American vs. European Roulette: The Green Zero (0 and 00) Explained

Roulette, that spinning wheel you always see in casino movies, is one of the most beloved casino games. You pick a number, place your bet, and hope the ball lands exactly there. But what does that green zero actually mean, and what are the odds when the ball lands on 0 or 00?

When you walk into an online or physical casino, you quickly notice there are different versions of the game, such as American and European Roulette. The biggest difference lies in the wheel: European Roulette has one green zero (0), while American Roulette has two (0 and 00). That extra zero has a direct impact on the payout of the zero, the odds per bet type, and the house edge of the casino.

Are you someone who plays tactically and wants the best possible winning odds? Then choose European Roulette. Do you prefer extra excitement? Then American Roulette suits you better. In this blog, we explain all the differences, including the odds and payouts of the green zero.

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A Brief History of Roulette

Roulette has its origins in an experiment by mathematician Blaise Pascal. In the 17th century, he attempted to build a perpetual motion machine in France. That did not succeed, but the result was an exciting game that people have been enjoying for centuries.

The game quickly spread across Europe and eventually made its way to the United States. In Europe, the version with one green zero (0) remained popular. In America, a second green pocket was added, the double zero (00), which led to the American version of the game.

Did you know that the name "roulette" literally means "little wheel"?

The difference between American and European roulette

1. The wheel and the numbers

The biggest difference between the two versions lies in the wheel. A European roulette wheel has 37 pockets, numbered 0 through 36. An American wheel has one extra pocket: the double zero (00), bringing the total to 38 pockets. That may seem like a small difference, but that extra green zero has a significant impact on your odds and on the payout of the zero when you bet on it.

European Roulette

American Roulette

2. House edge and the odds on the zero

What are the odds of hitting 0 in roulette? And what is the payout? These questions are directly related to the casino's house edge, the percentage the house wins on average from every bet.

In European Roulette, the odds of the ball landing on 0 are 1 in 37, or approximately 2.7%. If you bet directly on the zero with a straight-up bet, you receive a payout of 35:1. The house edge in European Roulette is therefore 2.7%.

In American Roulette, there are two green pockets: 0 and 00. The chance of the ball landing on either zero is 2 in 38, or approximately 5.26%. A straight-up bet on 0 or 00 also pays out at 35:1 here. However, because there are 38 pockets instead of 37, the house edge rises to 5.26%. The extra green zero therefore costs the player a significant portion of their winning odds.

Odds and payouts: the Green zero at a glance

In summary: the payout for the zero is 35:1 in both versions, but the odds differ. European Roulette offers better odds thanks to the lower roulette zero odds. The extra double zero in the American game nearly doubles the chance that your bet is lost to the casino.

3. Betting options

In both versions, most bets are identical: you can choose a single number, a group of numbers, red or black, or odd or even. In American Roulette, you can also place the "Five-Number Bet": a bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 simultaneously. The payout is 6:1, but the odds are statistically unfavorable. Due to the double zero, the house edge on this particular bet rises to 7.89%, making it the worst bet in the entire game.

In European Roulette, you sometimes encounter the "La Partage" or "En Prison" rule. If the ball lands on 0, you receive half of your even-money bet (red/black, odd/even, high/low) back, or your bet stays on the table for the next round. This lowers the house edge on those bets to just 1.35%, making the roulette zero odds in European Roulette considerably more favorable.

Before you start playing, it is smart to thoroughly understand the different betting options and their payouts.

4. The playing experience

European Roulette is the favorite in Europe, as you might expect. With one green zero and the possibility of La Partage or En Prison, players enjoy the best possible odds. Ideal if you want to play tactically.

American Roulette is especially popular in the United States. The game is a little faster and more exciting, but the double green zero also means more risk. No wonder this game is so popular in casinos around the world, including at PepperMill Casino.

Which version should you choose?

It depends on what kind of player you are. Do you want the best possible odds? Then choose European Roulette. With one green zero, a house edge of just 2.7%, and the possible La Partage rule, you play with the lowest roulette zero odds. The payout of the zero on a straight-up bet is 35:1 in both versions, but in European Roulette you simply have a better chance of winning on other numbers because the wheel has fewer green pockets.

Do you enjoy tension and challenge? Then American Roulette is more your style. The extra green zero makes it just a bit more thrilling, but keep in mind: the house edge of 5.26% is nearly double that of the European version.

In both versions, you can apply various roulette betting strategies, such as tracking hot and cold numbers.

Play roulette at PepperMill Casino

Roulette is an exciting casino game that is popular worldwide. Whether you choose European or American Roulette, the green zero always plays a central role. In European Roulette, the lower roulette zero odds give you the greatest chance of winning. In American Roulette, the double zero makes the game more intense, but also riskier.

Regardless of the variant you choose, it's important to remember that roulette is a game of chance. The house or casino will always have an advantage. Make sure to learn the roulette rules well and play responsibly to fully enjoy the experience!