Roulette carries a particular level of entertainment when the ball drops into one of the green pockets marked 0 or 00. Those numbers sit outside the red and black sequence and change how many common bets resolve.
If you are wondering what a straight-up wager on 0 or 00 pays, and how likely it is to happen, this article explains the payouts, the probabilities and the effect those pockets have on the house edge. Read on for clear, practical detail so you know what to expect when you place chips on the green.
Whether you play single-zero or double-zero roulette, the principles are the same — this guide walks through them in straightforward terms and points out the key differences.
What Happens If the Ball Lands on 0 or 00?
When the ball lands on 0 or 00, the outcome depends on the type of bet you made. A straight-up bet placed directly on that number wins the headline payout for a single-number hit. Most other common bets, such as red/black or odd/even, will lose when the result is one of the green pockets because those numbers are not part of those groups.
In versions with both green pockets, such as American roulette, a straight-up on 00 pays the same as a straight-up on any other single number. For combination bets that include 0 or 00, the payout applies only if that specific number is part of the winning selection.
This rule is standard across licensed roulette games. If you want to check the precise table rules or variant-specific side bets, do so before you play so there are no surprises.
Understanding the Payouts for 0 and 00 Bets
A straight-up bet on a single number, whether 0 or 00, carries the same payout as any other single-number straight-up: 35 to 1. Practically, that means a £1 stake returns £35 in winnings plus the original £1 stake when the number is hit.
Both European (single zero) and American (double zero) roulette use that 35 to 1 payout for a straight-up. Some specialty variants may offer different side bets or altered payouts, so it is worth checking the specific game rules if you are playing a variant rather than a standard table.
Now that you know the payout structure, let’s look at how often those wins actually occur.
What Are the Odds of Winning on 0 or 00?
A straight-up wager on a single number is always a low-probability outcome. In European roulette there are 37 pockets: numbers 1–36 plus a single 0, so the chance of hitting 0 on any spin is 1 in 37, or about 2.7%. American roulette has 38 pockets because it adds the 00, so each of the green pockets has a 1 in 38 chance, roughly 2.63%.
Those probabilities are set by the number of pockets on the wheel and do not change from spin to spin. Knowing these percentages helps you put the 35 to 1 payout into context: the payoff is large relative to the chance, but the mathematics of the wheel create a steady house advantage over time.
If you are comparing tables, the single-zero layout offers a noticeably better probability picture than the double-zero option.
Can You Bet Directly on 0 or 00?
Yes. Placing a straight-up bet on 0 or 00 is a straightforward option at the table or in most online roulette lobbies. On a betting layout you put your chip on the green 0 or 00 space; online versions offer the same choice via the interface. In games with 00 you can bet on one or both of the green pockets by placing separate straight-up bets.
A successful straight-up bet on 0 or 00 pays 35 to 1 in standard roulette rules. That payout is the same as for any other single-number straight-up bet, but the likelihood of a hit differs depending on the wheel type.
Bear in mind the difference in odds between wheel variants. European or single-zero roulette has one green 0 pocket, while American or double-zero wheels have both 0 and 00, which increases the house edge. That means:
- On a single-zero wheel the house edge is lower, so the single 0 appears more favourable compared with a double-zero wheel.
- On a double-zero wheel you face a higher house edge because there are more non-number pockets reducing the chance of a win.
The mechanics are simple, but it helps to be mindful of the relative frequency of hits and the payout so you can set stakes that fit your play style. Play within limits, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
The House Edge: How 0 and 00 Affect Your Chances
The house edge describes the average percentage of stakes the casino retains over many spins, and the green pockets are the central reason roulette has such an edge. In single-zero roulette the house edge is about 2.7 percent because of that one green pocket. Adding a second green pocket in the American game raises the edge to around 5.26 percent.
This difference matters when choosing a table: a lower house edge means the theoretical cost of playing is smaller over time. The edge exists because 0 and 00 are excluded from even-money and many other common bets, so those bets lose when a green number appears even though their payouts remain unchanged.
With the edge in mind, you can better weigh the appeal of chasing the bigger single-number payout against the reduced probability of winning.
Common Myths About Betting on 0 or 00
Several misconceptions circulate about the green pockets. One is the idea that a certain number is “due” after a run of other outcomes. In reality, each spin is independent and the previous results do not change the chance of any particular pocket appearing on the next spin. Regulatory bodies verify that properly operated games work to random standards.
Another myth is that placing a bet on 0 or 00 somehow gives the player an advantage. In fact, those pockets are the mechanism that creates the house edge described earlier. Likewise, betting systems cannot alter the core probabilities of the wheel; they may change how you size bets, but they do not change the underlying odds.
Understanding these points removes common confusion and helps you assess the true risk and reward of straight-up green bets.
Roulette 0 and 00: Key Points to Remember
Here are the most important facts to keep in mind when you consider bets on 0 or 00:
The Numbers
0 appears on all standard roulette wheels while 00 is specific to double-zero layouts. These green pockets are separate from red and black numbers.
Payouts and Odds
A straight-up bet on 0 or 00 pays 35 to 1. The chance of hitting 0 in European roulette is about 2.7 percent; in American roulette each green pocket has about a 2.63 percent chance.
House Edge
The green pockets create the casino’s built-in advantage. The house edge is lower on single-zero tables than on double-zero tables.
Responsible Play
Know the rules and the odds before you play and set limits that suit your budget. If play stops being enjoyable, make use of available support tools.
With those points in mind, you can approach green-number bets with a clear view of the possible rewards and the realistic chances of winning. If you’d like to see recommended tables and game options, you can explore the site’s comparison pages for up-to-date information.
**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.