Ever spun the roulette wheel and wondered what actually happens if the ball lands on 0 or 00? It’s a tense moment because these green pockets are treated differently from the rest of the numbers.
They affect many common bets and change the long-term odds on the table, so knowing how they work matters before you place a chip. Read on to see exactly how payouts are handled and what that means for your play.
Curious about the payouts and the differences between wheel types? The next sections break everything down clearly so you can go in well informed.
What Happens When the Ball Lands on 0 or 00 in Roulette?
When the ball lands on 0 or 00, the outcome is handled differently from the numbered red and black pockets. Straight-up bets placed directly on 0 or 00 win at the straight-up payout, but many other wagers lose.
If you’ve placed a chip on 0 or 00, or included one of those pockets in a split or corner bet, you collect the appropriate payout for that bet. Otherwise, most outside bets such as red/black or odd/even do not pay out when the ball stops on a green pocket.
These green slots are the source of the casino’s edge on roulette: they create outcomes where many common bets fail, while still offering the usual payoffs on direct-number bets. Always check the table rules before you play so there are no surprises about how a zero result is treated.
How Are Payouts Calculated for 0 and 00?
A straight-up win on 0 or 00 pays 35 to 1. That means a £1 stake returns £35 in winnings plus the £1 stake back, matching the straight-up payout for any single number.
You can also include zeros in combination bets. A split that includes 0 or 00 covers two numbers and pays the split rate if one of those numbers wins; a corner covering 0 and three adjacent numbers pays the corner rate. These combination payouts follow the same ratios as for other numbers on the table.
Some European tables offer partial-return rules—such as La Partage or En Prison—that reduce losses on even-money bets when the ball lands on 0. These rules are specific to certain variants, so check the paytable at the table you are using to see whether a partial return applies.
Because payouts always follow the table’s rules, confirming those rules beforehand makes your expectations accurate and avoids misunderstanding about how wins and losses are settled.
Differences Between European and American Roulette Zeros
The core distinction is simple: European wheels have a single zero; American wheels have both 0 and 00. That extra pocket changes the total number of possible outcomes and the house advantage.
European roulette contains 37 pockets (0–36), while American roulette has 38 pockets (0, 00 and 1–36). The additional 00 increases the chance that a spin lands on a green pocket, which affects the longer-term odds for many bets.
The betting layout will reflect this difference: American tables show both 0 and 00 separately so players can place straight-up or combination bets that include one or the other. Payout ratios for winning bets remain the same in both variants, but the probability of a win differs because of the extra pocket on American wheels.
If you want lower long-term costs from the house edge, the single-zero variant is the better choice; if you play on an American table, expect slightly less favourable odds across many common bets.
How Do 0 and 00 Affect Your Overall Winnings?
Zero pockets alter the expected outcome of bets over time by removing some winning outcomes for standard wagers. With a single zero, the house edge is about 2.7%; with a double zero it is about 5.26%. That means the relative frequency of winning outcomes for many bets is reduced by the presence of one or two green pockets.
Outside bets—such as red/black or odd/even—are most directly affected because they exclude zeros. Each spin still produces one of the table’s pockets, and because more pockets include the green slots, the odds of winning certain bets change accordingly.
Understanding these percentages helps set realistic expectations. Rather than seeking patterns, it’s useful to consider how the composition of the wheel influences results over many spins and to choose the table type that matches your preferences.
Are There Any Myths About Zero Bets in Roulette?
There are several persistent beliefs about zero pockets that don’t hold up when you look at how the wheel and payouts are actually structured.
One frequent idea is that zeros appear at predictable intervals or become “due” after a run of other numbers. Every spin is independent, and the wheel does not track or alter its behaviour based on previous outcomes. Another misconception is that placing chips on zero pockets somehow improves your overall winning chances; while those bets pay well if they hit, their probability is reflected in the payout and in the house edge.
Some players claim specific betting patterns will overcome the effect of the zeros. In practice, the payout rules and the number of pockets determine long-term results, not particular staking sequences. Knowing the true mechanics helps separate useful strategy choices—like selecting a table variant—from unfounded beliefs.
If you’d like clarity at the table, check the paytable and any special rules that apply to even-money bets; that information settles most questions about how zeros influence play.
Getting to grips with how payouts work when you bet on 0 or 00 is an important part of playing roulette well. Here are a few straightforward tips to help you stay informed and comfortable at the table.
1. Always Check the Paytable First
Each roulette table shows the exact payouts and any special rules that apply, including how zeros are treated. A quick look before you bet makes sure you know what to expect.
2. Know the Difference in Variants
Single-zero and double-zero tables differ in the number of pockets and the resulting odds. Choosing the variant that suits your play style affects the house edge and the frequency of winning outcomes for common bets.
3. Straight-Up Bets Pay the Most
A direct bet on 0 or 00 pays 35 to 1, which is the highest single-number payout on the table. Other bets include zeros only when those pockets are explicitly covered as part of a split, corner or similar combination.
4. Remember the House Edge
The inclusion of zero pockets is the main reason the house retains an advantage. Be aware of the percentage differences between variants and check whether any table offers partial-return rules on even-money bets.
If anything is unclear while you play, ask the dealer or consult the posted rules. And before you finish your session, consider using available account tools to manage time and spending so your play stays within limits.
Final note: understanding how 0 and 00 are treated takes the uncertainty out of a spin. With the table rules and payouts clear in your mind, you can focus on making informed choices and enjoying the experience.
**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.