Zero is the green pocket on the roulette wheel that gives the house its edge. Understanding how zero pays and affects different bet types is essential for every roulette player.
The zero pocket in roulette is one of the most misunderstood elements of the game, yet it plays a crucial role in determining payouts and the casino's advantage. When players ask how much zero pays in roulette, they are typically referring to the payout for betting directly on the zero pocket, though zero affects many other bet types as well. Understanding zero payouts is essential for anyone who wants to play roulette with a clear grasp of the odds and potential returns.
Zero is the green pocket on the roulette wheel that distinguishes it from a simple even-money game. In European roulette, there is one zero pocket, while American roulette features both 0 and 00. These green pockets are neither red nor black, neither odd nor even, and they create the house edge that ensures casinos profit over time. When the ball lands on zero, it affects different types of bets in specific ways, and understanding these outcomes is fundamental to roulette strategy.
The most direct answer to the question of how much zero pays is straightforward: a straight bet on zero pays 35 to 1, exactly the same as betting on any other single number. However, zero can be incorporated into various other bet types, each with different payout structures. Additionally, when zero appears, it has significant implications for outside bets, causing them to lose entirely in most roulette variants.
The most common way to bet on zero is through a straight-up bet, which means placing your chips directly on the zero pocket on the betting layout. This bet pays 35 to 1 if the ball lands on zero. For example, if you wager 10 dollars on zero and win, you receive 350 dollars in winnings plus your original 10 dollar bet returned, for a total of 360 dollars.
This payout ratio is identical to betting on any other single number on the roulette wheel. Whether you bet on zero, seven, seventeen, or thirty-three, the payout remains 35 to 1. The probability of hitting zero on a European roulette wheel is 1 in 37, since there are 37 total pockets. On an American wheel with both 0 and 00, the probability of hitting either zero is 2 in 38, but each individual zero still pays 35 to 1.
The 35 to 1 payout structure is where the house edge originates. In European roulette with 37 pockets, the true odds of hitting any single number are 36 to 1. However, the casino pays only 35 to 1, keeping the difference as its advantage. This one-unit difference across all possible outcomes creates a house edge of 2.70 percent in European roulette.
In American roulette, the discrepancy is even larger. With 38 pockets, the true odds are 37 to 1, but the payout remains 35 to 1. This increases the house edge to 5.26 percent, making American roulette significantly less favorable for players than its European counterpart.
A corner bet, also known as a square bet, covers four numbers that meet at one corner on the betting layout. In European roulette, zero cannot be included in a standard corner bet because of its position at the top of the layout. However, in some roulette variants and table layouts, special corner configurations may exist.
In American roulette, the presence of both 0 and 00 creates unique betting opportunities. While traditional corner bets still cover four numbers and pay 8 to 1, the positioning of the zeros limits their inclusion in corner bets. Players should familiarize themselves with the specific layout of the table they are playing on to understand which combination bets are available.
The zero pocket in roulette can be bet on just like any other number, but it plays a unique role in the game. Players can place various inside bets that include zero, each with specific payout ratios. Understanding these betting options helps players make informed decisions at the table. When zero hits, it affects different bet types in distinct ways. Inside bets that include zero pay according to standard roulette odds, while outside bets automatically lose. This mechanism is how casinos maintain their mathematical advantage over players in every spin. A split bet places your wager on two adjacent numbers on the roulette layout. Zero can be combined with several numbers in split bets, depending on the roulette variant you are playing. In European roulette, zero is adjacent to numbers 1, 2, and 3 on the betting layout. You can place split bets on 0-1, 0-2, or 0-3. Each of these split bets pays 17 to 1 if either number hits. To place a split bet, position your chip on the line between zero and your chosen adjacent number. American roulette features both 0 and 00, creating additional split bet opportunities. You can bet on 0-1, 0-2, 00-2, 00-3, or even 0-00. All split bets pay 17 to 1. The 0-00 split is unique to American roulette and covers both zero pockets simultaneously. Street bets cover three numbers in a horizontal row on the betting layout. Zero can be included in specific street bet combinations that offer 11 to 1 payouts. In European roulette, you can place a street bet covering 0-1-2 or 0-2-3. These bets are placed by positioning your chip on the edge where zero meets the first column of numbers. In American roulette, you can also bet on the street 0-00-2, which is sometimes called a trio bet. The basket bet is a special wager unique to American roulette that covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. This five-number bet pays 6 to 1 and is placed at the corner where zero meets the first row of numbers. This bet is notable because it carries a higher house edge than any other roulette bet at 7.89 percent, compared to the standard 5.26 percent for other American roulette bets. Most experienced players avoid this bet due to its unfavorable odds. Some casinos refer to this as the top line bet or five-number bet. Outside bets include red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns. When the ball lands on zero, all outside bets lose. This is the primary mechanism through which the casino maintains its house edge. Zero is neither red nor black, neither odd nor even, and neither high nor low. It does not belong to any dozen or column group. Therefore, when zero appears, players who placed outside bets lose their wagers entirely. This rule applies to both European and American roulette. Some European casinos offer special rules that reduce the house edge on outside bets when zero appears. The En Prison rule allows players to leave their even-money outside bet imprisoned for the next spin. If the bet wins on the next spin, the original wager is returned without profit. If it loses, the bet is collected. The La Partage rule returns half of losing even-money outside bets when zero hits. Both rules reduce the house edge on even-money bets from 2.70 percent to 1.35 percent, making them highly favorable for players when available. The zero pocket is the source of the casino's mathematical advantage in roulette. In European roulette with one zero, the house edge is 2.70 percent on all bets. In American roulette with two zeros, the house edge increases to 5.26 percent. This edge exists because payouts are calculated as if there were no zero pockets. A straight bet pays 35 to 1, but the true odds in European roulette are 36 to 1. The difference between the true odds and the payout odds creates the house advantage. With two zeros in American roulette, this discrepancy becomes even larger, nearly doubling the house edge. Some players develop betting strategies that specifically target zero or incorporate it into their wagering patterns. While no strategy can overcome the house edge, understanding zero betting options allows for more diverse gameplay. One approach is to place a straight bet on zero alongside outside bets. If zero hits, the 35 to 1 payout can offset losses from outside bets. Another strategy involves covering zero with split or street bets to reduce the frequency of total losses when zero appears. However, these approaches do not change the fundamental mathematics of the game. The most significant difference between European and American roulette is the number of zero pockets. European roulette features a single zero, while American roulette has both 0 and 00. This seemingly small difference has substantial impact on player odds. The single zero in European roulette results in 37 total pockets and a house edge of 2.70 percent. American roulette has 38 pockets and a house edge of 5.26 percent. For every 100 units wagered, European roulette players can expect to lose 2.70 units on average, while American roulette players lose 5.26 units. This makes European roulette significantly more favorable for players. Understanding how much zero pays in roulette is fundamental to grasping the game's mechanics and odds. A straight bet on zero pays 35 to 1, identical to any other single number. Zero can also be incorporated into split bets paying 17 to 1, street bets paying 11 to 1, and in American roulette, the basket bet paying 6 to 1. When zero appears, all outside bets lose, which is how casinos maintain their edge. European roulette with one zero offers better odds than American roulette with two zeros, making it the preferred choice for informed players. While zero betting strategies can add variety to gameplay, they cannot overcome the mathematical house advantage built into the game. Yes, a straight bet on zero pays 35 to 1, exactly the same as betting on any other single number. Zero is treated identically to other numbers for inside bet purposes. All outside bets lose when the ball lands on zero. This includes red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns. Zero does not belong to any of these categories. Yes, you can place a split bet on zero and an adjacent number, which pays 17 to 1. In European roulette, you can split zero with 1, 2, or 3. In American roulette, you can also split 0 with 00. Betting on zero has the same house edge as any other inside bet in roulette. It is neither better nor worse than betting on any other number, as all bets face the same mathematical disadvantage. American roulette added the double zero to increase the house edge from 2.70 percent to 5.26 percent. This gives casinos a larger profit margin compared to European roulette. The basket bet is a five-number bet in American roulette covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. It pays 6 to 1 but has a higher house edge of 7.89 percent, making it the worst bet in roulette. Some European casinos offer En Prison or La Partage rules that return part of even-money outside bets when zero appears. These rules reduce the house edge to 1.35 percent on affected bets. European roulette is mathematically superior due to its single zero and lower house edge of 2.70 percent compared to American roulette's 5.26 percent. Players should choose European roulette whenever available. Learn from established casino guides and gaming authorities Comprehensive breakdown of all roulette bet types, their payouts, and true odds. Understand the mathematics behind every wager. Detailed comparison of the two main roulette variants, including wheel layout, house edge, and which version offers better player odds. Major online casino platforms are prioritizing European roulette variants due to player preference for better odds. Several live casino providers now offer the La Partage rule, reducing house edge on even-money bets to 1.35 percent. High-roller roulette tables are raising maximum bet limits on straight-up numbers including zero to accommodate larger players.
How Roulette Zero Betting Works
Split Bets Involving Zero
European Roulette Split Bets with Zero
American Roulette Split Bets with Zero
Street Bets and Zero
Basket Bet and Top Line Bet
How Zero Affects Outside Bets
En Prison and La Partage Rules
House Edge and Zero
Betting Strategies Involving Zero
Differences Between European and American Zero
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Does zero pay the same as other numbers in roulette?
What happens to my outside bets when zero hits?
Can I bet on zero and another number at the same time?
Is betting on zero a good strategy?
Why does American roulette have two zeros?
What is the basket bet in roulette?
Do any casinos offer special rules when zero hits?
Should I play European or American roulette?
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