Roulette Payouts: How Much Do You Win on 0 or 00 Explained
Ever wondered what happens if your chosen number is 0 or 00 at the roulette table? You’re not alone. These green pockets can feel mysterious, and many players are unsure what sort of win they could land, or whether their bet is simply out of play.
Roulette offers a range of bets, but 0 and 00 behave differently to the red and black numbers. The type of roulette you play matters too, because European and American wheels are not the same.
This post clears up how 0 and 00 work, what they pay, and how they affect other bets, so the next spin feels far less puzzling.
How Does 0 Or 00 Affect Roulette Payouts?
The green 0 (and 00 on American wheels) sits outside the usual red and black layout. Because these pockets are not included in red, black, odd, even, high, or low, most even‑money bets will typically lose when the ball lands on 0 or 00.
Some tables apply specific rules such as la partage or en prison on even‑money bets when 0 hits. These may return half your stake or hold it over to the next spin. Always check the table rules so you understand how 0 is handled before placing a wager.
Straight‑up bets placed directly on 0 or 00 are treated like any other single‑number bet and usually pay 35:1. Splits, streets, and other inside bets that include 0 or 00 follow the posted paytable for that table.
If you have not covered them, 0 and 00 are what give the house its edge on many outside bets, because they add outcomes that those wagers do not include. The edge exists because payouts are calculated as if there were 36 outcomes, while the wheel has 37 (European) or 38 (American).
European roulette has one green 0, leading to a typical house edge of about 2.70% (RTP ~97.30%). American roulette adds the 00, which increases the edge to about 5.26% (RTP ~94.74%). More green pockets mean a higher house advantage and a lower average return over time.
Each spin is independent, and results are never guaranteed. Consider limits, table rules, and your budget before you play.
Wondering what you get when you back 0 or 00 outright? We cover the payout details next.
Payouts For Straight Up Bets On 0 And 00
A straight up bet is a wager on a single number. You place your chip directly on the number’s square on the layout; if the ball lands on that exact pocket, the bet wins. For 0 and, on American layouts, 00, the standard payout is 35 to 1.
For example, a £1 straight up bet would return £35 in winnings, and your original £1 stake is also returned, giving £36 in total. The same return applies whether you choose 0, 00, or any other single number, subject to the table’s minimum and maximum limits.
It is important to note that the 35 to 1 figure is the payout, not the true odds of winning. On a European or French wheel with 37 pockets (0–36), the chance of a single number landing is 1 in 37. On an American wheel with 38 pockets (0, 00, 1–36), the chance is 1 in 38. This difference in wheel layout affects the house edge but not the stated payout.
00 appears only on American wheels. European and French tables have just the single 0, and a straight up bet still pays 35 to 1. Rules such as la partage and en prison apply to certain even-money bets only and do not change the payout on straight up wagers.
All outcomes are determined by chance, and there is no strategy that can guarantee a win on a single number. Only stake what you can afford to lose, and consider setting limits to keep play enjoyable.
How Are Payouts Calculated For Other Bets When 0 Or 00 Hits?
If the ball lands on 0 or 00 and you have not placed a wager that specifically covers those pockets, most bets will lose and the stake is collected. Unless your selection includes the zero pocket(s), it will not qualify for a payout on that spin.
Even‑money outside bets such as red, black, odd, even, high, or low do not include the green pockets. As a result, these bets lose when 0 or 00 appears, and they only pay when a qualifying number from 1–36 hits that matches the chosen attribute.
Inside bets like splits, streets, corners, and lines only win if one of their covered numbers hits. To receive a payout when the ball lands on zero, the combination must include 0 (on single‑zero wheels) or 0/00 (on double‑zero wheels). Examples include the 0–3 split on single‑zero layouts or the 0–00–1–2–3 five‑number combination on double‑zero layouts, where offered. Availability and odds depend on the specific game variant and house rules.
Some tables on European or French wheels offer rules that soften the outcome on zero for even‑money bets. Under La Partage, for example, half your even‑money stake may be returned when zero lands; under En Prison, the stake may be held for the next spin. We cover those shortly, as they can influence the house edge on those bets. Always check the table rules and paytable so you know exactly how zero is handled at your chosen table.
Gambling involves risk and outcomes are determined by chance. Only wager what you can afford to lose, and consider setting limits. If you are unsure how a rule applies, ask the dealer or consult the game information before placing a bet.
To see all the main bet types side by side, here is a quick reference.
Payout Table For Common Roulette Bets
Knowing the payouts for different roulette bets helps you gauge potential returns before placing chips. Payouts are shown as “to 1”, meaning a winning bet pays the listed multiple as profit, and your original stake is also returned.
Always check the table rules where you play, as bet limits and available options can vary by venue and game variant (for example, single‑zero European roulette versus double‑zero American roulette).
Bet Type
Covers
Pays
Straight Up
Single number (including 0 or 00 where offered)
35 to 1
Split
Two numbers next to each other
17 to 1
Street
Three numbers in a row
11 to 1
Corner (Square)
Four numbers in a block
8 to 1
Line (Six Line)
Six numbers (two rows)
5 to 1
Column/Dozen
12 numbers in a column or dozen
2 to 1
Red or Black
All red or all black numbers
1 to 1
Odd or Even
All odd or all even numbers
1 to 1
High or Low
1–18 or 19–36
1 to 1
Note that 0 (and 00 on American tables) are not included in red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, or columns.
Payouts do not represent the probability of winning. The house edge differs by variant (for example, around 2.70% on European single‑zero and around 5.26% on American double‑zero), which affects your expected return over time.
Rules such as la partage or en prison may apply on some European tables for even‑money bets; always review the specific table rules before playing.
Gambling involves risk. Set limits, do not chase losses, and only stake what you can afford to lose. If you are unsure, seek advice and play responsibly.
Why Do Straight Up Wins Pay 35:1 Instead Of 36:1?
It might seem logical for a straight up bet to pay 36:1, given there are 36 red and black numbers on the wheel, plus 0 and sometimes 00. In practice, a straight up pays 35:1 so the game retains a built‑in house advantage. On a single‑zero (European) wheel there are 37 possible outcomes, and on a double‑zero (American) wheel there are 38.
If the payout matched the total number of possible outcomes, the expected return would be neutral and there would be no statistical edge for the house over time. By paying 35:1 instead of the “true odds” of 36:1 on a single‑zero wheel (or 37:1 on a double‑zero wheel), the casino keeps a margin.
The difference between the true odds and the payout is the house edge. On single‑zero roulette this equates to about 2.70% on most bets, and on double‑zero roulette it is about 5.26%. This edge applies over the long term; results are random and short‑term outcomes can and do vary.
That small gap means the house is expected to earn a profit across many spins, even though any individual spin can result in a player win or loss. No staking system or strategy can remove this built‑in advantage.
Some tables partly offset this on even‑money wagers when zero appears, which brings us to two well‑known rules. La Partage typically returns half your even‑money stake when 0 lands, while En Prison usually holds the stake for the next spin to decide the outcome. These rules reduce, but do not eliminate, the house edge and their availability depends on the specific table and jurisdiction.
Gambling should be viewed as entertainment. Only stake what you can afford to lose, set limits, and never chase losses.
How Do La Partage And En Prison Change Payouts?
On some European or French tables, special rules can soften the impact of zero on even-money bets. These options are typically available on single-zero roulette only and may not be offered on every table, so always check the rules before you play.
Both rules apply to even-money bets only (for example red/black, odd/even, and high/low). They do not change the odds of the spin or guarantee a win; they simply affect how your stake is treated when the ball lands on 0.
With La Partage, if you place an even-money bet such as red/black or odd/even and 0 lands, you get half your stake back. This reduces the average loss on those wagers without altering the underlying probabilities.
En Prison holds your even-money stake over to the next spin when 0 lands. If your bet wins on that following spin, your original stake is returned, with no additional winnings. If it loses, the stake is forfeited. If 0 lands again, house rules vary, so check the table terms.
Compared with tables that do not offer these rules, La Partage and En Prison typically lower the house edge on even-money bets on European roulette (for example, La Partage can reduce it from about 2.70% to around 1.35%). This is a statistical effect over time and does not ensure any particular outcome on a single spin.
Example: Even-Money Bet With La Partage
Imagine you put £10 on red and the ball lands on 0. With La Partage in play, you would get £5 back instead of losing the full £10.
By contrast, under En Prison, your £10 even-money stake would be held for the next spin. If red then wins on that spin, you would simply get your £10 back; if it loses, the £10 is lost.
Both rules slightly improve the expected return on even-money bets compared with tables that do not offer them, but outcomes remain random. Play should be within your limits and for entertainment, and you should review table rules and limits before placing bets.
How Much Do 0 And 00 Change Your Expected Return?
Those green numbers, 0 and 00, have a clear effect on your long‑term results because they add outcomes that most outside bets do not cover. They are neither red nor black, so they tip the balance by reducing the chance that common even‑money bets will win.
Every spin that lands on a green pocket reduces how much players, on average, win back from their stakes. This is the practical way the house edge appears over time.
Example: Expected Return Calculation
Consider a £1 bet on red, which pays 1:1 if it wins.
On a European wheel with 37 numbers (18 red, 18 black, 1 green 0), the chance of winning is 18/37. The expected return (theoretical average back per £1 staked, including stake) is (18/37)×£2 ≈ £0.97. That corresponds to a house edge of about 2.70%.
On an American wheel with 38 numbers (18 red, 18 black, 2 green), the chance of winning is 18/38. The expected return falls to (18/38)×£2 ≈ £0.95 per £1, giving a house edge of about 5.26%.
Adding extra green pockets lowers the average amount returned to players over time. Results are random and can vary significantly in the short term; these figures are theoretical long‑run averages and not guarantees.
Wondering how this plays out for bigger groups of numbers like dozens and columns?
On dozens and columns (which pay 2:1), the effect is similar. On European wheels you cover 12 of 37 numbers, so the expected return is (12/37)×£3 ≈ £0.97 per £1 staked. On American wheels you cover 12 of 38 numbers, so the expected return is (12/38)×£3 ≈ £0.95 per £1.
No staking method can remove the house edge, and past spins do not influence future outcomes. Only play with money you can afford to lose, and check the table rules and wheel type before you bet.
What Happens To Column And Dozen Bets When 0 Or 00 Hits?
Column and dozen bets each cover twelve numbers, but neither includes 0 or 00. On any spin where the ball lands in a green pocket—0 on a single‑zero wheel or 0/00 on a double‑zero wheel—the bet loses in full and the stake is collected by the house.
Rule variants such as La Partage or En Prison are typically offered only on even‑money bets (for example red/black or odd/even) and do not apply to dozens or columns. Always check the game rules or paytable for the specific table you are playing, as house rules can vary by provider.
In the UK, most regulated tables use a single‑zero (European) layout, but some online games also offer double‑zero (American) layouts. The presence of green pockets is what creates the house edge; a wheel with both 0 and 00 increases the chance that dozens and columns will lose on a green result.
Roulette outcomes are random, and no staking method can remove the built‑in house edge. Play for entertainment, set sensible limits, and only stake what you can afford to lose.
Quick Practical Examples Of Typical Wins
Here are a few quick, practical examples to illustrate how much you might win or lose when 0 appears. Figures are for guidance only and can vary by table rules and roulette variant (single-zero European or double-zero American). Unless stated otherwise, “total returned” includes your original stake.
Example 1: £10 Straight Up On 0
If you place a £10 straight-up bet on 0 and the ball lands on 0, the standard payout is 35 to 1. You would receive £350 in winnings plus your original £10 stake back.
Total returned: £360.
If the ball lands on any other number, the £10 stake is lost. Special rules such as La Partage or En Prison typically do not alter the straight-up payout, but always check the table rules before you play.
Example 2: £10 Red When 0 Hits
If you bet £10 on red and the ball lands on 0, the bet loses because zero is neither red nor black. On many European or French tables with La Partage, half of your even-money stake is returned, so you would get £5 back.
Some tables use En Prison instead, where your £10 may be held for the next spin rather than immediately settled. On American tables, or European tables without these rules, the full £10 would be lost.
These examples are simplified. The chance of the ball landing on 0 is 1 in 37 on European wheels and 1 in 38 on American wheels, and outcomes are always random. Understanding how 0 and 00 interact with each bet type helps you set clear expectations of potential returns and losses.
Gambling involves risk. Set a budget you are comfortable with, avoid chasing losses, and treat every spin as entertainment rather than a way to make money.
**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.