Roulette Zero Bet Explained: When and Why to Bet on Zero
Most people notice the green zero on a roulette wheel but might not know what makes it different or why it matters. It can be easy to miss, especially if you’re just getting started.
Whether you play online or in person, it could help to understand how each bet works, and how rules can vary between tables.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the ball lands on zero, or why some players back it on its own, this guide walks through the key points in plain English. Read on to learn more.
What Does The Zero Bet Mean In Roulette?
The zero on a roulette wheel is the green slot among the reds and blacks. Placing a chip directly on this number is a straight-up bet on zero. It works like any other single-number pick, but zero stands out because it does not sit within red or black, odd or even, or high or low.
On the table layout, you place your chip in the small box marked 0. If the ball lands there, a straight-up bet usually pays 35 to 1, plus your original stake back. So a £1 winning bet would return £36 in total.
European roulette has one zero. American roulette has zero and double zero, which changes the number of possible outcomes and the way some side bets are structured. On a European wheel, zero has a 1 in 37 chance on each spin.
Some versions also include combination bets that involve zero, such as splits like 0/1, 0/2 or 0/3, and special rules tables that treat zero differently. These details are shown on the game screen or table display. If you do decide to try your hand at roulette, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Often Does Zero Hit Compared To Other Numbers?
In roulette, every number, including zero, has the same chance on each spin. On a European wheel there are 37 pockets in total, so zero comes up about 1 in 37 times, or roughly 2.7%.
American roulette has 38 pockets because it includes both zero and double zero. Each number then has a 1 in 38 chance, around 2.6% per spin.
No number is more likely than another in a properly run game. Physical and online versions use random outcomes, and every spin is independent. UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)-Licensed operators use games that are tested for fairness, so the odds do not change from one spin to the next.
Is Betting On Zero Worth It For Table Payouts?
A bet on zero is treated like any other single-number bet. If it hits, the standard payout is 35 to 1, and you also receive your stake back. For example, a £1 bet would return £36 in total.
That return is balanced by the odds. On European tables, zero is just one of 37 possible outcomes, which puts the probability at around 2.7% on any given spin. On American tables, the addition of double zero reduces the probability for each individual number to about 2.6%.
Some roulette variants include features or side bets that highlight zero or adjust what happens when it lands. You will find these explained in the table rules. Outcomes remain random, and no approach can influence where the ball will land.
How Zero Affects The House Edge In Roulette
Zero is central to the house edge in roulette. Even-money bets like red or black, odd or even, and high or low all lose when the ball lands on zero because zero belongs to none of those categories. Payouts are set as if there were 36 numbers, while the wheel actually has 37 on European tables. That difference creates the house edge of about 2.7%.
American roulette adds a double zero, taking the total to 38 pockets. This increases the house edge to around 5.26%, which is why many players prefer European or French tables when available.
Some versions adjust what happens if zero appears. French roulette often uses rules such as La Partage or En Prison, which can reduce the edge on even-money bets by returning or holding half the stake when zero lands. Game screens and table plaques outline these rules so you can compare versions easily.
Play Roulette Online
If you’re interested in trying different ways to play roulette, Dream Jackpot offers a selection of online tables, from classic European wheels to versions with unique features. You will find single zero and double zero layouts, clear rules for each table, and full payout information.
Games are easy to use on mobile, tablet, and desktop. You can explore straight-up bets such as zero, test combination bets that include it, or choose tables that use La Partage or En Prison so you can compare how they handle even-money wagers.
Dream Jackpot is licensed and regulated by the UKGC, and our roulette games are independently tested for fairness. If you would like to see how the versions differ before placing a bet, feel free to browse our game library and check the rules on each table. Play within your means, set limits that suit you, and enjoy the game responsibly. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
**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.
*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.
