Is 0 Even or Odd in Roulette? Roulette Numbers Explained

Roulette is one of the most familiar games in any casino, with a simple layout and a pace that’s easy to follow.

The question that catches many people out is the 0. Is it even, is it odd, or is it something else entirely?

Understanding how the numbers are treated, especially 0, helps the whole game make more sense and makes choosing bets feel clearer.

What Does Even Or Odd Mean In Roulette?

Even and odd are two of the most straightforward bets available. Betting on “even” means you’re covering the 18 even numbers on the layout. “Odd” covers the 18 odd numbers. On a European wheel there are 37 pockets in total, so each of these bets backs almost half of the possible outcomes.

These are often called even-money bets because a winning bet pays 1 to 1. They are simple to understand and easy to spot on the table, which is why many players start here. As noted earlier, 0 is excluded from both options, so it acts as an extra risk for these bets.

Does 0 Count As Even Or Odd For Bets?

No. For betting purposes, 0 does not count as even or odd. If the result is 0, both of those bets lose.

The only way to win when 0 lands is to place a bet that actually includes it, such as a straight-up bet on 0 or a combination that covers it on the layout.

That same exception shapes other outside bets too.

Which Bets Are Affected By 0?

Several popular outside bets do not cover 0 and will lose if it lands. This includes even/odd, red/black, and high/low. The same is true for dozens (1 to 12, 13 to 24, 25 to 36) and column bets, which also exclude the green pocket.

Inside bets behave differently. A straight-up bet on 0 wins if 0 hits. On most layouts you can also include 0 within certain combinations that touch it on the betting grid, which means those will pay if 0 is the result.

This is one reason the type of wheel you choose can matter.

European Single Zero Vs American Double Zero: What’s The Difference?

The main difference between the two common versions of roulette is the number of green pockets. European roulette uses a single 0, while American roulette adds a 00, giving the ball another way to miss the standard outside bets.

Because there are fewer green pockets in European roulette, the odds on every bet are slightly better than on the American version. Many players prefer the single-zero wheel for this reason.

So how does that feed into payouts and the house edge?

How 0 Affects Payouts And House Edge

Payouts on roulette follow fixed tables, so a winning even-money bet pays the same on any wheel. What changes is how often those wins come in. The presence of 0 reduces the proportion of spins that can pay on the broad outside bets.

On a European wheel, the single 0 creates a house edge of about 2.7%. On an American wheel, the 0 and 00 increase that edge to around 5.26%. Some French roulette tables apply rules such as la partage or en prison on even-money bets when 0 lands, which can reduce the edge on those specific bets, but the general principle remains the same.

How To Place Even Or Odd Bets In Roulette

On the betting layout, the “Even” and “Odd” boxes run along the outer edge of the numbers grid. Placing a chip in either box backs all 18 numbers in that set. If the spin produces a matching result, the bet pays 1 to 1. If the ball stops on 0, the bet loses, as covered earlier.

This is one of the neatest ways to get involved without tracking individual numbers, while still understanding exactly what is and is not covered.

Why Is 0 Included On The Wheel?

Zero exists to give the house a built-in advantage. By adding a pocket that is not covered by the simple outside bets, casinos ensure there is always a small tilt against the player on each spin. Without 0, even-money bets would be perfectly balanced, which would remove that long-term edge.

Common Misconceptions About 0 In Roulette

It is easy to assume 0 must be classed as even or odd like the rest of the numbers, but in roulette it is treated separately and sits outside the standard outside bets.

Another common belief is that a betting system can counter the effect of 0. While staking plans can change how results feel, they do not alter the underlying edge created by the wheel.

It is also sometimes thought that 0 turns up less often than other numbers. On a fair wheel, every pocket has the same chance on each spin, which means 0 is no more or less likely than any other single number.

Explore Roulette at King Casino

If you would like to explore roulette from home, King Casino offers a broad mix of options, from single-zero tables to fast-paced live rooms hosted by professional dealers. You can choose European or American styles to suit the experience you prefer.

King Casino provides secure payments and regulated gameplay. Our roulette collection is ready whenever you are, with tables to match different budgets and approaches. Follow the link above to see what is available and settle on the version that fits how you like to play.

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_{*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.}