Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games, and the wheel you choose affects your chances and long-term expectations. Knowing how single zero and double zero wheels differ helps you pick the version that suits your goals.
This guide explains the key differences in layout, odds, RTP and payouts so you can approach each spin with a clearer idea of what to expect. Read on to see how a single extra pocket changes the maths behind every bet.
What Are Single Zero and Double Zero Roulette?
Single zero roulette, often called European or French roulette, uses a wheel with 37 pockets numbered 1 to 36 plus a single green zero (0). The single zero is a distinct pocket on the wheel and is the primary reason this version produces slightly better odds for players compared with its American counterpart.
Double zero roulette, often referred to as American roulette, has 38 pockets: the numbers 1 to 36 plus two green pockets, 0 and 00. The presence of the extra green pocket increases the number of possible outcomes on each spin and therefore alters the probabilities for every bet.
The practical effect of the layout difference is consistent: added green pockets increase the house advantage. The following section looks at how that translates into concrete odds and the house edge players face.
Comparing Odds and House Edge
The number of pockets determines the probability of any single outcome. With fewer pockets, each number has a slightly higher chance of appearing, which reduces the casino's built-in advantage. This is why wheel design matters for both single bets and broader betting options.
Odds on Bets in Single Zero Roulette
Single zero roulette has 37 pockets. The probabilities for common bets on that wheel are:
Bet Type — Odds of Winning — Payout — House Edge
- Straight Up (1 number): 1 in 37 (2.70%) — 35:1 — 2.70%
- Red/Black (even money): 18 in 37 (48.65%) — 1:1 — 2.70%
- Split (2 numbers): 2 in 37 (5.41%) — 17:1 — 2.70%
All standard bets on the single zero wheel share the same 2.70% house edge. In some tables that follow French rules, options such as La Partage or En Prison can reduce the house edge on even money bets, but the basic European setup remains at 2.70%.
Odds on Bets in Double Zero Roulette
Double zero roulette has 38 pockets. The equivalent probabilities and edge are:
Bet Type — Odds of Winning — Payout — House Edge
- Straight Up (1 number): 1 in 38 (2.63%) — 35:1 — 5.26%
- Red/Black (even money): 18 in 38 (47.37%) — 1:1 — 5.26%
- Split (2 numbers): 2 in 38 (5.26%) — 17:1 — 5.26%
Because of the extra 00 pocket, every bet on the American wheel carries a 5.26% house edge. That difference is the main reason many players prefer the single zero wheel when both options are available.
At a glance, single zero roulette has a 2.70% house edge while double zero roulette sits at 5.26%, and that gap is what drives the rest of the comparison.
Analysing RTP: Which Version Pays More Back?
Return to Player, or RTP, is the long-term percentage of wagered money that a game returns to players. It is a mathematical average over many bets, not a prediction for short sessions.
Because house edge and RTP are complementary, the single zero wheel typically shows an RTP of 97.30%. In practical terms, that means that over a very large number of spins, about £97.30 of every £100 wagered would be returned to players, with £2.70 retained as the house share.
The double zero wheel yields an RTP around 94.74%, reflecting the larger house edge. Over many spins, roughly £94.74 of every £100 staked would be returned to players on that wheel.
For a simple illustration: across 1,000 spins at £1 per spin, the long-term averages would be around £973 returned on single zero and £947 on double zero. Those figures highlight why wheel design matters for players who care about the maths behind the game. Next, we will look at how payouts interact with those odds.
How Do Payouts Differ Between the Two Games?
Payout rates for standard bets are the same in both versions; what changes is the probability of achieving each outcome because of the different number of pockets. The fixed payouts give identical rewards for a winning bet, but the chances to win are lower on the double zero wheel.
Here are the common wager types and their payouts:
Bet Type — Payout (European/French – Single Zero) — Payout (American – Double Zero)
- Straight Up (1 number) — 35:1 — 35:1
- Split (2 numbers) — 17:1 — 17:1
- Street (3 numbers) — 11:1 — 11:1
- Corner (4 numbers) — 8:1 — 8:1
- Six Line (6 numbers) — 5:1 — 5:1
- Red/Black — 1:1 — 1:1
- Odd/Even — 1:1 — 1:1
- High/Low — 1:1 — 1:1
- Column/Dozen — 2:1 — 2:1
Because the payouts do not change between variants, the same bet yields the same multiple of the stake when it wins; however, the relative value of that payout is lower on the American wheel because wins occur less frequently there. With that in mind, selecting the wheel with the better odds can improve the expected return for any given wager.
Should You Choose Single Zero or Double Zero Roulette?
The choice is essentially a balance between better mathematical expectation and other preferences. Single zero roulette offers a smaller house edge and higher RTP, making it the preferable option for players focused on maximising expected return. Double zero roulette has a larger house edge; some players accept this for stylistic reasons, availability, or the particular atmosphere of certain casinos.
Beyond the raw maths, consider what matters in your session: if the priority is a game with the stronger long-term return, the single zero wheel is the logical choice. If you favour a particular venue or table and the double zero wheel is your only option, be mindful of the higher house edge and adjust your budget accordingly.
Whichever wheel you play, maintain sensible limits and treat the activity as entertainment with an understood cost. That approach helps the experience stay enjoyable while keeping outcomes in perspective.
This comparison should leave you clearer about how an extra green pocket affects odds, RTP and the value of each payout, helping you choose the version that fits your aims.
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**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.