Single-Zero vs. Double-Zero Roulette

The primary difference between single-zero and double-zero roulette is the number of pockets on the wheel. Single-zero roulette has 37 pockets, numbered 1 to 36 plus 0, while traditional double-zero roulette has 38 pockets, adding an extra 00.

However, wheel numbering isn't the only characteristic to consider in the single-zero vs. double-zero roulette debate. Odds and house edge are other factors to consider. Most standard bets pay the same on both games, but the additional 00 gives double-zero roulette a higher house edge.

Single-Zero vs. Double-Zero Roulette at a Glance

Feature	Single-Zero Roulette	Double-Zero Roulette
Total pockets	37	38
Zero pockets	0	0 and 00
Numbers 1–36	Yes	Yes
Straight-up payout	35:1	35:1
Standard house edge	2.70%	5.26%
Common version	European Roulette	American Roulette
Better mathematical odds	Yes	No

What Is Single-Zero Roulette?

Single-zero roulette is commonly known as European roulette, and it features a robust wheel with 37 pockets numbered 1 to 36 alongside one green 0. Because of the zero pocket, it offers players significantly better house edge for players.

What Are the Odds on a Single-Zero Roulette Wheel?

The odds on a single-zero roulette are the same as a double zero roulette, based on the type of bet you place. However, because it has a single 0 on its wheel, it maintains a 2.70% house edge on its bets. (See table below)

What Is Double-Zero Roulette?

Double-zero roulette is commonly called American roulette, featuring 38 pockets numbered 1 to 36 plus two green zeros (0 and 00). The impact of the extra 00 pocket on the game is what reduces your odds of winning and raises the house edge from 2.70% to 5.26%.

00 is an additional straight-up number. It doesn’t increase the payout on standard bets, it increases the number of possible outcomes.

What Is the Difference Between 0 and 00 in Roulette?

Roulette 0 vs 00 pockets function as separate winning numbers on the American roulette wheel. You can wager on either independently. But if the ball lands on either 0 or 00 while you place standard outside bets, such as red/black, odd/even, and high/low, you lose.

The difference between the single zero European Roulette and the double zero American Roulette is the house edge. Single zero roulette has a house edge of 2.70% while double zero roulette has a house edge of 5.26%.

What does the house edge mean? The house edge is the approximate percentage of money the house will make on the game. It is the profit the casino makes. For example, if a player is betting $100 per spin on a double zero roulette, and the house edge is 5.26%, they are expected to lose $5.26 per spin. If there are 60 spins-per-hour, then the casino is expected to profit around $315 per hour.

Compare that with a double zero roulette game, where the house edge is 2.70%. If the player is betting $100 per spin, they are expected to lose $2.70 per hour. If there are 60 spins-per-hour, then the casino is expected to profit $162 per hour. The player is losing $150 less by playing on a single zero roulette game, versus a double zero roulette game.

Do Single-Zero and Double-Zero Roulette Have Different Payouts?

No. Standard payouts are the same on both. What changes is the probability of winning, because the double-zero wheel has one extra pocket. See the table below:

Bet	Payouts	Winning Numbers	Single Zero Probability	Single Zero Win Probability	Double Zero Probability	Double Zero Win Probability
Straight Up	35:1	1	1/37	2.70%	1/38	2.63%
Split	17:1	2	2/37	5.41%	2/38	5.26%
Street	11:1	3	3/37	8.11%	3/38	7.89%
Corner	8:1	4	4/37	10.81%	4/38	10.52%
Double Street	5:1	6	6/37	16.22%	6/38	15.79%
Dozen	2:1	12	12/37	32.43%	12/38	31.58%
Column	2:1	12	12/37	32.43%	12/38	31.58%
Red / Black	1:1	18	18/37	48.65%	18/38	47.37%
Odd / Even	1:1	18	18/37	48.65%	18/38	47.37%
Low (1–18) / High (19–36)	1:1	18	18/37	48.65%	18/38	47.37%

Why Does Double-Zero Roulette Have Worse Odds?

Because of the extra green 00. On every spin it’s one more way for standard wagers to lose, pushing the house edge from 2.70% to 5.26% and casinos don’t raise the payouts to compensate.

Example: Betting on Red

Suppose you place an outside bet on Red:

European (single-zero): 18 red numbers out of 37 pockets 18/37 = 48.65%.

Players have a 48.65% chance of hitting a red number.

American (double-zero): 18 red numbers out of 38 pockets 18/38 = 47.37%.

Players have a 47.37% chance of hitting a red number

You have less chance of hitting a red on double zero roulette than single zero roulette. However, in both games the Red bet pays 1:1. The single-zero odds are better thanks to its one 0 pocket.

Single-Zero vs. Double-Zero Roulette House Edge

Roulette Game	House Edge
Single-Zero Roulette	2.70%
Double-Zero Roulette	5.26%

For every $100 wagered, the average long-run loss for one spin is about $2.70 on single-zero and $5.26 on double-zero. That doesn’t mean the casino takes $2.70 or $5.26 from every player or session, the edge only plays out over thousands of spins. It means that in the span of an hour, the casino is expected to profit around $162 for a single zero roulette game and $315 for a double zero roulette game.

$2.70 x 60 spins-per-hour = $162

$5.25 x 60 spins-per-hour = $315

Why Does Adding One Extra Zero Nearly Double the House Edge?

The extra 00 nearly doubles the house edge because the winning numbers stay the same while the losing ones grow. On single-zero it’s 18 winners vs. 19 losers; on double-zero, 18 winners vs. 20 losers, same payouts, worse odds.

Is Single-Zero Roulette the Same as European Roulette?

Usually, yes. European roulette uses a single-zero wheel. Sometimes “single-zero” also refers to French roulette, which likewise has one zero but adds rules that make it distinct.

Those rules are worth knowing. French roulette’s La Partage rules return half your even-money bet when the ball lands on zero, which cuts the even-money house edge to just 1.35%, the best value on the roulette floor. However, be careful, as some games also have En Prison rule. If La Partage happens, this rule forces the player to keep half of their bet up for another spin. This increases the house edge back up to 2.70%. If you find a French wheel with La Partage, the even-money bets are the smartest play in the room.

European Roulette vs. American Roulette

The table below settles the American roulette vs European roulette comparison:

Feature	European	American
Wheel Type	Single zero	Double zero
Total Pockets	37	38
Green 0	Yes	Yes
Green 00	No	Yes
Standard house edge	2.70%	5.26%

What About Triple-Zero Roulette?

Triple zero roulette is the worst roulette game for players. Do not play on a triple zero roulette game! Triple zero roulette has 39 pockets, 1 to 36 plus 0, 00, and 000 (often shown as a casino logo). First introduced as “Sands Roulette” at the Venetian in 2016, it has since spread widely across the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown.

What Is the House Edge on Triple-Zero Roulette?

The triple zero roulette wheel, because of its extra 000 green pockets, has a house edge of 7.69%, nearly three times the single zero roulette house edge. If a player was betting $100, they would be expected to lose $7.69 per spin. After one hour, the casino expects to profit $461 off that player.

Wheel	Pockets	Typical House Edge
Single Zero	37	2.70%
Double Zero	38	5.26%
Triple Zero	39	7.69%

How Can You Tell Which Roulette Table You're Playing?

Check the wheel or the layout first.

• One green 0 means single zero (European)
• 0 and 00 means double zero (American)
• 0, 00, and 000 means triple zero.

The layout matches the wheel, the zero spaces on the wheel also appear on the felt and for electronic or online games, the signage or game rules will tell you. One caution: some triple zero tables disguise the third zero as the casino’s logo, so look closely.

Which Roulette Bets Have the Best Odds?

The even-money outside bets, Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low are best for managing your bankroll and minimizing losses, since they win close to half the time. Note, though, that a higher win probability doesn’t change the house edge.

Conclusion

The biggest difference between single zero and double zero isn’t the payouts it’s the number of possible outcomes: 37 pockets versus 38. You can have fun at either wheel, but single zero’s lower house edge makes it many players’ favorite (and a French wheel with La Partage is even better). Roulette is a classic that needs no special skill but knowledge gives you an edge, so brush up with the Vegas Aces roulette odds guide and payout charts before you play.

FAQ

Is single zero roulette better than double zero roulette?

Yes, because looking at both games' house edge, single zero roulette offers a better 2.70% house edge because there is one fewer green pocket. While the house edge for double zero is 5.26%. This means players are expected to lose less money on a single zero roulette game than a double zero roulette game.

What is the house edge on single zero roulette?

The standard is 2.70%

What is the house edge on double zero roulette?

The standard is 5.26%

Does double zero pay more in roulette?

No, double zero (00) pays 35:1 on a single number bet, just like it would on a single zero roulette game.

What does 00 mean in roulette?

00 is just another number the player can bet on, similar to 0, 2, 5, or 25. 00 is an additional number in a green pocket on the American roulette wheel.

Does 0 count as green in roulette?

Yes, one green (0) is found on the European roulette wheel.

Is European roulette single zero?

Yes, European roulette has a single zero on its roulette wheel.

Is American roulette always double zero?

Yes, American roulette always has a double zero on its wheel.

What are the odds of hitting 00?

1 in 38, which has a probability of 2.63% chance of hitting.

Does roulette pay 35 to 1 or 36 to 1?

Single-zero and double-zero roulette pays 35:1 on straight-up bets.

Is triple zero roulette worse than double zero or single zero roulette?

Yes, triple zero roulette has a 7.69% house edge. This is the worst roulette game in the house. Do not play on a triple zero roulette game. If the player is betting $100 per spin, they are expected to lose $461 per hour. On a double zero roulette game (5.26% house edge) the player is expected to lose $315 per hour. And on a single zero roulette game (2.70% house edge) the player is expected to lose $162 per hour.