American Roulette Guide 2026: Double Zero Explained, House Edge, and Bets
American Roulette has 38 pockets — numbers 1-36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). The addition of the double zero doubles the house edge compared to European Roulette: 5.26% versus 2.70%. This makes American Roulette a less favourable choice for players focused on expected value.
Why American Roulette Has a Higher House Edge
In European Roulette (37 pockets), a straight-up bet pays 35:1 with a 1-in-37 probability of winning. The one pocket that pays nothing gives the house its 2.70% edge. American Roulette adds a second zero (00), creating 38 pockets. The same 35:1 payout now covers 1-in-38 probability, giving the house two pockets that pay nothing — doubling the edge to 5.26%.
American Roulette Bet Types
All standard European roulette bets are available in American Roulette. Additionally, American Roulette includes:
- Five Number Bet (Basket) — Covers 0, 00, 1, 2, 3. Pays 6:1. House edge 7.89% — the worst bet in American Roulette.
- Column and Dozen bets — Cover the 00 pocket as a loss, increasing the effective house edge on these bets.
Should You Play American Roulette?
If European Roulette is available, choose it every time. The 5.26% house edge in American Roulette means you lose nearly double what you would in European Roulette per round. The only reason to play American Roulette is if it's the only version offered — some US land-based casinos offer only the American wheel.
American Roulette Strategy
All bets in American Roulette carry the same 5.26% house edge (except the five-number bet at 7.89%). There is no bet selection that reduces the mathematical disadvantage. Avoid the five-number bet. If possible, switch to European Roulette entirely.
FAQ
- What is the house edge in American Roulette?
- American Roulette has a 5.26% house edge on all standard bets. The five-number (basket) bet has an even higher 7.89% house edge. European Roulette has a 2.70% house edge — choose European whenever possible.
- What is the double zero in American Roulette?
- The double zero (00) is an additional green pocket alongside the single zero (0) on the American Roulette wheel. Both green pockets represent losing outcomes for most standard bets, doubling the house's advantage.
- Is there any reason to play American over European Roulette?
- From a mathematical standpoint, no. The double zero doubles the house edge. Some players choose American Roulette for the slightly different betting layout or for cultural familiarity, but there is no odds-based reason to prefer it.