Single Zero vs Double Zero Roulette: Odds, House Edge & Payouts
Roulette is a casino favourite, and there is more than one way to play it. The two main versions, single zero (European) and double zero (American) roulette, look alike but they do not work the same.
Choosing between them affects your chances and how long your balance lasts. In this guide, we explain the key differences in odds, house edge and payouts so you can make an informed choice. Keep reading to see how your choice of wheel shapes the numbers.
What Is The Difference Between Single Zero And Double Zero Roulette?
The main difference is the wheel itself.
Single zero roulette wheels have one green pocket marked 0. Double zero wheels have two green pockets, 0 and 00. That extra pocket means there is one more way for a spin to miss a bet, which is why the house edge is higher in the double zero game.
You will usually see single zero roulette in casinos and online. Double zero roulette appears more often in the US, but some venues offer both.
The number of pockets is the real divider:
Single zero: 37 numbers in total
Double zero: 38 numbers in total
How Does Wheel Layout Affect Odds?
Wheel layout directly influences probability on every bet. With a single zero wheel, there is one green pocket in 37 slots, so there are fewer outcomes that work against bets on numbers and even-money options such as red or black.
A double zero wheel has two green pockets in 38 slots. The additional 00 adds another losing outcome for most wagers, so the chance of success on any given spin is a touch lower than on a single zero layout.
What Is The House Edge For Single Zero Roulette?
The house edge for single zero roulette is 2.7%. Over time, the casino expects to make £2.70 for every £100 that players stake. This figure comes from having just one green zero among 37 pockets, which slightly tilts outcomes in the casino’s favour.
The odds are more favourable here than on a double zero wheel, so players often view single zero tables as offering better long-term value.
What Is The House Edge For Double Zero Roulette?
The house edge for double zero roulette is 5.26%. With 38 pockets, including both 0 and 00, the probability of a bet winning on any spin is a little lower than on a single zero wheel.
Because of this, balances tend to decrease more quickly on double zero tables than on single zero games with the same style of betting.
How Do Odds Differ For Common Bets?
Single Number (Straight Up)
A straight up bet places chips on a single number. On a single zero wheel the chance of success is 1 in 37. On a double zero wheel it is 1 in 38. The payout is 35 to 1 in both cases, but the probability is slightly better on single zero.
Column And Dozen Bets
These cover 12 numbers. On a single zero wheel, the chance is 12 in 37. On a double zero wheel, it is 12 in 38. Both pay 2 to 1, with the single zero wheel again offering the stronger probability.
Even-Money Bets
Even-money bets such as red/black, odd/even and high/low cover 18 numbers. On a single zero wheel the chance is 18 in 37. On a double zero wheel it is 18 in 38. The presence of the zero pockets means these bets are not true 50/50.
How Do Payouts Compare Between The Two Games?
Payouts are aligned across both versions. A straight up win pays 35 to 1, columns and dozens pay 2 to 1, and even-money bets pay 1 to 1. What changes is the underlying probability of a win. With single zero roulette the probability is marginally higher because there is one fewer pocket on the wheel, but the payout does not increase.
In practice, the same winning bet returns the same amount in either game, yet the single zero table gives a better chance of seeing that win.
How Does Wheel Choice Affect Risk And Expected Return?
Wheel choice directly affects risk and expected return. Single zero roulette carries lower overall risk because there are fewer losing outcomes. That lower house edge means the expected return is higher, so balances typically last longer when wagers are the same.
On a double zero wheel, the extra 00 increases risk and reduces the expected return. Over time, players tend to lose more, and more quickly, than they would on a comparable single zero game.
Put simply, if the aim is to preserve your balance for longer play, single zero is the more efficient choice.
Are There Other Rules Or Variants That Change The House Edge?
Yes. Some tables use rules that reduce the house edge on certain wagers.
One example is the La Partage rule, often found on single zero tables. If the ball lands on zero, half of an even-money stake is returned. This lowers the house edge on those bets to 1.35%.
Another is En Prison. If zero appears, an even-money stake is held for the next spin rather than lost. If the bet then wins on the following spin, the stake is returned. This also reduces the edge on even-money wagers.
Some casinos and online sites offer variants such as Mini Roulette or Multi-Wheel Roulette. These versions have their own rules and mathematics, so it is worth checking the information panel before playing to understand the edge and payouts.
Key Numbers At A Glance
Here is a quick view of the figures that matter when comparing single zero and double zero roulette:
Total Pockets:
Single zero – 37
Double zero – 38
House Edge:
Single zero – 2.7%
Double zero – 5.26%
Single Number Bet Odds:
Single zero – 1 in 37
Double zero – 1 in 38
Payout for a Single Number:
Both versions pay 35 to 1
Even-Money Bet Odds:
Single zero – 18 in 37
Double zero – 18 in 38
Keep these in mind to help you choose the right table for how you like to play.
Play Roulette at 666 Casino
If you are keen to try roulette for yourself, 666 Casino is a great place to start. You can pick from a range of roulette games, including both single zero and double zero options, all from home.
666 Casino is licenced by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which ensures a safe and secure experience for all players.
Always remember to gamble responsibly by setting limits to your playing time, sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
