One of the most crucial things about playing roulette is knowing the difference between a single zero wheel and a double zero wheel. Some players believe double zero roulette has the worst house odds among all the roulette variants. As such, many players think single zero roulette offers more winning chances between the two.
We'll explore more in this article and answer questions like, should you play single zero or double zero roulette?
What Is Double Zero Roulette?
Double zero roulette usually has the typical roulette wheel with 36 red and black numbers. However, there are also 2 green sections comprising a 0 or 00. Therefore, the roulette wheel has 38 positions. This form of roulette is called American roulette. Its house edge is 5.26%, with a payout of 35:1 for a straight-up bet (single number).
House Edge Difference
What is the house edge?
The house edge is the advantage the casino (house) has over the player in casino or slots games over time, resulting in profit for the casino.
All versions of roulette have the same 35:1 payout for straight-up bets making it fair for 36 pockets. However, both 00 and 0 roulette variants have extra numbers giving the house an advantage, but the payout for a straight bet remains at 35:1.
With 38 numbers, double zero roulette has a 5.26% house edge. On the other hand, single zero roulette has 37 numbers, the same 35:1 payout, and a 2.63% house edge. Double zero roulette has worse odds than its counterpart, including on the even-money outside bets, as there is an additional losing pocket on each of these bets.
Therefore, playing American roulette may offer a higher entertainment factor, but it has a higher house edge meaning greater risk.
Double Zero Roulette Payouts vs Single Zero Roulette Payouts
Earlier, we mentioned that double zero roulette is American roulette. Alternatively, single zero roulette has two main variations: European roulette, and French roulette - these have the same payouts and number of pockets, so any reference to one in this section applies to both.
Let's look at the different payouts possible for the range of bets you can bet in double zero vs single zero roulette.
Column bets: You can make this bet on any of the 3 columns of numbers. They typically offer a 2:1 payout. While column bets offer 32.40% odds in single zero roulette, the odds in double zero roulette are 31.6%.
Dozen bets: You can place a dozen bets on 3 different sections of 12 numbers; these include 1-12, 13-24 and 25-36. It can pay out as 2:1. European roulette has odds of 32.4%, while American roulette has 31.6% odds.
Even Money bets: You can place an even money roulette bet on red/black, odd/even, and high/low. Its potential payout is 1:1. 0 roulette has 48.6% odds, while 00 roulette has 47.4% odds.
Single number: A bet on any single number, also called a straight-up bet. It offers a 35:1 payout. For example, single zero roulette has 2.7% odds, while double zero roulette has 2.6% odds.
Two numbers: Also called a split bet, you can place it by putting your chip(s) on the line separating them. Split bets have a potential payout of 17:1. European roulette has 5.4% odds, while American roulette has 5.3% odds.
Three numbers: You can place a bet on a row of 3 numbers by putting your chip(s) on the outside line of the last number on the row; it's also known as a street bet. It has a potential payout of 11:1. 0 roulette has 8.1% odds, while 00 roulette has 7.9% odds.
Four numbers: Also known as a corner bet, you can bet on 4 numbers that are all adjacent to each other by placing your chip(s) on the point of intersection between them. The payout odds are 6:1. While 0 roulette has 10.8% odds, 00 roulette has 10.5% odds.
Five numbers: This bet is on 0, 00, 1, 2, or 3 with a payout potential of 6:1. European roulette doesn't have this bet available as it doesn't have a 00 pocket, while American roulette has 13.2% odds.
Six numbers: Also called a line bet, it's similar to a street bet, except you bet on two consecutive rows instead of one. To place this bet, you put your chip(s) where the end two numbers' outer corners meet. A six numbers bet has a payout potential of 5:1. Single zero roulette has odds of 16.2%, while double zero roulette has 15.8% odds.
Should You Play Single Zero or Double Zero Roulette?
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Playing single zero roulette may be preferable if you want to play the casino game version with the lower house edge. Single zero roulette has a few benefits compared to double zero roulette. Firstly, the latter offers slightly worse odds, thanks to the higher house edge.
Second, both games have the same payout ratio, so there's no added benefit from incurring more risk in double-zero roulette.
There is no statistical advantage to playing double zero roulette; however, many players find it more entertaining playing against a higher house edge.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it's up to you whether you should play single zero vs double zero roulette. And, as always, please gamble responsibly and don't bet money you can't afford to lose.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time.
