Ever wondered why some roulette wheels have just one zero while others have two? This small design change has a clear effect on your chances of winning and the expected return from each bet.
Whether you are trying roulette for the first time or thinking about which wheel to choose, knowing how single zero and double zero wheels differ will help you make better decisions at the table.
Read on to see how the extra pocket alters odds, payouts and the house edge, and what that means for your play.
How Do Single Zero and Double Zero Roulette Differ?
Single zero roulette, often called European roulette, has numbers 1 to 36 and one green 0 pocket. Double zero roulette, known as American roulette, adds a second green 00 pocket alongside the 0, so the wheel contains 38 pockets in total.
The extra pocket also changes the betting layout slightly. Outside bets such as red/black or even/odd are affected because there is an additional outcome that causes those bets to lose. Some bets that exist on American tables, for example the basket bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3, are specific to that layout and are not found on the single zero table.
Both games follow the same basic flow: players place bets, the ball is spun and payouts are made according to where the ball lands. The main takeaway is that the single difference of an extra pocket changes the probabilities on every bet. This has a direct bearing on the house edge, which is the topic we will look at next.
Understanding House Edge in Roulette
The house edge is the average percentage of every wager that the casino expects to keep over the long run. It is built into the rules and payout structure of the game and does not change from spin to spin.
For roulette, the house edge stems from the fact that payouts are calculated as if fewer pockets existed than there actually are. That mismatch between true probabilities and payout ratios is what gives the casino its edge. Knowing the house edge helps set realistic expectations about potential losses over time and can guide choices about which table to play.
Comparing House Edge for Single Zero and Double Zero Wheels
Single zero roulette has a house edge of 2.7% because there are 37 pockets (1–36 and a single 0) while payouts assume a 36-number basis. Double zero roulette raises the house edge to 5.26%, reflecting its 38 pockets (1–36, 0 and 00).
To put that in context, a £100 stake on single zero carries an expected loss of about £2.70 over the long term; the same £100 on a double zero wheel carries an expected loss of about £5.26. That difference matters when play continues over an extended period, since the higher edge reduces a player’s expected return.
Why this matters in practice will become clearer when we compare the actual odds and payouts for common bets.
What Are the Odds and Payouts for Each Type?
Roulette offers several bet types with set payouts. The payout amounts are the same on both wheel types, but the probability of winning each bet is lower on the double zero wheel because of the extra pocket.
Bets, Probabilities and Expected Returns
Below is a comparison of common bets showing typical payouts and the probability of winning on single zero and double zero wheels. These probabilities are the raw chances of a specific outcome occurring on a single spin.
Bet Type — Payout — Single Zero Probability — Double Zero Probability
Straight-Up — 35 to 1 — 1/37 (2.70%) — 1/38 (2.63%)
Split — 17 to 1 — 2/37 (5.41%) — 2/38 (5.26%)
Street — 11 to 1 — 3/37 (8.11%) — 3/38 (7.89%)
Corner — 8 to 1 — 4/37 (10.81%) — 4/38 (10.53%)
Red/Black — 1 to 1 — 18/37 (48.65%) — 18/38 (47.37%)
Even/Odd — 1 to 1 — 18/37 (48.65%) — 18/38 (47.37%)
High/Low — 1 to 1 — 18/37 (48.65%) — 18/38 (47.37%)
On every bet type the single zero wheel offers a modestly better chance of winning because there is one fewer zero pocket.
This difference in probability is what makes payouts less favourable in expected-value terms on the double zero wheel, even though the nominal payout rates are identical. For a closer look at how that translates to actual payouts when a win occurs, read on.
How Do Payouts Compare Between the Two Versions?
Both versions pay the same amounts for each winning bet—for example, a straight-up win returns 35 times the stake plus the original stake. The distinction lies in how often those winning outcomes occur. With one extra losing pocket on the American wheel, the frequency of winning results is slightly lower across the board.
Because payouts are fixed but win probabilities differ, the expected return per pound wagered is lower on double zero roulette. Over many spins this produces the wider long-term gap in expected losses described under house edge. That means single zero play generally gives more value for the same stake, which is useful to bear in mind when choosing a table or managing your session.
If you are comparing tables, availability and minimum stakes on each version are the next practical considerations to weigh.
Which Version Offers Better Value for UK Players?
Single zero roulette typically offers the better value for players in the UK because of its lower house edge. It is also the more common variant in UK venues and on UK-facing sites, which usually means more table options and a variety of minimum and maximum limits to suit different budgets.
Minimum bets tend to be similar between the two versions, often starting from small amounts online and higher in physical casinos. Choosing single zero gives a clearer statistical advantage, but table limits and the specific betting options available at each table will influence the experience and how long your stake lasts.
Be aware of the house edge when planning play and set limits that fit personal finances. Approach roulette as entertainment with known odds rather than a means to make money, and make choices around the wheel type and bet sizes that suit the kind of session you want. After weighing the differences in odds, payouts and table conditions, most players in the UK find single zero roulette the preferable option.
Enjoy Casino Entertainment at Cozino
Take a moment to enjoy the friendly atmosphere at our site, where you can explore the fun of casino entertainment at your own pace. We welcome you to experience the unique spirit of Cozino and make the most of your leisure time with us.
**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.