Roulette is one of the most iconic and thrilling games found in both online casinos and traditional gambling establishments. Among the familiar red and black numbers on the wheel, there’s one that stands out for its color, its rarity, and its impact: zero. Whether you’re playing European roulette or American roulette, the green pocket holds a unique place in the game—and in the house edge.
In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the mystery of betting on zero, analyze the odds, and explore whether it deserves a spot in your roulette strategy.
What Does Zero Mean in Roulette?
To understand zero’s significance, we first need to look at how roulette is designed.
- European Roulette features 37 numbers: 1–36 and a single 0.
- American Roulette has 38 numbers: 1–36, a 0, and a 00.
The green zero (and double zero) are not just aesthetic choices—they’re what give the casino its advantage. If roulette only had 36 numbers, payouts and probabilities would line up perfectly. But with zero(s) included, the odds are slightly skewed in the house’s favor.
Fun Fact: The house edge in European roulette is 2.70%, while in American roulette, it jumps to 5.26%—all thanks to that extra green pocket.
What Are the Odds of Zero in Roulette?
Let’s break down the probability of landing on zero in each version of the game:
European Roulette Odds (Single Zero)
- Total numbers: 37 (1–36 + 0)
- Probability of 0: 1 in 37 (~2.70%)
- Payout: 35 to 1 on a straight-up bet
American Roulette Odds (Double Zero)
- Total numbers: 38 (1–36 + 0 and 00)
- Probability of 0 or 00: 1 in 38 each (~2.63%)
- Payout: Still 35 to 1
Despite the slightly lower odds in American roulette, players are still drawn to zero bets—especially after long stretches where it hasn’t come up.
Why Do Players Bet on Zero in Roulette?
At first glance, betting on zero looks like a long shot. But its high-risk, high-reward nature makes it incredibly appealing to many gamblers. Here’s why:
- Big Wins – A $10 straight-up bet on 0 can return $350 in winnings that’s the kind of payoff that turns heads at the table.
- Rarity = Excitement – Since zero doesn’t show up often, hitting it feels almost magical. It’s that rare jackpot moment that keeps players spinning.
- The “Due Number” Mentality – Many players believe in patterns or streaks. When zero hasn’t landed in dozens of spins, it can feel “due,” even if the game is completely random.
Pro Tip: The roulette wheel has no memory. Zero is just as likely (or unlikely) to appear on any spin, no matter what happened before.
Does Zero Come Up More Than Other Numbers?
In a truly random game, every number 0 included should appear roughly the same number of times over thousands of spins. However, in the short term, randomness can play tricks:
- Zero might appear twice in 20 spins.
- Or it might not show up at all in 200.
This illusion of streaks is what keeps players chasing zero, even when the math stays the same.
Want to track your results? Many online casinos offer spin history tools—but remember, past spins don’t predict future outcomes.
Strategies That Involve Betting on Zero
While there’s no guaranteed way to beat roulette, some players enjoy incorporating zero into their roulette betting systems:
- Zero Coverage Strategy
This involves betting on a group of numbers around the zero zone—like 0, 1, 2, and 3—to boost the chance of hitting that section of the wheel.
- Zero-Only Betting
Place a small bet on zero every spin. Over time, if zero hits, the payout can more than make up for earlier losses. This approach is risky but simple.
Important: These are fun tactics, not profitable strategies. The odds remain fixed, and the house always maintains its edge.
Key Differences Between European and American Roulette
Here’s a quick comparison chart for easy reference:
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
| Green Pockets | 1 (0) | 2 (0 and 00) |
| Total Numbers | 37 | 38 |
| House Edge | ~2.70% | ~5.26% |
| Better for Players? | ✅ | ❌ |
Should You Bet on Zero in Roulette?
If you’re playing roulette for fun and want to spice things up, betting on zero can absolutely be worth it. It brings drama, unpredictability, and occasionally, massive payouts. However, it should never be your core betting strategy.
When Betting on Zero Makes Sense:
- You’re playing low-stakes and want high-reward potential.
- You’re mixing it into a broader roulette strategy.
- You understand the risks and are playing for entertainment.
When to Avoid It:
- You’re chasing losses or expecting frequent wins.
- You’re betting big on single numbers without managing your bankroll.
- You’re playing American roulette and want the best odds possible.
Final Thoughts: The Green Pocket That Keeps Players Guessing
Zero is more than just a number on the roulette wheel—it’s a symbol of chance, risk, and the house’s hidden advantage. Betting on zero is exciting, but like everything in roulette, it comes down to probability and luck.
So go ahead—place a chip on green every now and then. Just remember: roulette is a game of chance, not a system to beat.
