Published: 4 Aug 2026 | Updated: 15 Oct 2026
American roulette follows the same basic gameplay as other roulette variants, but one additional pocket makes an important mathematical difference.
The presence of the double zero (00) increases the number of possible outcomes on the wheel, affecting the odds of every standard wager and increasing the online casino's built-in advantage.
Understanding how the double zero changes the game's probabilities helps explain why American roulette differs from other roulette variants in Genting Casino.
- What Is the Double Zero?
- How the Double Zero Changes the Odds
- Roulette Odds Comparison
- How the Double Zero Increases the House Edge
- American Roulette Compared with Other Variants
What Is the Double Zero?
American roulette wheels contain 38 numbered pockets.
These consist of:
- Numbers 1 to 36
- One single zero (0)
- One double zero (00)
By comparison, most European and French roulette wheels contain only 37 pockets because they include a single zero but no double zero.
Although adding one extra pocket may appear insignificant, it changes every probability on the wheel.
How the Double Zero Changes the Odds
Each additional pocket reduces the probability of any individual winning outcome.
For example, a straight-up wager has the following:
- A 1 in 37 chance of winning in single-zero roulette.
- A 1 in 38 chance of winning in American roulette.
The same principle applies to every other standard betting option. Even money wagers such as red or black, odd or even, and high or low all become slightly less likely because the double zero creates another losing outcome for those bets.
This difference applies equally whether playing online roulette or joining a live roulette table.
Roulette Odds Comparison
The table below shows how the additional double zero changes the probability of common roulette outcomes.
|
Bet Type |
Single Zero Roulette (37 pockets) |
American Roulette (38 pockets) |
|
Straight up (single number) |
1/37 (≈2.70%) |
1/38 (≈2.63%) |
|
Red or Black |
18/37 (≈48.65%) |
18/38 (≈47.37%) |
|
Odd or Even |
18/37 (≈48.65%) |
18/38 (≈47.37%) |
|
High or Low |
18/37 (≈48.65%) |
18/38 (≈47.37%) |
|
Dozen |
12/37 (≈32.43%) |
12/38 (≈31.58%) |
|
Column |
12/37 (≈32.43%) |
12/38 (≈31.58%) |
While the percentage differences are relatively small for a single spin, they exist on every spin because the wheel permanently contains one additional pocket.
First Person American Roulette
How the Double Zero Increases the House Edge
The house edge represents the built-in mathematical advantage held by the casino over the long term.
The double zero increases the house edge because it creates an additional outcome that benefits the casino while the standard payout structure remains unchanged.
|
Roulette Variant |
Zero Pockets |
Typical House Edge* |
|
French Roulette (La Partage or En Prison on qualifying even-money bets) |
One |
1.35% |
|
European Roulette |
One |
2.70% |
|
American Roulette |
Two (0 and 00) |
5.26% |
*The effective house edge in French roulette depends on whether La Partage or En Prison applies to qualifying even money wagers.
This comparison shows why American roulette has the highest house edge among the most common roulette variants.
American Roulette Compared with Other Variants
American roulette differs from European and French roulette in several key ways.
|
Feature |
American Roulette |
European Roulette |
French Roulette |
|
Total pockets |
38 |
37 |
37 |
|
Double zero |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Single zero |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Standard house edge |
Higher |
Lower |
Lower |
|
Special rules reducing house edge |
No |
Generally unavailable |
Available on qualifying tables |
Players exploring games within an online casino or live casino environment may notice that different roulette variants are available. Checking the wheel configuration and table information helps identify which version is being offered.
|
Genting Casino Tip: Before joining a roulette table, check whether the wheel includes both 0 and 00 or only a single zero. The wheel layout determines the mathematical odds and the house edge for every standard wager. |
Understanding the Impact of the Double Zero
The double zero is a small feature with a measurable mathematical effect. By adding one extra pocket to the wheel, American roulette reduces the probability of winning every standard wager and increases the house edge compared with single zero variants.
Understanding these differences helps players make informed decisions when comparing roulette games at Genting Casino while always keeping responsible gambling in mind.
|
Understanding how roulette odds work is useful, but every spin remains completely random and independent of previous results. Knowing the mathematical differences between roulette variants does not change the outcome of future spins. Responsible gambling means setting spending and time limits, gambling only within your means, and recognising that losses are always possible. If gambling stops being enjoyable, take a break and seek support if needed. |
FAQs
Why does American roulette have a double zero?
The double zero is part of the American roulette wheel design, increasing the total number of pockets from 37 to 38.
How does the double zero affect the odds?
It creates one additional possible outcome, making every standard winning result slightly less likely than in single-zero roulette.
Does the double zero increase the house edge?
Yes. The extra pocket raises the house edge because it adds another outcome that benefits the casino while payouts remain the same.
Which roulette variant has the lowest house edge?
French roulette can offer the lowest effective house edge on qualifying even-money wagers when La Partage or En Prison rules are available. Otherwise, European roulette has a lower house edge than American roulette.
Does understanding the odds improve the chances of winning?
No. Roulette outcomes are entirely random. Understanding the odds simply explains how different wheel designs affect the mathematical probabilities.
