Roulette is a game you’ll find at nearly every online and land-based casino. Its spinning wheel and the click of the ball are part of the classic casino experience.
But why are some spaces on the wheel green instead of red or black? Many new and regular players wonder what happens if the ball lands there, and what the payouts are.
Understanding these green spaces can help you enjoy the game more and make your bets with confidence. Here’s a simple guide to how green payouts work in roulette, how much you could win, and what to consider as you play.
American Roulette
American roulette is a version of the game that features 38 numbered pockets. It includes the numbers 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). Both the zero and double zero are coloured green. This extra green number changes the probabilities compared to the more common European version.
The main impact of this second green pocket is the increase in the house edge. In American roulette, the house edge sits at around 5.26%. That figure reflects how much, on average, the casino retains over time from all bets placed. For comparison, if you were to place a straight-up bet (on a single number), the chance of winning would be 1 in 38, or approximately 2.63%.
The potential payout remains the same as in other versions—35 to 1 for a winning number. However, the added number lowers the odds of winning any individual bet.
You’re less likely to find American roulette at UK-licensed land-based casinos, but some UK online casinos do offer it as a variation. If you do choose to play this version, it’s advisable to check the game’s layout and rules before betting, as the odds are different from European roulette. The presence of the double zero influences the outcome of even-money bets in particular and may not suit all playing styles.
European Roulette
European roulette is the most widely available version in the UK. It features a single green zero and numbers 1 through 36, split evenly between red and black. The design of the wheel and table is simpler compared to the American version, which can make it easier to follow if you're new to the game.
One of the main features of European roulette is its lower house edge—about 2.7%. This lower edge results from having only one green pocket instead of two. While the potential payout for a winning single number bet remains 35 to 1, your odds of winning that type of bet improve slightly compared to American roulette, with a probability of roughly 1 in 37.
Online versions of European roulette may also include extra features or alternate rule sets, depending on the platform. These could affect your betting options or offer additional bets such as “neighbours” (bets on numbers adjacent to each other on the wheel). Some may also adopt French rules like "La Partage", though this is less common and should usually be clearly explained within the game’s help section.
When playing online, you can usually access the game’s paytable and rules before placing a bet. This is typically worth doing, as game variations, betting limits, and special rules can differ between providers. Even within European roulette, small rule changes can influence your experience and the potential house edge.
As with all casino games, roulette is random and cannot be predicted. No betting system can guarantee a profit. If you're playing, it's useful to set a limit for your time and spending. Most UK-regulated online casinos provide responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits, time alerts, and self-exclusion options, to help you manage your play safely.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**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.