How does Zero & Double Zero work in Roulette?
If you’ve spent any time looking into roulette and how the game works, you might have noticed a few variations between different versions. While the rules are the same in that you bet on where you think the ball in the roulette wheel will land, some roulette wheels are bigger than others.
We’re specifically referring to the main difference between European and American roulette. In European roulette, there are 37 numbered pockets, while in American roulette, there are 38. The extra number in American roulette is the double zero – European games only have one zero pocket.
It’s the presence of zeros that establishes a roulette game’s house edge – below, we’ll explore the difference between single zero and double zero roulette, including roulette odds for zero and double zero, in detail.
Single zero roulette: the basics
You may be wondering, how does zero work in roulette? Single zero roulette, or European roulette, has 37 numbered pockets from zero to 36. Numbers one through 36 are coloured red and black, while the zero is green.
What is the roulette house edge for zero? As a result of the single zero being present, roulette zero rules usually carry a house edge of 2.7%. This is the profit or cut that the casino can expect to make from any bets made on the table.
Double zero roulette: understanding the difference
How does double zero work in roulette? With double zero roulette, as the name suggests, there’s an extra zero on the wheel and the betting table. This version is usually known as American roulette, and the extra number appears as ‘00’ next to the main zero.
Why does American roulette have 0 and 00? Double zero roulette rules increase the house edge, which usually sits at around 5.26%.
How zero and double zero impact your bets
It might be tempting to place straight up bets on either the roulette zero or the roulette double zero because they carry longer odds – but remember, this usually means that they’re tougher to win. In fact, when you place inside or outside bets on roulette in columns or dozens, for example, zero or double zero means that you lose.
For instance, say that you place a bet on the ball to land in a red pocket. Your odds are well balanced and there’s a payout chance of 1:1. However, add a zero and a double zero to the number of black pockets on the wheel, and you’re actually betting on the minority choice.
Why the house edge matters in roulette
The house edge is an advantage that casinos set so that they can make a profit from casino bets. The higher the edge, the less likely you’ll win.
Therefore, with double zero roulette offering a higher house edge than the European alternative, you’re less likely to win in that version of the game.
Some players like to reduce their house edge further by using certain strategies and rules. For example, following the rules of La Partage and En Prison can reduce the house edge to around 1.35% in single zero games.
However, remember that certain rules and strategies carry their own risks – and that there’s not always a guarantee that you will win!
Choosing your roulette game: single zero vs double zero
Ultimately, you have much better odds of winning when playing single zero roulette than double zero games, because the house edge is much lower!
Therefore, always make a point to seek out European roulette games, tables and live dealers for the best odds.
Tips for playing roulette with zero and double zero
Here are a few quick tips on how to play single zero and double zero roulette:
Manage your bankroll carefully: Even though the odds of you winning in single zero games are higher, always play responsibly with real money.
Consider outside bets: Outside bets are the safest wagers you can make in any game of roulette. For example, red or black and odd or even bets are around 50/50 in terms of odds, even when you take zeros into account.
Don't chase losses: Regardless of the type of roulette you play, it’s always a game of chance! Also, chasing wins and losses never ends well – manage your time and gaming money responsibly.
Conclusion: do zero and double zero impact your game?
Does zero count in roulette? Yes – zero and double zero can absolutely impact your chances of winning a game of roulette. Specifically, double zero games are much harder to win because of an increased house edge.
So, take the time to look through the range of roulette tables, games and live dealers at LeoVegas – and prioritise European or single zero roulette wherever possible!