Are you curious about the real differences between the two most popular versions of roulette? If you have ever sat at a roulette table and wondered why some wheels have a single zero and others have a double zero, you are not alone.
Understanding these small differences can affect how much you might expect to return over many spins. The rules look similar at a glance, but the number of zero pockets changes the math behind every bet, including your long-run return to player and the house edge.
Whether you play occasionally or more often, knowing the facts helps you make clearer choices at the table and keeps the experience straightforward and controlled. Read on to see how the wheel you choose changes the numbers.
What Is the Difference Between Single Zero and Double Zero Roulette?
Single zero and double zero roulette are versions of the same classic game that differ mainly in how many zero pockets the wheel contains. A single zero wheel has one green zero pocket labelled 0, while a double zero wheel adds another green pocket labelled 00. That extra pocket increases the total number of pockets from 37 to 38.
This physical difference is reflected on the betting layout. A single zero table shows the numbers and the single zero position, whereas a double zero layout includes space for the 00 pocket as an additional betting option. Those layout differences do not change the standard payout rates, but they do alter the probability of winning any given bet because the wheel now has an extra outcome that pays differently from numbered pockets.
Knowing how the wheel and table are set up matters because it is the foundation for comparing the odds and the return to player in the sections that follow. With the wheel difference clear, next we look at how those extra pockets change the actual odds on common bets.
How Do the Odds Compare?
The extra pocket on a double zero wheel changes the chance of hitting any number or category. For a straight up bet on a single number, a single zero wheel offers a probability of 1 in 37, or about 2.70 percent. On a double zero wheel the chance is 1 in 38, or about 2.63 percent.
Even-money bets are similarly affected. On a single zero wheel the probability of winning a bet such as red or black, or odd or even, is 18 out of 37, which is about 48.65 percent. On a double zero wheel it becomes 18 out of 38, or about 47.37 percent. The relative change is small for one spin but meaningful when considering many wagers.
Below is a straightforward comparison of main bet probabilities:
| Bet Type | Single Zero Probability | Double Zero Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 2.70% | 2.63% |
| Red/Black | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Odd/Even | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Dozens/Columns | 32.43% | 31.58% |
Because these probabilities are fixed by the wheel, no betting approach can alter them. Keep this in mind when considering the expected long-term behaviour of the game. The next section explores how those probabilities translate into return to player percentages.
Comparing RTP (Return to Player) in Both Games
Return to Player, or RTP, shows the theoretical average percentage of wagered money returned to players over a very large number of spins. The difference in zero pockets produces a clear difference in RTP between the two variants.
Single zero roulette typically has an RTP of 97.3 percent. That means, in the long run, the game will return about £97.30 for every £100 wagered, with the remaining £2.70 representing the house edge. Double zero roulette has a lower RTP of around 94.74 percent, so it returns about £94.74 for every £100 wagered and carries a higher house edge of approximately £5.26 per £100.
These figures are statistical averages calculated over millions of spins and do not predict short-term outcomes. They do explain why players who prefer a smaller theoretical loss tend to favour single zero wheels when both are available. With the RTP clear, the following section reviews how fixed payout rates fit into these percentages.
Payout Rates for Different Bets
Payout rates in roulette are standard and do not change between single zero and double zero wheels. The game pays the same amounts for the same bets regardless of the wheel variant. That uniformity is why the different house edges come from probabilities rather than differing payouts.
Common bet types and their standard payouts are listed below:
| Bet Type | Payout (Both Versions) |
|---|---|
| Straight Up | 35 to 1 |
| Split | 17 to 1 |
| Street | 11 to 1 |
| Corner | 8 to 1 |
| Six Line | 5 to 1 |
| Column | 2 to 1 |
| Dozen | 2 to 1 |
| Red/Black | 1 to 1 |
| Odd/Even | 1 to 1 |
| High/Low | 1 to 1 |
Because the payouts do not change, adding a zero pocket simply reduces the chance that a winning payout will occur, which is how the house edge increases. Understanding both the payouts and the underlying probabilities gives a complete picture of how player returns are formed. The next section brings those ideas together to compare which variant is generally preferable for players.
Is One Roulette Variant Better for Players?
Deciding which variant is better depends on what matters to the player. From a purely mathematical standpoint, single zero roulette offers a lower house edge and a higher RTP, so it is the preferable option if one wants the smaller theoretical loss over many bets. Single zero has a house edge of 2.7 percent, while double zero has a house edge of 5.26 percent. That difference represents the expected average loss per amount staked.
Beyond the numbers, the core game experience remains the same: the same bet types, the same payouts, and the same table dynamics. Preference often comes down to availability and how important the long-run math is to the individual player. It is sensible to be aware of the house edge and to choose the variant that aligns with one’s priorities for entertainment and bankroll management.
Overall, if a lower house edge is a deciding factor, single zero roulette is the clearer choice. That said, both variants share identical payouts and the same essential gameplay, so understanding the probabilities and RTP helps set realistic expectations whichever wheel is chosen.
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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.