If you’ve ever sat down at a roulette table and wondered where 0 fits into the mix, you’re not alone. The green zero on the wheel stands out, unlike the familiar red and black numbers we bet on. But is 0 classed as an even number in roulette, or does it play by its own rules?
These questions matter because the 0 affects how many bets pay out and how the odds work. Whether you’re new to the game or have played before, a clear sense of how 0 operates will make each spin easier to understand.
Curious what happens to your even bets when that green 0 appears, or how table rules might alter outcomes? Read on and you’ll know exactly what to expect on your next visit to the wheel.
Understanding the Role of 0 on the Roulette Wheel
The single green 0 slot has a specific purpose on the wheel. Whereas the red and black numbers run from 1 to 36, the 0 is separate in colour and treatment. Its presence changes how many of the numbered pockets are in play relative to the payouts written on the board.
Casinos include a 0 to create a slight mathematical advantage for themselves. When the ball lands on 0, most standard bets such as red or black, odd or even, and high or low do not win. The result is a small, built-in difference between the true odds of an event and the return players receive, which is the basis of the house edge.
European wheels have one green 0 and American wheels add a 00, which increases that edge. Knowing that the 0 is its own category helps when deciding which table to play and which bets to place. Next, we’ll clarify exactly why 0 is not counted as even or odd.
Why Is 0 Not Considered Even or Odd in Roulette?
Roulette treats the 0 as a separate betting option rather than including it with even or odd numbers. This is a rule of the game rather than a matter of arithmetic classification, and the layout on the table reinforces that separation by showing 0 apart from the even and odd areas.
Because 0 is not part of those groups, bets on even or odd only cover the numbers 1 to 36. When the ball stops on 0, those wagers are not paid. This clear separation keeps gameplay consistent and avoids any ambiguity about which bets are covered by a particular outcome. With that settled, let’s look at how this affects the even/odd bets in practice.
How the 0 Affects Even/Odd Bets
Even-money bets on the table—such as even, odd, red or black—are commonly thought of as near 50/50. In reality, the green 0 sits outside those bets, so it creates an extra possibility that causes those wagers to lose.
For example, on a European wheel there are 18 even numbers and 18 odd numbers, but the wheel has 37 pockets in total once 0 is included. That extra pocket reduces the actual probability of either even or odd winning on a given spin. The practical effect is that a player who repeatedly bets on even or odd will encounter more losses than a strict 50/50 expectation would suggest.
Some tables offer rules that soften this effect, and we’ll cover those variants in the next section so you can spot them before you place a bet.
House Edge and the Impact of the 0 Slot
The 0 slot is the primary reason roulette offers a house edge. Payouts are generally calculated as if there were only 36 numbers, but the wheel contains 37 pockets in European roulette and 38 in American roulette when zeros are included. That mismatch is where the advantage to the house comes from.
In numerical terms, a single zero produces a house edge of about 2.7 percent. With both 0 and 00 present, the edge rises to about 5.26 percent. Over many spins this difference leads to the casino retaining a small portion of total wagers, which is how the game remains commercially viable.
Some game variants introduce specific rules that return part or all of certain bets when a zero appears; these options change the effective edge and are worth seeking out if you prefer smaller house advantages. Having looked at the edge, the next section explains the table rules that can affect what happens when 0 occurs.
Rules for Players to Remember About the 0 Pocket
The 0 pocket is always shown in green and sits outside the usual red/black and even/odd betting areas. When the ball lands on 0, standard even-money and range bets normally lose. However, particular tables may carry rules that modify that outcome, so it is important to check what applies before you play.
Two commonly found variations are La Partage and En Prison. Under La Partage, an even-money bet loses only half its stake when 0 appears; under En Prison, an even-money bet is held for the next spin and may be returned if that spin wins. These rules are most often seen on European-style tables and reduce the long-term house advantage on even-money wagers. Be aware these options are not universal and will be stated at the table.
Understanding whether those rules apply helps you choose bets with outcomes that match your preferences, and will be useful when comparing European and American wheel layouts next.
Differences Between European and American Roulette Wheels
The most visible difference between the two main wheel types is the number of green pockets. European wheels have one 0 while American wheels have both 0 and 00. This means a European wheel has 37 pockets and an American wheel has 38, which affects the probabilities behind every bet.
That extra 00 on American wheels increases the house edge and slightly changes the arrangement of numbers on the wheel and the table. Some bet types and odds are identical across both games, but the presence of the second zero means the effective return on many wagers is lower on American wheels. If minimising the house edge matters, many players prefer the single-zero European layout.
Having clarified these wheel differences, the following section addresses common misunderstandings that can still cause confusion at the table.
Common Misconceptions Regarding 0 in Roulette
New players often assume 0 is simply another number that behaves like the rest, or that it might count as even because of its shape or position. In roulette it functions differently: it is a distinct bet option and alters outcomes for group wagers.
One frequent question is whether a spin of 0 voids a bet. It does not void bets; standard wagers lose unless a table rule such as La Partage or En Prison applies. Another misconception is that you can treat 0 as even. While you can place a straight-up bet directly on 0, it is not included in even-number bets.
Clearing up these points helps reduce surprises during play and lets you assess bets with confidence. Next, the summary brings the key takeaways together so you leave the table informed.
Summary: Key Points for Players
Understanding the green 0 pocket makes a real difference to how roulette plays out and what to expect from common wagers.
- The 0 pocket is not classed as even or odd and sits outside red/black and high/low bets.
- When 0 appears, most even-money bets lose, although some European tables offer La Partage or En Prison which alter that outcome.
- European wheels have a single zero and a lower house edge; American wheels include 0 and 00 and therefore increase the house advantage.
- You can place a straight-up bet on 0 itself, but it does not count as part of even, odd, or similar group bets.
Play with knowledge of the table rules and set limits that keep the experience enjoyable; understanding how 0 works is a simple step that helps every player make clearer choices at the wheel.
**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.