When To Bet On Zero in Roulette?

Roulette is one of the most iconic and thrilling games in any casino, known for its spinning wheel and the suspenseful drop of the ball. Among the myriad of betting options available, betting on zero (0) holds a unique allure. Unlike the other numbers on the wheel, zero—and in American roulette, double zero (00)—has special significance, impacting both the game's probabilities and strategies. Understanding when and why to bet on zero can enhance your roulette experience and potentially boost your winnings. In this article, we'll explore the intricacies of betting on zero, from the odds and payouts to strategic considerations, providing a comprehensive guide for both novice and seasoned players.

Understanding the Roulette Wheel

To effectively bet on zero in roulette, it's essential to understand the differences between the European and American roulette wheels, including their unique configurations and probabilities.

European Roulette

The European roulette wheel is designed with 37 pockets, numbered from 1 to 36 and featuring a single zero (0). This configuration gives the game a distinct probability structure.

• Probability : When you place a bet on zero in European roulette, the probability of the ball landing on zero is 1/37, which is approximately 2.70%. This relatively low house edge makes European roulette a preferred choice for many players, offering better odds compared to its American counterpart.

American Roulette

In contrast, the American roulette wheel contains 38 pockets, numbered from 1 to 36, with the addition of a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). This extra pocket alters the probabilities and increases the house edge.

• Probability : The probability of the ball landing on zero or double zero in American roulette is 1/38​, or approximately 2.63% for each zero. When considering the combined probability of hitting either zero or double zero, the odds become 2/38​, which is approximately 5.26%. This higher probability of hitting zero is offset by the increased house edge, making American roulette slightly less favorable for players compared to European roulette.

Read our article on roulette odds and probabilities to learn more about this. And if you haven't understood what it is you can also read our article on what is green 0?

Roulette Wheel Comparison Table

Types of Bets Involving Zero

Betting on zero in roulette offers a variety of options, each with different payouts and strategies. Here's an overview of the main types of bets involving zero and their respective payouts.

Straight-Up Bet on Zero

A straight-up bet is a wager placed directly on a single number, in this case, zero (0).

• Payout: The payout for a straight-up bet on zero is 35 to 1. This means if you bet $1 on zero and it hits, you win $35, plus you get your original $1 bet back, totaling $36.

Split Bet Involving Zero

A split bet involves placing a wager on the line between zero and an adjacent number (e.g., 0 and 1, 0 and 2, or 0 and 3 on European roulette, or 00 or 0 and the numbers 1,2,3, and also between 0 and 00 on American roulette).

• Payout: The payout for a split bet involving zero is 17 to 1. For instance, if you bet $1 on a split and zero hits, you win $17, plus you get your original $1 bet back, totaling $18.

Street Bet Involving Zero

A street bet in European roulette can include the numbers 0, 1, and 2 or 0, 2, and 3. This bet is placed on the line at the end of the row. On A merican Roulette you can place a street bet between 00 and 2,3, and between 0 and 1,2.

• Payout: The payout for a street bet involving zero is 11 to 1. If you bet $1 on this combination and zero hits, you win $11, plus you get your original $1 bet back, totaling $12.

Corner Bet Involving Zero

A corner bet (or square bet) is placed on the intersection of four numbers. Involving zero, this bet on Europeen roulette covers 0, 1, 2, and 3, in this case we talk more about 'Four First Bet'. In american roulette it is not possible to place a corner bet by including a 0 or 00 .

• Payout: The payout for a corner bet involving zero is 8 to 1. If you bet $1 on this corner and zero hits, you win $8, plus you get your original $1 bet back, totaling $9.

Basket Bet Involving Zero (American Roulette)

The basket bet is specific to American roulette and includes the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. This bet is placed on the line separating the zeros from the first row of numbers.

• Payout: The payout for a basket bet involving zero is 6 to 1. If you bet $1 on this combination and zero or double zero hits, you win $6, plus you get your original $1 bet back, totaling $7.

Jeu Zero Bet

The "Jeu Zero" bet is a special wager in European roulette that covers a specific set of numbers close to zero on the wheel.

• Numbers Covered: 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, and 15
• Bet Placement: 1 chip on each of these splits : 0 and 3 + 12 and 15 + 32 and 35, and 1 chip straight-up on 26.
• Payout: The payout for a Jeu Zero bet varies based on the type of winning bet:
  • Split Bet Involving Zero (0/3, 12/15, 32/35): The payout for a split bet is 17 to 1. If you bet £1 on a split and any of the covered numbers hit, you win £17, plus you get your original £1 bet back, totaling £18.
  • Straight-Up Bet on 26: The payout for a straight-up bet is 35 to 1. If you bet £1 on 26 and it hits, you win £35, plus you get your original £1 bet back, totaling £36.

Voisins du Zero Bet

The "Voisins du Zero" bet, also known as "Neighbors of Zero," is a special wager in European roulette that covers a large section of the wheel surrounding the number zero.

• Numbers Covered: 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, and 25
• Bet Placement: 2 chips on the trio 0/2/3 + 1 chip on each of these splits : 4 and 7, 12 and 15, 18 and 21, 19 and 22, 32 and 35 + 2 chips on the corner 25/26/28/29/
• Payout: The payout for a Voisins du Zero bet varies based on the type of winning bet:
  • Trio Bet (0/2/3): The payout for a trio bet is 11 to 1. If you bet £1 and any of these numbers hit, you win £11, plus you get your original £1 bet back, totaling £12.
  • Split Bet Involving Zero (4/7, 12/15, 18/21, 19/22, 32/35): The payout for a split bet is 17 to 1. If you bet £1 on any split and it hits, you win £17, plus you get your original £1 bet back, totaling £18.
  • Corner Bet (25/26/28/29): The payout for a corner bet is 8 to 1. If you bet £1 and any of these numbers hit, you win £8, plus you get your original £1 bet back, totaling £9.

Types of Bets Involving Zero: Summary Table

When to Bet on Zero?

Understanding when to bet on zero in roulette can enhance your overall strategy and increase your chances of winning.

• Inclusion of Zero in Popular Betting Systems (e.g., James Bond Strategy): Many popular betting systems include placing bets on zero as part of their strategy. For example, the James Bond strategy involves placing larger bets on high numbers (19-36), smaller bets on low numbers (13-18), and a bet on zero to cover the possibility of it hitting. Including zero in such systems ensures that you have covered a wider range of outcomes, potentially increasing your chances of a win.
• When you are on European roulette: Betting on zero is more advantageous in European roulette due to its lower house edge and better probabilities. The house edge in European roulette is 2.70%, primarily due to the single zero. In contrast, American roulette has a house edge of 5.26% because of the additional double zero pocket. The payout for a straight-up bet on zero is 35 to 1 in both European and American roulette. However, due to the lower house edge and slightly better probability of hitting zero, European roulette offers a greater overall advantage for players.

Betting on zero is ultimately a fairly classic bet, which is not very different from other bets on more common numbers. Next, we will provide final thoughts on the strategic value of betting on zero in roulette.

Final Thoughts on Betting on Zero in Roulette

Betting on zero in roulette can be a strategic and potentially rewarding choice for players. While the odds are relatively low, the high payout and the role of zero in various betting systems make it an intriguing option. Understanding the differences between European and American roulette, particularly the impact of the house edge and probabilities, is crucial for making informed decisions. European roulette generally offers better odds due to its single zero and lower house edge, making it the preferred choice for those looking to include zero in their betting strategy. Ultimately, while betting on zero is a classic move, it should be part of a well-thought-out approach to the game, always keeping in mind the element of chance inherent in roulette.