Double zero roulette is the version of roulette most commonly associated with American casino floors. The extra 00 pocket changes the wheel, the betting layout, and the math behind every spin, so it matters whether you are playing at a land-based table or online. Understanding double zero roulette helps you compare wheel types, read payout odds correctly, and avoid common table-selection mistakes.
What double zero roulette Means
Double zero roulette is a roulette format played on a wheel with 38 pockets: numbers 1-36 plus 0 and 00. Because the extra green 00 pocket reduces the chance of winning on standard bets, it carries a higher house edge than single-zero roulette and is commonly associated with American roulette.
In plain English, double zero roulette is regular roulette with one extra green slot added to the wheel. Instead of only one zero, there are two: 0 and 00.
That small design change matters a lot. The payouts on most bets stay the same as in other roulette versions, but your odds of winning get slightly worse because there is one more losing pocket working against most bets. That is why players often compare double-zero roulette with single-zero, European, or French roulette before choosing a table.
In Table Games terms, this is one of the most important roulette distinctions because it affects:
- the wheel type
- the betting layout
- the casino’s house edge
- the player’s expected loss over time
- how a roulette table is labeled on a casino floor or online lobby
How double zero roulette Works
At its core, double zero roulette works like any other roulette game: players place bets, the dealer spins the wheel and ball, and winning bets are paid according to the number or category where the ball lands.
The basic setup
A standard double-zero roulette game uses:
- 38 wheel pockets
- 18 red
- 18 black
- 2 green (
0and00) - A betting layout that includes all numbers 1 through 36, plus separate spaces for
0and00 - Standard roulette bets, including:
- straight-up bets on one number
- split, street, corner, and line bets
- outside bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low
The green 0 and 00 pockets are the key difference. They are not red or black, not odd or even, and not high or low. So when either green pocket hits, most outside bets lose.
What happens during a spin
In a live casino or live dealer game, the flow is usually:
- Players place chips on the felt.
- The dealer spins the wheel and launches the ball in the opposite direction.
- Betting stays open briefly, then the dealer calls “no more bets.”
- The ball lands in one pocket.
- The dealer announces the result and clears losing wagers.
- Winning bets are paid according to the table’s pay schedule.
In an online RNG version, software handles the spin instead of a physical wheel, but the result is still based on the same wheel model if the game is truly double-zero roulette.
The betting math
The easiest way to understand double zero roulette is to look at the probabilities.
Because there are 38 total pockets, the chance of hitting any specific number is:
1 / 38 = 2.63%
That includes 00. A straight-up bet on 00 has the same chance of winning as a straight-up bet on 17 or 32.
Here is why the extra zero matters:
- In single-zero roulette, there are 37 pockets.
- In double zero roulette, there are 38 pockets.
- Most payouts do not improve to compensate for that extra losing pocket.
House edge on standard bets
On a standard double-zero roulette table, most common bets carry a 5.26% house edge.
For example, on a straight-up bet:
- You win 35 to 1 if your number hits
- You lose if any of the other 37 pockets land
Expected value on a $1 straight-up bet:
(1/38 × $35) + (37/38 × -$1) = -$0.0526
That means the expected loss is about 5.26 cents per $1 wagered, over the long run.
The same house edge applies to most regular inside and outside bets because the payout structure reflects a 36-number wheel, not a 38-number wheel.
The important exception: the five-number bet
On many double-zero tables, there is also a five-number bet called the basket bet, covering:
- 0
- 00
- 1
- 2
- 3
This bet usually pays 6 to 1, but it covers 5 outcomes out of 38. That makes it worse than most other roulette bets.
Its house edge is 7.89%, which is why many roulette players avoid it.
How it appears in real casino operations
On a physical casino floor, double-zero roulette is usually identified by:
- wheel signage
- a felt layout that includes both
0and00 - dealer procedures tied to American roulette rules
- table minimums and maximums posted at the game
For the operator, double-zero roulette is not just a game label. It affects:
- theoretical win per wagered dollar
- dealer training and table procedures
- the specific layout and wheel equipment in use
- how the game must be described in internal controls and approved rule sheets
In online casinos, the same distinction appears in:
- the game title in the lobby
- the help or rules section
- the live dealer studio setup
- the game provider’s configuration for wheel type and betting interface
Where double zero roulette Shows Up
Land-based casino
This is the classic setting for double zero roulette. In U.S. casinos, especially in traditional American-style table game pits, double-zero wheels have long been common.
You will usually see it at:
- main-floor roulette tables
- lower-limit or mid-limit pit areas
- high-limit rooms in some properties
- electronic stadium or automated roulette terminals that mirror American roulette rules
If you are standing at the table, the quickest visual check is whether the felt and wheel both include 00.
Online casino
Double zero roulette also appears widely in online casinos in two main forms:
- RNG roulette, where software generates the result
- Live dealer roulette, where a real wheel and dealer are streamed from a studio or casino
Online, the label may appear as:
- American Roulette
- Double Zero Roulette
- 00 Roulette
That naming matters because many operators also offer European or French tables in the same lobby. Players who do not check the wheel type can end up choosing a less favorable version by mistake.
Casino hotel or resort
At a casino resort, double-zero roulette is part of the broader table games mix and may be positioned differently depending on the property’s guest base.
For example:
- a mass-market floor may feature more double-zero tables because they are familiar to U.S. visitors
- a premium pit may offer a mix of wheel types to appeal to more experienced table-game players
- peak-hour table openings, minimums, and dealer staffing can influence which roulette variants are available at a given time
For guests, this means the same resort may offer different roulette options depending on time of day, limit level, and section of the floor.
Live dealer and platform menus
In digital environments, double zero roulette also shows up in the way operators and suppliers organize games. A casino app or website may separate roulette by:
- wheel type
- dealer studio
- betting limits
- side-bet availability
- autoplay or racetrack features
That makes clear labeling important. If the game menu is vague, players need to open the rules and verify whether the wheel uses 37 or 38 pockets.
Why It Matters
For players
Double zero roulette matters because it directly affects your odds.
Two tables can look almost identical, but the extra 00 changes the math behind every standard bet. If you are choosing between wheel types, that difference is often more important than whether you prefer inside bets or outside bets.
It also matters for bankroll planning. A higher house edge means expected losses accumulate faster over a long session, even though short-term results can vary wildly.
For beginners, the biggest practical value is simple: knowing whether you are playing double-zero roulette helps you understand what game you are actually sitting down to play.
For operators
For casinos and online operators, double-zero roulette is part of product mix and revenue strategy.
Because the house edge is higher than on single-zero roulette, the wheel type affects:
- theoretical table hold
- game positioning by limit and audience
- customer expectations
- dealer and floor training
- rule disclosures and table signage
Operators also need consistency between:
- wheel hardware
- felt layout
- payout procedures
- published house rules
- digital game descriptions
Any mismatch creates confusion, disputes, and potential compliance issues.
For compliance and operations
Roulette is simpler than many regulated products, but rule clarity still matters.
An operator should clearly disclose:
- the wheel type
- available bets
- payouts
- any special rules such as surrender
- betting limits and side-bet options where offered
This is especially relevant online, where players cannot inspect the physical wheel before joining. Jurisdiction-specific game approval, technical standards, and display requirements may also affect how the game is presented.
Related Terms and Common Confusions
The most common misunderstanding is that all roulette wheels are basically the same and only the table branding changes. They are not. The number of zero pockets changes the probabilities.
| Term | What it means | How it differs from double zero roulette |
|---|---|---|
| American roulette | Usually the standard U.S. version with 0 and 00 |
In most cases, it is effectively the same thing as double zero roulette |
| Single-zero roulette | Roulette with only one green zero pocket | Better odds for players on standard bets because there are 37 pockets instead of 38 |
| European roulette | Commonly a single-zero wheel with European-style presentation | Often used interchangeably with single-zero roulette, though branding can vary |
| French roulette | Single-zero roulette, often with special rules like La Partage or En Prison on even-money bets | Usually more player-friendly than double-zero roulette when those rules are available |
| Triple-zero roulette | Roulette with 0, 00, and 000 |
Adds another extra green pocket, making the odds worse than double-zero roulette |
| Five-number bet | A basket bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 |
Exists on many double-zero layouts, but has a worse house edge than most other bets |
Common confusion to clear up
A lot of players assume outside bets like red/black or odd/even are “safer” in a way that reduces the impact of the 00. They are lower-volatility than straight-up bets, but the 00 still hurts them because it is another losing outcome.
So while the betting experience feels different, the standard house edge on most regular outside bets remains the same 5.26% on a typical double-zero table.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Choosing between two roulette tables
A player in a casino resort sees:
- Table A: Double-zero roulette, $10 minimum
- Table B: Single-zero roulette, $15 minimum
The player plans to bet red every spin for about 100 spins.
Expected loss estimate:
- Table A: $10 × 5.26% = about $0.53 per spin
-
Over 100 spins: about $52.60
-
Table B: $15 × 2.70% = about $0.41 per spin
- Over 100 spins: about $40.50
Even though the second table has a higher minimum, the lower house edge can still produce a lower expected loss over the session. Actual results can be much higher or lower, but the math explains why many players compare wheel type before minimums alone.
Example 2: Betting straight up on 00
A player puts $5 on 00 in double zero roulette.
- If
00lands, the bet pays 35 to 1 - Net win: $175
- Original chip returned: $5
- Total returned to the player: $180
But the chance of hitting 00 is only 1 in 38, or about 2.63%.
The expected loss on that $5 straight-up bet is roughly:
$5 × 5.26% = about $0.26 per spin
That does not mean the player loses 26 cents every spin in real life. It means that over a very large sample, the average cost of that wager is about 26 cents per $5 bet.
Example 3: The five-number trap
A beginner sees the basket bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 and assumes it must be attractive because it covers five numbers.
Suppose the player wagers $10 on that bet:
- Win probability: 5/38
- Typical payout: 6 to 1
- House edge: 7.89%
Expected loss:
$10 × 7.89% = about $0.79 per spin
That is meaningfully worse than the roughly $0.53 expected loss on a normal $10 even-money or straight-up-equivalent house edge wager in standard double-zero roulette.
Limits, Risks, or Jurisdiction Notes
Rules and availability can vary by operator and jurisdiction, so readers should verify the specific game before playing.
What can vary
- whether the game is labeled as American roulette or double zero roulette
- table minimums and maximums
- availability of the five-number basket bet
- live dealer versus RNG format
- side features such as racetrack betting or call bets
- special rules such as surrender on even-money bets, where offered
- whether single-zero and double-zero tables are both available in the same venue
Common mistakes
-
Not checking the wheel type first
Players often assume a roulette table is single-zero or “standard” without looking for00. -
Focusing only on table minimums
A lower minimum is not automatically the better value if the house edge is meaningfully higher. -
Using the five-number bet without realizing it is worse
It looks convenient, but its math is less favorable than most other bets. -
Believing there is a system that overcomes the edge
Betting progressions can change volatility and bankroll swing, but they do not remove the built-in house edge.
Risk and responsible play note
Double zero roulette is a house-edge casino game, not a profit engine. If you choose to play, set a budget, know the table limits, and take breaks. If gambling stops feeling recreational, use the operator’s limit-setting, cooling-off, or self-exclusion tools where available.
What to verify before acting
Before you sit down or click into a game, confirm:
- Does the wheel have
0and00, or only0? - Are the payouts standard?
- Is the five-number bet offered?
- Are there any special rules that change even-money bets?
- Is the game legally available in your jurisdiction?
FAQ
Is double zero roulette the same as American roulette?
Usually, yes. In most casinos and online lobbies, American roulette means a wheel with 0 and 00, which is double zero roulette. Still, always check the game rules or layout to confirm.
How many numbers are on a double zero roulette wheel?
A standard double-zero wheel has 38 pockets: numbers 1 through 36, plus 0 and 00.
What is the house edge in double zero roulette?
On a standard table, most regular bets carry a 5.26% house edge. The common exception is the five-number bet, which has a higher 7.89% house edge.
Is double zero roulette worse than single-zero roulette?
From a pure odds perspective, yes. Single-zero roulette generally offers better value because there is only one green zero pocket instead of two.
Can strategy beat double zero roulette?
No standard betting system changes the underlying house edge. Strategies can affect bet size, pace, and risk level, but they do not eliminate the casino’s mathematical advantage.
Final Takeaway
Double zero roulette is the classic two-zero version of roulette, built around a 38-pocket wheel and typically linked with American-style tables. Its defining feature is the extra 00, which raises the house edge compared with single-zero formats and makes table selection more important than many casual players realize. If you understand how double zero roulette works, where it appears, and how its math differs from other wheel types, you will be better equipped to read the layout, judge the odds, and avoid costly misconceptions.
