American Roulette: The 2026 UK Player Guide
American Roulette is a fast-paced classic defined by its Double Zero (00). While it offers higher volatility than European tables, understanding the “Surrender” rule and avoiding the “Top Line” bet is critical for your bankroll.
Last Updated: January 2026 • Verified by: Roulette UK Team
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The American Roulette Wheel & Layout
The defining feature of American Roulette is the wheel layout. Unlike the European wheel which has 37 pockets, the American wheel has 38 pockets.
- Numbers: 1 to 36 (Red and Black).
- Zeroes: A Single Zero (0) AND a Double Zero (00), both colored Green.
Why the Sequence Matters
The numbers on an American wheel are arranged in a specific sequence to balance high/low, red/black, and odd/even numbers. For example, the number 1 is opposite the number 2. This balance ensures that mechanical bias is minimized in physical casinos, though online roulette sites use RNG software to ensure perfect randomness.
American Roulette Payout Chart
Because of the extra “00” pocket, the odds of winning are slightly lower than in European games, but the payouts remain the same. This increases the House Edge to 5.26%.
| Bet Name | Numbers Covered | Payout | True Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| Top Line (Basket) | 5 (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) | 6 to 1 | 13.16% |
| Six Line | 6 | 5 to 1 | 15.79% |
| Dozen / Column | 12 | 2 to 1 | 31.58% |
| Red / Black | 18 | 1 to 1 | 47.37% |
Unique to American Roulette, you can bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 simultaneously. However, this bet has a House Edge of 7.89%, making it statistically the worst bet in the entire game. Avoid it.
Strategy: Reducing the House Edge
While American Roulette is generally riskier than European Roulette, there are ways to mitigate the edge if you choose the right tables.
1. Look for the “Surrender” Rule
Some Atlantic City-style tables offered by providers like Evolution or Playtech include the “Surrender” rule.
- How it works: If you place an Even Money bet (Red/Black) and the ball lands on 0 or 00, you only lose half your bet.
- The Math: This reduces the House Edge from 5.26% down to 2.63%, effectively making it equal to standard European Roulette.
2. Betting Systems on American Wheels
If you use betting strategies like the Martingale System (doubling after a loss), be aware that the American wheel is more volatile.
With two zeroes, the probability of hitting a “losing color” is slightly higher (52.63% vs 51.35%). This means long losing streaks happen more frequently on American wheels. We recommend using flatter staking plans like the D’Alembert to protect your bankroll.
Live Dealer vs. RNG American Roulette
UK players can choose between computer-controlled (RNG) tables and Live Dealer streams. Here is which one you should pick:
RNG (Software)
Best for: Speed and Practice.
RNG games allow you to spin at your own pace. You can test betting systems without a timer. Providers like NetEnt and Switch Studios offer great mobile-optimized RNG tables.
Live Dealer
Best for: Atmosphere and Trust.
Streamed from studios in Riga or Malta, these games use real physics. Look for “Double Zero Roulette” from Evolution Gaming. Note that minimum bets are usually higher (£1 vs £0.10).
Responsible Gambling: Know Your Limits
American Roulette has a higher house edge than other variants, meaning your bankroll can deplete faster. It is a game of entertainment, not a way to make money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between American and European Roulette?
The main difference is the wheel. American Roulette has 38 pockets with a 0 and 00. European Roulette has 37 pockets with just a single 0. This gives European tables better odds for the player.
What is the worst bet in American Roulette?
The “Top Line” or “Basket Bet” covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. It pays 6:1 but has a massive house edge of 7.89%. It is the only bet on the table with odds worse than the standard 5.26%.
Does 00 pay double?
No. Betting on 00 pays 35:1, the exact same as betting on any other single number like 7 or 10.
Can I play American Roulette on mobile?
Yes. All modern casinos like PlayOJO and 21Prive use HTML5 technology, meaning American Roulette tables load instantly on iPhone and Android browsers without downloading an app.