozen | 12 | 2 to 1 |
| Column | 12 | 2 to 1 |
| Red/Black | 18 | 1 to 1 |
| Odd/Even | 18 | 1 to 1 |
| High/Low | 18 | 1 to 1 |
Individual online games can have different rules or additional wagers, so players should always check the specific paytable before playing.
An important point is that payout amounts alone do not tell the whole story. The probability of winning must also be considered.
American Roulette Odds and House Edge
The standard American roulette house edge is approximately 5.26% on most conventional bets. This is higher than the approximately 2.70% house edge of standard single-zero European roulette.
Why?
The standard payouts are based on the value of the winning combination rather than paying true odds for all 38 possible outcomes. Because 0 and 00 are additional losing outcomes on most bets, the casino retains a mathematical advantage.
For example, a red bet covers 18 pockets.
On a 38-pocket wheel, the probability of landing on red is:
18/38 = 47.37%
Therefore, neither red nor black has a 50% chance in standard American roulette.
Black has the same probability.
The remaining two pockets are 0 and 00, both green.
This means that neither red nor black has a 50% probability of winning, even though there are 18 red and 18 black pockets.
The extra green pocket is therefore not just a visual feature. It changes the mathematical structure of the game.
The Five-Number Bet in American Roulette
American roulette has a special wager that is not normally found on standard European roulette: the five-number bet.
It covers:
0, 00, 1, 2, and 3
The bet is sometimes called the basket bet or top-line bet and typically pays 6 to 1.
While it may look attractive because it covers five outcomes, its mathematical disadvantage is higher than that of the standard roulette bets.
The five-number bet has a house edge of approximately 7.89%, compared with approximately 5.26% for most other standard American roulette bets.
For players who are comparing wagers based on mathematical value, this is an important distinction to understand.
American Roulette Wheel and European Roulette Wheel
The easiest way to compare the two wheels is to look at their number of pockets.
| Feature | American Roulette | European Roulette |
| Total pockets | 38 | 37 |
| Numbered pockets | 1–36 | 1–36 |
| Green pockets | 0 and 00 | 0 |
| Standard house edge | About 5.26% | About 2.70% |
| Double zero | Yes | No |
| Standard straight-up payout | 35 to 1 | 35 to 1 |
The most important difference is the additional 00 pocket.
Because European roulette has only one zero, its standard house edge is lower. This does not mean a player is guaranteed to win on European roulette, but it does mean the mathematical advantage held by the house is smaller.
Is the American Roulette Wheel Random?
The wheel has a fixed, predetermined number sequence rather than a randomly changing arrangement.
However, that does not mean players can predict where the ball will land.
The American wheel has a fixed sequence, with 0 and 00 positioned opposite each other and the numbered pockets arranged around the wheel.
Each individual spin is still treated as an independent event.
If 17 appears on one spin, that does not make 17 more or less likely to appear on the next spin. Similarly, a long sequence of red results does not make black automatically “due.”
This is an important concept for anyone considering roulette betting strategies.
Can You Predict American Roulette Wheel Numbers?
There is no reliable betting method that allows players to predict the next winning pocket from previous results.
Some players enjoy tracking numbers, colors, or wheel neighbors, but historical results do not change the underlying probability of the next spin.
The American roulette wheel numbers are fixed in their physical order, but the outcome of each properly conducted spin remains a matter of chance.
Players should therefore be cautious about systems or claims suggesting that a particular number is guaranteed to appear because it has been absent for several spins.
How to Play the American Roulette Wheel Online
Online American roulette follows the same basic principles as a physical table.
A typical round works like this:
- Choose an American roulette game.
- Check the wheel type, betting limits, and payout table.
- Select your preferred bet or combination of bets.
- Place your chips before betting closes.
- The wheel spins and the ball is released.
- The ball lands in one of the 38 pockets.
- Winning bets are paid according to the game's rules.
- The next betting round begins.
Online versions may be automated or hosted by a live dealer. Live dealer games use a physical wheel and broadcast the action to players through video.
Tips for Understanding the American Roulette Wheel
Beginners can make the game easier to understand by focusing on a few fundamentals.
Learn the Two Zeros
The most important feature is the presence of both 0 and 00. Remember that they are green and generally cause standard outside bets to lose.
Understand Wheel and Table Positions
The physical wheel sequence is different from the numerical grid on the table. Knowing this prevents confusion when learning different bet types.
Check the Payout Table
Never assume that every online roulette game has identical rules. Review the paytable before placing a wager.
Know the House Edge
The standard American roulette house edge is about 5.26%, while the five-number bet is even less favorable at about 7.89%.
Set a Budget
Roulette is a game of chance. Decide how much you are comfortable spending before you begin and avoid chasing losses.
The Bottom Line on American Roulette
Understanding the American Roulette Wheel is one of the best ways to become familiar with American roulette. The wheel has 38 pockets, including numbers 1 through 36, a green 0, and a green 00. That second zero is the defining feature of double-zero roulette and is responsible for the higher house edge compared with European roulette.
Players should also understand the difference between the physical wheel and the betting table. The wheel has its own fixed number sequence, while the table uses a numerical grid that makes different inside and outside bets easy to place.
From straight-up numbers and splits to red/black, dozens, and columns, American roulette provides numerous betting options. However, understanding the odds is just as important as understanding the payouts. The standard house edge is approximately 5.26%, while the five-number bet carries an even higher mathematical disadvantage.
Most importantly, roulette is a game of chance. No betting system can guarantee a winning result, and previous spins cannot reliably predict future outcomes. Learn the rules, understand the American roulette wheel layout, set sensible limits, and treat the game as entertainment.
Understanding the wheel, the payout table, and the house edge is the best foundation for playing American roulette with realistic expectations.
A Note on Responsible Play
Every American roulette wheel carries a built-in house edge of about 5.26 percent, and no amount of wheel or sequence knowledge changes that math in your favor. If tracking odds and outcomes ever starts turning into something harder to control, confidential help is available through these resources:
- National Council on Problem Gambling: call or text 1-800-MY-RESET, or visit for 24/7 confidential support.
- GambleAware: visit for free advice, tools, and self-exclusion options.
- UK Gambling Commission: Visit to check licensing status and safer gambling resources.
Disclaimer
This guide explains the American roulette wheel for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not guarantee winning outcomes. The 5.26% house edge applies regardless of strategy. Players must meet the legal gambling age in their jurisdiction, typically 18 or 21, and confirm online roulette is permitted in their location.
Frequently Asked Questions About the American Roulette Wheel
How many pockets does an American roulette wheel have?
A standard American roulette wheel has 38 pockets: numbers 1 through 36, plus 0 and 00.
What is the difference between 0 and 00?
Both are green pockets and are separate outcomes. Their presence is the key feature that distinguishes American double-zero roulette from single-zero European roulette.
What is the American roulette wheel sequence?
Starting at 0 and moving clockwise, the standard sequence is 0, 28, 9, 26, 30, 11, 7, 20, 32, 17, 5, 22, 34, 15, 3, 24, 36, 13, 1, 00, 27, 10, 25, 29, 12, 8, 19, 31, 18, 6, 21, 33, 16, 4, 23, 35, 14, 2.
What is the house edge on American roulette?
The standard house edge is approximately 5.26% on most conventional American roulette bets. The five-number bet has a higher house edge of approximately 7.89%.
Is American roulette harder to win than European roulette?
From a mathematical perspective, American roulette gives the house a higher edge because of the additional 00 pocket. However, individual spins are random, so either version can produce short-term winning or losing results.
What is the worst bet on an American roulette wheel?
The five-number bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 has a house edge of approximately 7.89%, making it mathematically less favorable than the standard bets.
Does the wheel layout affect the outcome?
The physical arrangement determines where each pocket is located, but it does not make one number inherently more likely to win on a properly functioning wheel. Each spin is an independent event.
