When it comes to roulette, the type of wheel you play on can make a difference in how the game proceeds. Single zero and double zero wheels are the two main options, and each comes with its own features. Many players wonder which one offers better chances or suits their style best.
If you’ve ever asked yourself whether to stick with single zero or try double zero roulette, this blog post will help you understand the key differences and what they might mean for your game. Read on to find out more.
What Is Double Zero Roulette?
Double zero roulette is a popular variation of the game that features a wheel with 38 pockets. These include the standard 36 red and black numbered sections, along with two green pockets marked 0 and 00. This extra green pocket is what distinguishes it from other roulette versions and gives it the name American roulette.
The presence of the additional 00 pocket affects the house edge, which is higher than in other variants, sitting at around 5.26%. Despite this, the payout for a straight-up bet on a single number remains 35:1, just like in other forms of roulette.
House Edge Difference
The house edge is the built-in advantage that the casino holds over players in casino games, ensuring the casino makes a profit over time.
In roulette, all versions offer the same 35:1 payout for successful straight-up bets, which is based on the assumption of 36 pockets on the wheel. However, both single zero and double zero roulette wheels include extra numbers, which affect the house edge while the potential payout remains the same.
Double zero roulette has 38 pockets in total, giving the house an edge of approximately 5.26%. In contrast, single zero roulette has 37 pockets, resulting in a lower house edge of about 2.70%. This means players face slightly less favourable odds in double zero roulette, even on even-money bets, because of the additional losing pocket.
While American roulette might offer a different playing experience, it’s important to understand that it comes with a higher house edge compared to its single zero counterpart.
Double Zero Roulette Payouts vs Single Zero Roulette Payouts
In roulette, both single zero (European and French) and double zero (American) variants offer the same payouts for each type of bet. However, the odds of winning each bet differ slightly due to the additional green 00 pocket on the American wheel. Here's how the main betting options compare between the two formats:
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Column bet: This covers one of the three vertical columns of numbers and pays 2:1 if the bet is successful; the odds of winning are approximately 32.4% in single zero roulette and 31.6% in double zero roulette.
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Dozen bet: This includes one of the three groups of 12 numbers (1–12, 13–24, or 25–36) and also pays 2:1 if the bet is successful; the odds are around 32.4% for single zero and 31.6% for double zero roulette
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Even-money bet: This bet on red/black, odd/even, or high/low pays 1:1 if the bet is successful; players have odds of about 48.6% in single zero roulette and 47.4% in double zero roulette.
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Straight-up bet: This type of bet on a single number pays 35:1 if the bet is successful; the probability of winning is approximately 2.7% in single zero roulette and 2.6% in double zero roulette.
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Split bet: This bet covers two adjacent numbers and offers a 17:1 payout if the bet is successful; the odds are roughly 5.4% in single zero roulette and 5.3% in double zero roulette.
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Street bet: This bet, covering a row of three numbers, pays 11:1 if the bet is successful; players have about an 8.1% chance in single zero roulette and 7.9% in double zero.
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Corner bet: This bet includes four numbers meeting at one corner and pays 8:1 if the bet is successful; the odds are 10.8% in single zero and 10.5% in double zero roulette.
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Five-number bet: This bet is only available in double zero roulette and covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 and pays 6:1 if the bet is successful; the odds of winning this specific bet are around 13.2%.
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Line bet: This bet includes two adjacent rows for a total of six numbers and pays 5:1 if the bet is successful; players have approximately a 16.2% chance in single zero roulette and 15.8% in double zero.
Should You Play Single Zero or Double Zero Roulette?
Ultimately, the choice between single zero and double zero roulette comes down to personal preference. If you’re interested in playing the version with the lower house edge, single zero roulette is generally the wiser pick.It offers slightly better odds, even though both versions maintain the same payout rates.
Since both wheels pay out 35:1 on straight-up bets and offer identical rewards for other wager types, opting for single zero roulette means you aren’t taking on additional uncertainty for the same potential return. There’s no statistical benefit to choosing double zero roulette, yet some players find the added challenge more entertaining despite the higher house advantage.
So, if you prefer the game that gives you a marginally improved chance of success, single zero roulette is likely the better option. But if you’re drawn to the American-style wheel, double zero roulette may still offer an engaging experience—just be aware you’re playing with slightly less favourable odds.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision between single zero and double zero roulette depends on what you're looking for from the game. Whichever version you choose, it's important to understand how the rules and odds work so you can make informed decisions.
As always, please gamble responsibly—set a budget, stick to it, and never bet money you can’t afford to lose. Roulette should be approached as a form of entertainment, not a way to try to make money
**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.