Zero (Roulette)
Definition
The green pocket numbered 0 on the roulette wheel. Zero gives the house its edge because even-money bets (red/black) lose on zero. European roulette has one zero (2.7% edge); American roulette adds a double zero (5.26% edge).
The zero pocket on a roulette wheel is what gives the house its edge. In European roulette (single zero), it creates a 2.70% house edge. In American roulette (zero plus double zero), the combined effect creates a 5.26% edge. Without the zero, roulette would be a mathematically fair game.
When the ball lands on zero, all outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, columns) lose in standard roulette. The zero is neither red nor black, neither odd nor even, and is not included in any dozen or column grouping. This is the mechanism through which the casino extracts its advantage.
Under French roulette rules (la partage or en prison), landing on zero is less punishing for even-money bets. Instead of losing the entire bet, players recover half (la partage) or get a second chance (en prison). This reduces the effective house edge on even-money bets from 2.70% to 1.35%, which is why French roulette is always the best choice when available.
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A roulette variant with 37 numbers (0-36) and a house edge of 2.7%. Has a single zero pocket, unlike American roulette which has two. Always choose European over American roulette for better odds.
American RouletteA roulette variant with 38 numbers (0, 00, 1-36) and a house edge of 5.26%. The extra double-zero pocket nearly doubles the house edge compared to European roulette. Mathematically inferior for the player.
House EdgeThe mathematical advantage the casino has over the player, expressed as a percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over the long run. For example, a 2% house edge means the casino expects to keep $2 for every $100 wagered. Different games and bets within games have different house edges.
Double Zero (00)The extra green pocket found only on American roulette wheels, numbered 00. It nearly doubles the house edge compared to European roulette (5.26% vs 2.7%). Offers no benefit to players, so always choose single-zero wheels.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zero (Roulette)?
The green pocket numbered 0 on the roulette wheel. Zero gives the house its edge because even-money bets (red/black) lose on zero. European roulette has one zero (2.7% edge); American roulette adds a double zero (5.26% edge).
What terms are related to Zero (Roulette)?
Related concepts include: European Roulette, American Roulette, House Edge, Double Zero (00). Understanding these terms together gives you a more complete picture of the concept.
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