When it comes to roulette games, we all want to hit that green pocket on the wheel while we’ve made a bet before the spin. There is something about the zero and double zero pocket in roulette that is very attractive to players.
Maybe is the color, or maybe is the big payout, or maybe both.
But we are more interested in the purpose of these pockets, whether are they designed intentionally, what are the actual odds of chasing the zero, and how likely you’ll win.
So, let’s dive deeper into probabilities and odds, and find out whether you should actually bet on the zero or double zero.
Why Are Zero Numbers Included in Roulette?
Do you know why roulette games have a zero or even a double zero pocket? Is it just an aesthetic addition or do they actually play a role?
Well, the zero and the double zero pockets are actually the house edge. Yes, I know, it might be complicated to understand at first, but these two green numbers are the casino’s best friend.
Let me ask you are question, what are your odds if you bet on red or black? 50-50%? You wish!
Yes, most people forget about the zero and the double zero, which brings down the number to 47% for red/black or even/odd.
The single zero is in European roulette, while the both single and the double zero is in the American Roulette, which gives you even worse odds of winning thanks to the additional green pocket on the wheel.
When it comes to European Roulette, the single zero makes a total of 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 and 0), whereas American roulette has an additional pocket (double zero 00) which raises the count to 38 pockets.
The zeroes are actually used to give the casino a mathematical edge in every spin. That’s why they say that the house always wins at the end.
But the question is, should you bet on the zero or double zero, and what are the odds of hitting green in roulette?
What Are the Odds of Betting on Green?
European Roulette
With a single zero, the probability of the ball landing on green is:
1/37 = ~2.7%
This means you’ve got roughly a 1 in 37 chance of hitting that juicy green payoff.
American Roulette
Here, you’re dealing with both 0 and 00, doubling the green options. The probability becomes:
2/38 = ~5.26%
Translated into simpler terms, you have about a 1 in 19 chance of winning on a green bet.
What’s the Payout?
Betting on green is all about high risk and high reward. Both European and American Roulette offer a payout of 35 to 1 for landing on a single number, including 0 or 00. While the odds are slim, the potential payoff draws risk-takers who dream of walking away with a massive win.
However, remember this: even though the payout is 35 to 1, the odds of winning are lower, especially in American Roulette. This discrepancy is how casinos maintain their profit margin.
Calculating Your Chances
Understanding your chances in roulette isn’t rocket science—it’s straightforward probability. Let’s break it down:
- In European Roulette, with 37 pockets, you’re betting on 1 slot out of 37.
Chance of winning = 1 ÷ 37 = ~2.7%
Chance of losing = 36 ÷ 37 = ~97.3% - In American Roulette, with 38 pockets, you’ve got 2 green slots (0 and 00).
Chance of winning = 2 ÷ 38 = ~5.26%
Chance of losing = 36 ÷ 38 = ~94.74%
Why Bet on Green?
Is there a reason why people bet on green? Well, for many players, the appeal lies in the big payout and others might seek the thrill of defying the odds.
Either way, getting a green bet right can bring a significant return, which makes it quite lucrative for high rollers. Some players even use green bets as part of broader strategies, like splitting bets, and others use them just for fun.
With that said, winning a green bet is very hard, so if you have a calculated approach, remember the probability for the ball to land on the single or double green spot is very low.
How Zeros Secure Casino Profits
In roulette, the house edge stems entirely from the green slots:
- In European Roulette, the single zero creates a house edge of 7%.
- In American Roulette, the double zeros raise the house edge to 26%.
This means that over time, casinos will win approximately $2.70 for every $100 wagered in European Roulette and $5.26 for every $100 wagered in American Roulette.
Strategies for Betting on Green
- Targeted Bets: If you’re feeling lucky, bet directly on 0 or 00. The 35-to-1 payout makes it worth the gamble for some.
- Split Bets: Cover green along with adjacent numbers to increase your odds slightly while maintaining a decent payout.
- Play European Roulette: With only one zero, the odds are slightly better than its American counterpart.
Should you bet on green? Well, it depends. If you are looking for a way to spice up your gameplay and make it more fun, sure, but if you want a more calculated approach, you should avoid betting on 0 or 00.