Roulette comes in two main versions that look alike at a glance but carry meaningful differences once you look at the wheel.
Understanding how the house edge and odds work in each version helps set clear expectations before choosing a table, especially as these details shape payouts and how optional French rules may apply.
This blog post breaks down the maths behind both wheels, compares common bets, explains La Partage and En Prison, and notes practical points worth weighing up. If you choose to play, set limits that suit your circumstances and treat it as paid entertainment.
What Is The Difference Between Single Zero And Double Zero Roulette?
Single zero roulette, often called European roulette, uses a wheel with numbers 1 to 36 and a single green zero. Double zero roulette, usually known as American roulette, has the same 1 to 36 numbers, a single green zero, and an additional green double zero.
That extra pocket in double zero roulette changes the number of possible outcomes on every spin, which affects both the odds and the house edge.
Single zero roulette has 37 slots on the wheel, while double zero has 38. This small change makes single zero roulette more favourable overall from a probability standpoint.
With the wheel layouts in mind, the next step is understanding how these differences feed into the house edge.
How Is House Edge Calculated For Each Wheel?
House edge is the average percentage of each bet the casino may keep over the long run. It comes from the way the wheel is structured and how the payouts compare to the true odds.
On a single zero wheel, there are 37 possible outcomes, yet most standard bets pay as if there were only 36. A straight-up win pays 35:1, but the chance of any specific number is 1 in 37. That gap between payout and probability creates the house edge of about 2.7%, which is roughly £2.70 per £100 wagered on average over time.
On a double zero wheel, there are 38 possible outcomes. Payouts are the same as on the single zero wheel, but the extra pocket increases the house edge to about 5.26%.
These figures set the tone for every bet on the table. Next, it helps to see how this plays out for common wagers.
What Are The Exact Odds For Common Bets In Each Wheel?
Roulette offers a range of bets, each with its own probability and payout. The number of zero pockets changes the likelihood of winning and the average result over time.
Straight Up Odds And Expected Return
A straight-up bet covers a single number. On a single zero wheel, the chance is 1 in 37, about 2.70%. On a double zero wheel, it is 1 in 38, about 2.63%. The payout is 35:1 on both wheels.
Because the payout is lower than the true odds would suggest, the house keeps a small percentage on average across many spins.
Even-Money Bets Odds And Expected Return
Even-money bets include red or black, odd or even, and high or low. On a single zero wheel, 18 of the 37 numbers win, about 48.65%. On a double zero wheel, 18 of 38 win, about 47.37%. These bets pay 1:1.
The zero pockets are not included in these bets, which is why the chance sits just below 50%.
Column And Dozen Bets Odds And Expected Return
Column and dozen bets each cover 12 numbers. On a single zero wheel, there is a 12 in 37 chance, around 32.43%. On a double zero wheel, it is 12 in 38, around 31.58%. The payout is 2:1 in both versions.
Neither the zero nor the double zero sits within a dozen or a column.
Split, Street And Corner Bets Odds And Expected Return
A split covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17:1. The chance is 2 in 37, 5.41%, on a single zero wheel, and 2 in 38, 5.26%, on a double zero wheel.
A street covers three numbers in a row and pays 11:1. The chance is 3 in 37, 8.11%, on a single zero wheel, and 3 in 38, 7.89%, on a double zero wheel.
A corner covers four numbers and pays 8:1. The chance is 4 in 37, 10.81%, on a single zero wheel, and 4 in 38, 10.53%, on a double zero wheel.
How Do Payouts Compare Between Single Zero And Double Zero?
The payout table is essentially the same on both versions. A straight-up win pays 35:1, splits pay 17:1, streets 11:1, corners 8:1, dozens and columns 2:1, and the even-money bets pay 1:1.
What changes is the likelihood of each win. Because the double zero wheel has an extra pocket, the same payouts apply to slightly longer odds, which is why the house edge is higher there.
With payouts covered, it is worth looking at how certain optional rules can alter the figures on even-money bets.
How Do French Rules Like La Partage And En Prison Change The Odds?
Some single zero tables include La Partage or En Prison for even-money bets. These rules only affect what happens when the ball lands on zero.
With La Partage, half the stake on an even-money bet is returned and half is taken if zero lands. This halves the house edge on those bets from about 2.7% to roughly 1.35%.
With En Prison, the stake on an even-money bet is held for the next spin if zero lands. If the following outcome wins, the stake is returned. If it loses, the stake is taken. The long-term effect is similar to La Partage for those specific bets.
Not every table offers these rules, so it is worth checking the table information before joining. Where they are available, they only affect even-money bets, not inside bets or dozens and columns.
Which Wheel Gives Lower House Edge For Players?
Single zero roulette generally offers the lower house edge, about 2.7%, compared with around 5.26% on double zero. When La Partage or En Prison applies to even-money bets on a single zero table, the edge on those specific bets can drop to around 1.35%.
In short, fewer zero pockets mean a lower house advantage across the same payout table. That said, each spin is independent, and results cannot be predicted.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Between Single Zero And Double Zero
When choosing a wheel, the house edge is a clear starting point, but it is not the only factor. Some players enjoy the pace and feel of a particular layout, while others prefer the slightly stronger maths on single zero.
Table rules and limits matter. Minimum and maximum stakes, availability of La Partage or En Prison, and whether call bets or a racetrack layout are offered can all shape the experience. It is sensible to read the table rules, check limits, and note any rule variations before you sit down.
Think about your preferred bet types too. If you tend to play even-money bets, the benefit of La Partage or En Prison on a single zero table is meaningful. If you focus on inside bets like straights or corners, the overall house edge difference between the two wheels still applies.
Consider practical details as well. Live dealer tables vary in pace, and online tables may differ in presentation or features. Choose a game that suits your budget, playing style, and the amount of time you plan to spend.
Roulette should always be treated as a game of chance. If you choose to play, set a budget, take regular breaks, and never risk money you cannot afford to lose. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware provide free, confidential help.
Whichever wheel you pick, understanding the numbers helps you make calm, informed choices.
**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.