Single Zero vs Double Zero Roulette: Differences, Odds & House Edge
Thinking of playing roulette but not sure whether to pick the single zero or double zero version? You’re not alone. The type you choose can change your odds, influence your approach, and shape what you might win.
With both games available online and in real-world casinos, it’s easy to mix them up. There are clear differences in layout, gameplay, and most importantly, the house edge.
Curious which version suits you best or gives you stronger chances over time? Let’s break it down so you can step up to the table with confidence.
What Is Single Zero Roulette?
Single zero roulette is often called European roulette. As the name suggests, the wheel has one green zero alongside the numbers 1 to 36, and the table layout follows the familiar European format. The core bets and rules are the same as standard roulette, so it feels straightforward if you already know the basics.
The presence of a single zero results in a lower house edge than double zero roulette. With only one green pocket, there are fewer outcomes that do not pay on most bets, which is why the theoretical house edge is typically around 2.70% (compared with around 5.26% on a double zero wheel). The zero is what creates the house advantage, and even-money bets usually lose when the ball lands on zero unless a specific rule applies.
Some tables may offer additional rules such as La Partage or En Prison on even-money bets, which can further affect how zero outcomes are settled. Always check the game rules and RTP information before you play, as features and limits can vary by table and operator. Outcomes are random, and no betting system can remove the house edge, so set limits and play within your budget.
You’ll find single zero roulette at many licensed UK casinos, both online and in land-based venues. It’s a popular choice for players who prefer familiar gameplay with a comparatively lower house edge than the double zero version.
What Is Double Zero Roulette?
Double zero roulette, commonly known as American roulette, features both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00) in green, alongside the numbers 1 to 36.
That extra green pocket creates more outcomes that do not pay on most standard bets. The payouts usually mirror single‑zero roulette, but the probabilities change, which increases the house edge.
As a guide, American roulette typically carries a house edge of about 5.26%, compared with roughly 2.70% on European (single‑zero) wheels. There is also a specific “top line” bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) on some tables with an even higher edge, so check the rules before playing.
The layout looks almost identical at a glance, though the wheel order and the extra 00 position differ. Always review the table layout and the stated RTP so you know exactly which version you are playing.
You’ll mainly see double zero roulette in some online lobbies and in casinos abroad, especially in the United States. It’s less common in the UK, so it’s worth checking the wheel and confirming the rules before you start.
Consider whether you’re comfortable with the higher house edge, set limits, and remember outcomes are random. Past results do not predict future results.
Key Differences Between Single Zero And Double Zero Roulette
The standout difference is the number of green pockets. Single zero has one; double zero has two. You may also see these referred to as European (single zero) and American (double zero) formats.
That extra pocket changes the wheel size from 37 to 38. With 37 pockets, even‑money bets win 18/37 of the time; with 38 pockets, they win 18/38 of the time. The payouts are the same, but the extra green pocket slightly lowers your chance of winning each bet in the double zero game.
You’ll also notice a small table layout change. American tables include a space for the 00 that you won’t see on single zero layouts. This addition also enables the optional top‑line (0‑00‑1‑2‑3) wager on some American tables, which carries a higher house edge than other bets.
Those details might look minor, but they directly affect the house edge over time. As a guide, standard single zero roulette has a house edge of about 2.70%, while standard double zero roulette is about 5.26%.
Some single zero games may offer rules such as la partage or en prison on even‑money bets, which can reduce the effective house edge to around 1.35% on those wagers. Availability varies by table, so always check the rules before you play.
These differences don’t guarantee outcomes on any given spin, but they do influence long‑term expectations. Consider the rules and your own budget when choosing a table, and remember that results are random and cannot be predicted.
How Do The Odds Compare Between The Two Variants?
Single Number Odds On Each Wheel
In single zero roulette, there are 37 pockets, so the chance of the ball landing on any chosen number is 1 in 37 (about 2.70%).
The payout for a straight-up bet remains 35:1, which is lower than the true odds of 36:1. This difference creates a house edge of approximately 2.70% on the single zero wheel.
Each spin is independent and random. Past results do not influence future outcomes.
Single Number Odds On Double Zero
With double zero roulette, the wheel has 38 pockets, so a straight-up bet on one number wins 1 in 38 (about 2.63%).
The payout is still 35:1, but the extra pocket increases the house edge to about 5.26%, making the expected return lower than on a single zero wheel.
Odds For Even-Money Bets On Each Wheel
Even-money bets include red/black, odd/even, and high/low. On a single zero wheel, 18 of the 37 pockets pay on these bets, giving a win probability of roughly 48.65% and a house edge of about 2.70%.
On a double zero wheel, 18 of the 38 pockets pay, so the win probability is about 47.37%. Because there are two zero pockets, the house edge on these wagers rises to around 5.26%.
Some single zero tables may offer rules such as La Partage or En Prison on even-money bets. Where available, these can reduce the house edge on those specific bets (for example, La Partage to about 1.35%). Always check the table rules before you play.
No strategy can change the built-in odds. Set limits, play for entertainment, and only gamble what you can afford to lose.
What Is The House Edge For Single Zero And Double Zero?
The house edge is the mathematical advantage built into a game, showing the proportion of each wager the casino expects to retain over the long term. It is a theoretical average based on the rules and probabilities, not a prediction of what will happen in any single session.
Single zero roulette has a house edge of 2.7%. Put simply, for every £100 bet, the long‑run expected casino retention is about £2.70 over a very large number of spins. In the short term, results can vary widely, and players may experience wins or losses that differ from this average. This corresponds to a theoretical RTP of 97.3%.
Double zero roulette carries a 5.26% house edge. That means the long‑run expected return to the casino is around £5.26 for every £100 bet, again calculated over a significant volume of play. Short‑term outcomes remain random and may not match the theoretical average. This equates to a theoretical RTP of 94.74%.
This difference comes primarily from the extra green pocket on the double zero wheel. Additional non‑winning pockets for most even‑money and number bets increase the house advantage.
While a smaller house edge is generally more favourable to players over time, it does not guarantee profit. Outcomes are random, no strategy can remove the house edge, and you should only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
How Table Rules Like En Prison And La Partage Affect Odds
Some roulette tables include specific rules that apply to even-money bets such as red/black, odd/even, and high/low. These rules do not change the underlying probabilities of the wheel, but they can affect how stakes are settled when zero lands.
En Prison appears on some single-zero (European) tables. If zero lands on an even-money bet, your stake is “imprisoned” and carried over to the next spin. If that next spin wins, you recover your stake (it is a push rather than a profit); if it loses, the stake is forfeited. This reduces the immediate impact of zero on those wagers, though house rules can vary on what happens if zero appears again on the following spin.
La Partage is more straightforward. If zero lands on an even-money bet, half of your stake is immediately returned and the other half is lost. For example, a £10 even-money bet would see £5 refunded and £5 taken when zero hits.
Both rules reduce the house edge on even-money bets from 2.7% to about 1.35% on single-zero tables. They usually apply only to outside even-money wagers and not to inside bets such as straight-ups, splits, or corners. Availability can differ by venue and game provider, and these features typically are not offered on double-zero (American) wheels.
Choosing a table with En Prison or La Partage can lower your expected loss on even-money bets, but the house still retains an edge and outcomes remain random. Always check the table rules before you play, and set time and spend limits so you only gamble what you can afford to lose.
How To Calculate Payouts And Probabilities For Common Bets
Roulette payouts are fixed by the table rules, so once you know the wheel size, you can estimate your chances and potential returns. Always check the game information for the exact rules and paytable in use, as variants can differ.
Outcomes are random and independent from spin to spin. The figures below are theoretical and for guidance only; they do not guarantee results and should not be used to predict future spins.
For a straight-up bet on one number, the payout is 35 to 1. On a single zero (European) wheel the probability is 1 in 37 (about 2.70%); on a double zero (American) wheel it is 1 in 38 (about 2.63%). A £1 stake that wins returns £35 in winnings plus your £1 stake.
These payouts are the same across variants, but because the true odds are longer than the 35 to 1 payout, the house edge remains. As a guide, the typical house edge is about 2.70% on single zero and about 5.26% on double zero wheels.
Even-money bets such as red/black, odd/even, or high/low pay 1 to 1. The chance of winning is 18 in 37 on a single zero wheel and 18 in 38 on a double zero wheel, because zero (and double zero, if present) are neither red/black, odd/even, nor high/low.
This means these bets are not truly 50/50. Some tables may use specific rules (for example on certain European or French variants) that affect how zero is handled; always review the table rules before you play.
A split bet covering two numbers pays 17 to 1. On a single zero wheel, that gives 2 winning pockets out of 37; on a double zero wheel, it’s 2 out of 38. If you stake £1 on a split and it wins, you receive £17 in winnings plus your £1 stake.
A street bet covering three numbers pays 11 to 1, with 3 winning pockets out of 37 or 38, depending on the wheel. A £1 winning street returns £11 in winnings plus the £1 stake.
To estimate probability, think of it as winning pockets divided by total pockets. The extra pocket on the double zero wheel trims your chances slightly, even though the listed payouts do not change between variants.
Remember: results are random and past outcomes do not influence future spins. Set limits, play within your means, and treat roulette as entertainment rather than a way to make money.
Which Roulette Variant Should I Choose Based On Bankroll Or Play Style?
If you want your balance to last longer or you’re playing with a smaller bankroll, single zero (European) roulette is usually the smarter pick. With a typical house edge of around 2.70%, you may get more play for the same spend over time, although outcomes are always random and never guaranteed.
Where offered, tables with rules such as La Partage or En Prison on even‑money bets can reduce the house edge further (often to about 1.35% on those bets). Always check the table rules before you start, as availability varies and terms apply.
Players who prefer a brisker pace or a different feel might gravitate towards double zero (American) tables. The layout adds 00 and changes the rhythm slightly, but the odds are less favourable, with a typical house edge of around 5.26%. Make sure you’re comfortable with the greater swings this can bring.
Also consider table limits and bet types. Lower minimums can help a bankroll stretch further, and spreading stakes across simpler bets may smooth short‑term variance. No staking system can overcome the house edge, so avoid strategies that claim to guarantee profits.
Whichever you choose, set a budget and stick to it. Decide on time and loss limits in advance, take regular breaks, and never chase losses. Gambling should be enjoyable entertainment only, and you must be 18+ to play. If it stops being fun, stop and use the safer gambling tools available.
Common Myths About Single Zero And Double Zero Roulette
A common myth is that betting systems like the Martingale can overcome the edge, whichever wheel you play. No staking plan can change the built‑in maths of the game, and losses can escalate very quickly when doubling after each losing spin.
Table limits and your bankroll also cap any such system, so a short losing streak can wipe out funds before a win occurs. There is no strategy that guarantees profit, and you should only wager what you can afford to lose.
Another belief is that double zero roulette pays more to make up for the extra zero. In fact, standard payouts are the same on both variants; it’s the probabilities that shift, which affects the house edge.
As a guide, single zero (European) roulette typically has a house edge of about 2.70%, while double zero (American) is around 5.26%. Actual RTP and rules can vary by table and provider, so always check the game information before you play.
Some think past spins influence future ones, as if a run of reds means black is due. Each spin is independent, so previous results do not affect what happens next, and streaks can occur naturally without implying any change in odds.
Random Number Generators for online games are tested, and physical wheels are designed to produce random outcomes. Believing in patterns or “due” results is a classic example of the gambler’s fallacy.
It’s also said that land‑based tables are fairer than online versions. Licensed casinos, online or in person, must use fair and regulated equipment or software, with regular audits and clear rules available to players.
Live dealer games are also subject to oversight, but different tables can have different rules, minimums, and side bets. Reviewing these details helps you understand the risk and return before you start.
Understanding these points, and the differences between single zero and double zero, makes it easier to choose a game that suits your preferences. If available, single zero wheels generally offer a lower house edge, but no option removes risk.
Always play responsibly: set limits, take breaks, and avoid chasing losses. Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money, and support is available if you feel your play is becoming problematic.
**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.