Single vs Double Zero Roulette: House Edge & Player Odds
Whether you’re visiting a land-based casino or playing online, the type of roulette wheel in use can influence how the game is structured. The presence of single or double zero pockets plays a role in how bets are calculated and how the house edge is determined.
This post will walk through how these variations are set up, what the numbers represent, and why it’s useful to understand the format of the table you’re playing at. You’ll also get a clearer picture of the odds involved and why single zero wheels are more commonly found in the UK.
Read on to learn more.
What Is the Difference Between Single Zero and Double Zero Roulette?
The simplest way to spot the difference is to count the green zero pockets on the wheel. One version has a single green zero, often called European roulette. The other features two green pockets, 0 and 00, typically known as American roulette.
That extra zero adds one more pocket to the wheel, increasing the total from 37 to 38. The numbers 1 through 36 remain the same, and most of the bets look familiar, but this extra space quietly shifts how often certain outcomes occur.
House Edge Explained in Roulette
A casino’s advantage comes from the difference between the potential payouts and the actual chances of winning. This comes down to those green zero pockets, which don’t belong to either red or black and don’t count towards some common bets.
Although the payout odds assume a wheel with 36 numbers, the actual wheel includes the zero pockets, either one or two, depending on the version. This subtle difference means the chances of winning are slightly less than the payout suggests. For example, a single number bet typically pays 35 to 1, but the true chance of landing on that number is 1 in 37 for the single zero wheel and 1 in 38 for the double zero.
The result is a percentage advantage for the casino that’s roughly 2.70% with a single zero wheel and about 5.26% with a double zero wheel.
Even for bets like red or black, which almost seem like a 50/50 split, the presence of these zero pockets tilts the balance. With one zero, the chance to win such bets is 18 out of 37; with two zeros, it’s 18 out of 38. Since the potential payout stays the same, the expected return is somewhat less on the wheel with two zeros.
How Do Player Odds Change With Single Zero vs Double Zero?
Because the total number of pockets differs, the odds you face shift slightly between the two types of wheels. If you choose to place a bet on a single number on a single zero wheel, your chance is 1 in 37. On a double zero wheel, it decreases to 1 in 38. Yet the potential payout remains at 35 to 1 in either case, so the expected value is subtly better when playing on a single zero wheel.
The same pattern holds for broader bets like red or black, odd or even, and high or low. These bets win more often when there’s only one zero pocket rather than two.
Which Version of Roulette Offers Better Value?
Generally speaking, single zero roulette tends to offer a better return. Because it has fewer zero pockets, a greater proportion of your stake is theoretically returned to you over time compared with the double zero option. This advantage is most noticeable on even money bets but applies across the board since payouts stay consistent while the odds differ slightly.
If you were playing, double zero roulette might still appeal for its style or speed, but from a purely numerical perspective, single zero usually comes out ahead as the more efficient choice.
Why Is Single Zero Roulette Preferred in the UK?
Most casinos and online platforms in the UK stick to the single zero layout. It’s often seen as a clearer and more straightforward option, since only one zero pocket impacts the outcomes. Some tables in the UK also include specific rules that further reduce the effect of that zero on certain bets, supporting a fairer balance.
Double zero wheels are available in some places but are much less common in the UK. When browsing games, the title usually mentions which wheel is in use—checking this can help you align your choice with your preferences, whether that’s prioritising value, game style, or simply familiarity.
Can You Reduce the Impact of the House Edge?
Because the edge is built into the wheel and its rules, it cannot be fully removed. However, there are ways to lessen its impact. Choosing a single zero wheel over a double zero wheel immediately lowers the advantage held by the house. In some cases, additional rules like La Partage or En Prison apply to even money bets; these rules return part or all of your stake if zero appears, which cuts the advantage roughly in half when playing single zero roulette.
No strategy or staking plan changes the fundamental mathematics of the game. Such approaches may change how wins and losses are spread within a session, but they don’t affect the overall expected return.
A responsible approach is to select the version that aligns with your goals, understand the specific table rules, and use responsible gaming features, such as deposit limits to keep any play within a comfortable boundary.
If you’re thinking about trying roulette, remember to always keep within your limits and prioritise entertainment over chasing outcomes. Responsible decisions are the key to a positive experience.
Play Roulette Online at King Casino
If you’re thinking about exploring roulette online, we’ve made it straightforward to find what suits you. At King Casino, we offer both single zero and double zero versions, each clearly labelled so you can decide which one works best for your approach.
Our platform is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), with secure payment options and clear rules outlined within each game. You’ll also see information on table limits and game features upfront, and the sign-up process is straightforward.
We include tools designed to support responsible play, such as deposit limits and reality checks, which you can set according to your preferences.
If you choose to play at King Casino, you’ll find everything in one place—transparent options, responsible gambling features, and the details you need to make considered decisions. So, feel free to make an account with us, deposit some funds to play with, and explore the range of roulette games we have available at your own pace.
**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.
Whether you’re visiting a land-based casino or playing online, the type of roulette wheel in use can influence how the game is structured. The presence of single or double zero pockets plays a role in how bets are calculated and how the house edge is determined.
This post will walk through how these variations are set up, what the numbers represent, and why it’s useful to understand the format of the table you’re playing at. You’ll also get a clearer picture of the odds involved and why single zero wheels are more commonly found in the UK.
Read on to learn more.
What Is the Difference Between Single Zero and Double Zero Roulette?
The simplest way to spot the difference is to count the green zero pockets on the wheel. One version has a single green zero, often called European roulette. The other features two green pockets, 0 and 00, typically known as American roulette.
That extra zero adds one more pocket to the wheel, increasing the total from 37 to 38. The numbers 1 through 36 remain the same, and most of the bets look familiar, but this extra space quietly shifts how often certain outcomes occur.
House Edge Explained in Roulette
A casino’s advantage comes from the difference between the potential payouts and the actual chances of winning. This comes down to those green zero pockets, which don’t belong to either red or black and don’t count towards some common bets.
Although the payout odds assume a wheel with 36 numbers, the actual wheel includes the zero pockets, either one or two, depending on the version. This subtle difference means the chances of winning are slightly less than the payout suggests. For example, a single number bet typically pays 35 to 1, but the true chance of landing on that number is 1 in 37 for the single zero wheel and 1 in 38 for the double zero.
The result is a percentage advantage for the casino that’s roughly 2.70% with a single zero wheel and about 5.26% with a double zero wheel.
Even for bets like red or black, which almost seem like a 50/50 split, the presence of these zero pockets tilts the balance. With one zero, the chance to win such bets is 18 out of 37; with two zeros, it’s 18 out of 38. Since the potential payout stays the same, the expected return is somewhat less on the wheel with two zeros.
How Do Player Odds Change With Single Zero vs Double Zero?
Because the total number of pockets differs, the odds you face shift slightly between the two types of wheels. If you choose to place a bet on a single number on a single zero wheel, your chance is 1 in 37. On a double zero wheel, it decreases to 1 in 38. Yet the potential payout remains at 35 to 1 in either case, so the expected value is subtly better when playing on a single zero wheel.
The same pattern holds for broader bets like red or black, odd or even, and high or low. These bets win more often when there’s only one zero pocket rather than two.
Which Version of Roulette Offers Better Value?
Generally speaking, single zero roulette tends to offer a better return. Because it has fewer zero pockets, a greater proportion of your stake is theoretically returned to you over time compared with the double zero option. This advantage is most noticeable on even money bets but applies across the board since payouts stay consistent while the odds differ slightly.
If you were playing, double zero roulette might still appeal for its style or speed, but from a purely numerical perspective, single zero usually comes out ahead as the more efficient choice.
Why Is Single Zero Roulette Preferred in the UK?
Most casinos and online platforms in the UK stick to the single zero layout. It’s often seen as a clearer and more straightforward option, since only one zero pocket impacts the outcomes. Some tables in the UK also include specific rules that further reduce the effect of that zero on certain bets, supporting a fairer balance.
Double zero wheels are available in some places but are much less common in the UK. When browsing games, the title usually mentions which wheel is in use—checking this can help you align your choice with your preferences, whether that’s prioritising value, game style, or simply familiarity.
Can You Reduce the Impact of the House Edge?
Because the edge is built into the wheel and its rules, it cannot be fully removed. However, there are ways to lessen its impact. Choosing a single zero wheel over a double zero wheel immediately lowers the advantage held by the house. In some cases, additional rules like La Partage or En Prison apply to even money bets; these rules return part or all of your stake if zero appears, which cuts the advantage roughly in half when playing single zero roulette.
No strategy or staking plan changes the fundamental mathematics of the game. Such approaches may change how wins and losses are spread within a session, but they don’t affect the overall expected return.
A responsible approach is to select the version that aligns with your goals, understand the specific table rules, and use responsible gaming features, such as deposit limits to keep any play within a comfortable boundary.
If you’re thinking about trying roulette, remember to always keep within your limits and prioritise entertainment over chasing outcomes. Responsible decisions are the key to a positive experience.
Play Roulette Online at King Casino
If you’re thinking about exploring roulette online, we’ve made it straightforward to find what suits you. At King Casino, we offer both single zero and double zero versions, each clearly labelled so you can decide which one works best for your approach.
Our platform is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), with secure payment options and clear rules outlined within each game. You’ll also see information on table limits and game features upfront, and the sign-up process is straightforward.
We include tools designed to support responsible play, such as deposit limits and reality checks, which you can set according to your preferences.
If you choose to play at King Casino, you’ll find everything in one place—transparent options, responsible gambling features, and the details you need to make considered decisions. So, feel free to make an account with us, deposit some funds to play with, and explore the range of roulette games we have available at your own pace.
**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.
