Understanding Roulette: Should You Bet on Zero?

Roulette is a game of chance played on a spinning wheel with numbered pockets. In the UK, European roulette is most common, with 37 pockets that include a single green zero. Some games use an American wheel with an extra double zero, which changes the numbers in play.

If you have looked at the betting layout, you will have seen the option to place a chip on zero. That space comes with its own odds and payout.

By looking at how zero works, how often it appears and what it pays, you can decide whether it deserves a place in your bets.

What Does Betting on Zero in Roulette Actually Mean?

Betting on zero in roulette means placing your chip on the single green 0 on the table. This is a straight up bet on one number. In European roulette, there is one zero. In American roulette, there is also a 00.

A straight up bet covers only one outcome. If you stake £1 on zero in European roulette and the ball stops there, the payout is 35 to 1. Your return would be £36 in total, which is £35 in winnings plus your £1 stake.

The probability of zero on a European wheel is 1 in 37. Each spin is independent, so previous results do not influence the next one.

Rules and paytables can vary by game, so it is sensible to check them before you play.

When Should You Bet on Zero in Roulette?

Deciding when to include zero is a matter of preference. There is no way to forecast the exact spin.

Some players fold a chip on zero into a wider set of inside bets across chosen numbers. Others prefer outside bets that cover larger sections, such as colours or odd and even. A chip on zero targets one pocket only, and the table limits decide the minimum and maximum stake.

There are no patterns or cycles to when zero appears. What tends to shape the choice is what you value. A single number win pays more than an outside bet, but it lands less often. If you choose to play, set a budget that suits you and stick to it.

Curious how frequently zero turns up in practice? That is next.

How Often Does Zero Hit on a Roulette Wheel?

The zero pocket is unique on a roulette wheel, standing out as the single green slot among the numbered reds and blacks. In European roulette there are 37 pockets in total, which are numbers 1 to 36 plus the single zero.

With 37 possible outcomes on each spin, the chance of the ball stopping on zero is 1 in 37, which is about 2.7%. In American roulette, where there is an extra double zero pocket, there are 38 slots, so the chance of landing on a single zero is 1 in 38, around 2.63%.

Each spin is separate from the last, so past results do not change these probabilities.

You can use that context to compare payouts, which we cover next.

Does Betting on Zero Pay More Than Other Numbers?

Betting on zero is a straight up bet. It pays the same as any other single number on the wheel.

In both European and American roulette, a winning straight up pays 35 to 1. Stake £1 on zero and a hit returns £36 in total.

Other bet types cover more numbers and pay less when they win. Examples include red or black and odd or even. The paytable at the table or on screen lists every option and its payout. The version of wheel you choose can change the underlying odds though, which is where the extra zero comes in.

European vs American Roulette: Does Zero Change Your Odds?

Why Does the Extra Zero Matter?

Roulette tables usually come in two main versions, European and American. Understanding the difference makes it easier to see how zero affects outcomes.

European roulette, common in the UK, has 37 pockets, which are numbers 1 to 36 plus a single green zero. American roulette has 38 pockets, which are numbers 1 to 36, a single zero and a double zero.

The extra zero changes the maths. On a European wheel, the chance of any one number, including zero, is 1 in 37, about 2.7%. On an American wheel, the chance of a single number is 1 in 38, about 2.63%. Payouts for standard bets are the same in both versions, so that small change in probability increases the house edge on the American wheel.

If you can choose between the two, many players in the UK prefer European roulette because the odds are slightly more favourable. Always check which version is in use before you start, as it shapes both the probabilities and the feel of the game.

How Do Payouts Work When You Bet on Zero?

A bet on zero is a straight up wager on a single outcome. As covered above, a win pays 35 to 1, the same as any other single number.

Payouts reflect how many pockets your bet covers compared with the total on the wheel. The fewer pockets you cover, the higher the payout when it lands. Outside bets such as red, black, odd or even cover many numbers at once, so their payouts are lower. Inside bets occupy the other end of the scale, from straight ups on one number to splits, streets and corners that cover small groups.

Results are random on every spin and there is no guaranteed return. If a game includes variants, side bets or special rules, the paytable or help screen will set out the exact payouts and any exceptions.

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Outcomes are based on chance and cannot be predicted. If you choose to play, set limits that suit you and gamble responsibly.

_{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}

_{**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.}