Payouts for Green in Roulette: All About Zero and Double Zero

Roulette is a classic casino game with a variety of betting options, each carrying different odds and potential payouts. Among the numbered slots on the wheel, the green numbers hold a unique position in the game. While often overlooked by casual players, these green slots have a significant impact on how bets are calculated and how the game unfolds.

This blog post explores the role of green numbers in roulette, including the differences between single and double zero, the main payout possibilities, and how returns work when betting on these slots. By understanding these aspects, players may gain a clearer picture of roulette’s dynamics and how the green numbers influence outcomes.

Read on to learn more.

A photo of a roulette wheel with the ball in the green zero pocket.

Understanding Green Numbers In Roulette

On a roulette wheel, green spaces mark the zero (0) and, in some versions, the double zero (00). These slots are visually and functionally distinct from the other numbers, which are either red or black.

European roulette wheels feature a single green zero, while American roulette wheels have both a single and double zero. Even this small difference alters the number of possible outcomes for any spin.

Bets placed directly on green numbers are treated differently from common bets on red, black, odd, or even. This distinction is subtle at first glance but becomes important when examining potential payouts.

Each spin is independent, meaning that previous results do not influence what will happen next. Understanding this is key to recognising the probabilistic nature of the game.

What Are The Green Payouts In Roulette?

Green numbers might be the focus of specific bets. If you choose to place a straight-up bet on a green number, the potential payout is in line with other single-number bets.

For instance, a direct bet on 0 or 00 typically offers a payout of 35 to 1 if successful. A £1 stake would return £35 in winnings plus the original £1 stake, giving £36 in total. This shows that these bets might yield larger returns compared with other types of wagers.

Green numbers may also appear in combination bets covering multiple numbers. These bets usually return less than straight-up bets but provide more ways to win:

  • Split Bets: Cover two numbers, such as 0-1 on European wheels or 0-00 on American wheels, typically paying 17 to 1 if successful.
  • Street Bets: Cover three numbers, like 0-1-2 or 0-2-3, usually paying 11 to 1 if successful.
  • Corner Bets: Cover four numbers, e.g., 0-1-2-3 on European wheels, generally paying 8 to 1 if successful.
  • Top Line Bet (American Roulette): Covers five numbers, 0-00-1-2-3, usually paying 6 to 1 if successful.

It is also important to note that green numbers do not contribute to red, black, odd, or even wagers. If the ball lands on a green space, such bets are unsuccessful.

If you choose to play roulette, approach it thoughtfully, only using funds you might afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses.

How Does Double Zero Differ From Single Zero?

European roulette has a single zero, creating 37 pockets, while American roulette has an extra double zero, resulting in 38 pockets.

This additional green slot slightly alters the likelihood of different bets being successful. For example, outside bets such as red or black are affected indirectly because there are now more outcomes that do not belong to those groups. The presence of two green numbers on American wheels increases the house edge compared with European wheels. 

On European roulette, the house edge is approximately 2.70%, whereas on American roulette, the house edge rises to about 5.26%. This difference means that, on average, players are expected to lose more over time on American wheels than on European wheels for the same bets.

Understanding the distinction helps if you are thinking about playing on different types of wheels. Fewer green pockets mean slightly higher chances for outside bets, while more green numbers reduce the frequency of those outcomes and increase the house advantage.

Calculating Payouts For Zero And Double Zero Bets

As mentioned before, a straight-up bet on a green number usually pays 35 to 1 if successful. For example, a £1 stake might return £36 in total: £35 in winnings plus the original £1.

Combination bets follow the standard inside-bet payouts:

  • A £2 split bet on 0-1 would typically return £36 if either number is successful (17 to 1 payout).
  • A £1 street bet on 0-1-2 would typically return £12 if successful (11 to 1 payout).
  • On European tables, a £1 corner bet on 0-1-2-3 would typically return £9 if any number wins (8 to 1 payout).
  • On American tables, a £1 top-line bet on 0-00-1-2-3 would typically return £7 if successful (6 to 1 payout).

These examples highlight why green numbers are significant: they sit outside the red and black categories, they affect the number of possible outcomes, and they directly influence how much a bet might return if it lands.

Knowing how potential payouts are calculated may help you make more informed decisions if you choose to place bets on these numbers.

Green numbers, zero and double zero, are central to roulette. They affect the chances of all bets on the wheel and determine the potential payouts for inside bets. European wheels, with a single zero, have slightly higher odds for outside bets compared with American wheels, which have both zero and double zero.

Roulette is a game of chance, with green numbers playing a central role. Understanding these rules might help if you choose to play, but it is important to follow responsible practices—set limits and focus on playing for entertainment.

Play Roulette Online at O’Reels

At O’Reels, we are fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and we focus on operating responsibly and transparently.

You’ll find a variety of roulette options on our site, including live dealer tables for a real-time experience and digital games powered by a Random Number Generator (RNG). This lets you explore different styles of play and see which you enjoy most.

We also provide tools to help you manage your activity, such as deposit limits, reality checks, and self-exclusion. Independent support from organisations like GamCare and GambleAware is available if you ever feel you need guidance.

If you’d like to explore our roulette tables at O’Reels, you can create an account, deposit some funds to play with and see what we have to offer.

**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.