Double ball roulette
The double zero roulette wheel — the defining feature of American Roulette — adds a second green pocket (00) to the standard layout. That one extra pocket nearly doubles the house edge compared to the single zero (European) wheel. Below: the wheel layout, the mathematical cost of the 00 pocket, every available bet type, and what to know before sitting down at an American table.
The Double Zero Wheel Layout
The double zero wheel contains 38 pockets: numbers 1 through 36 in alternating red and black, plus two green pockets — 0 and 00. The number sequence on the wheel is entirely different from the single zero (European) wheel and was designed independently for the North American market.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Double Zero Wheel |
|---|---|
| Total pockets | 38 |
| Numbered pockets | 1–36 (18 red, 18 black) |
| Green pockets | 2 — single zero (0) + double zero (00) |
| House edge | 5.26% (all bets except Five Number) |
| Five Number Bet edge | 7.89% — worst bet available |
| RTP | 94.74% |
| Straight-up payout | 35:1 |
| Used in | American Roulette |
| Announced bets | Not available (no racetrack) |
| La Partage / En Prison | Not available |
The 5.26% House Edge Explained
The house edge exists because payouts are calculated as if there were 36 numbers, but the wheel has 38. A straight-up bet pays 35:1 — but the true odds are 37:1 (38 pockets minus 1). That gap is the casino’s profit margin.
On the double zero wheel, the house edge is 5.26% on every bet except the Five Number Bet (which is worse at 7.89%). For every €100 wagered, the expected mathematical loss is €5.26. Run the math yourself with our payout calculator.
All Bet Types & Payouts
Inside Bets
| Bet Type | How It Works | Payout | Win Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | Single number (including 0 or 00) | 35:1 | 2.63% |
| Split | Two adjacent numbers | 17:1 | 5.26% |
| Street | Three numbers in a row | 11:1 | 7.89% |
| Corner | Four numbers in a square | 8:1 | 10.53% |
| Five Number (Top Line) | 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 only | 6:1 | 13.16% |
| Six Line | Two adjacent rows (6 numbers) | 5:1 | 15.79% |
Outside Bets
| Bet Type | How It Works | Payout | Win Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red / Black | Bet on colour outcome | 1:1 | 47.37% |
| Odd / Even | Bet on parity | 1:1 | 47.37% |
| Low / High | 1–18 or 19–36 | 1:1 | 47.37% |
| Dozens | 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36 | 2:1 | 31.58% |
| Columns | One of three vertical columns | 2:1 | 31.58% |
For the complete payout reference across all variants, see our odds & payouts overview.
Double Zero vs Single Zero — The Real Cost
| Metric | Single Zero (European) | Double Zero (American) |
|---|---|---|
| Total pockets | 37 | 38 |
| Green pockets | 1 | 2 |
| House edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Red/Black probability | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Straight-up probability | 2.70% | 2.63% |
| Cost per 100 spins × €10 | €27 | €52.60 |
| Cost per 1,000 spins × €10 | €270 | €526 |
| La Partage available | Yes (French tables) | No |
| Announced bets | Yes (Voisins, Tiers, Orphelins) | No |
| Five Number Bet | Not available | Available (7.89% edge) |
The Five Number Bet — The Worst Bet in Roulette
The Five Number Bet (also called the Top Line or Basket Bet) covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. It pays 6:1 but covers only 5 of 38 pockets. This creates a house edge of 7.89% — significantly higher than the standard 5.26% on every other bet. It is the single worst wager available on any standard roulette table.
2026 Warning: Triple Zero Wheels
A growing trend in North American land-based casinos: the triple zero wheel. These wheels add a third green pocket (000), increasing the total to 39 pockets and pushing the house edge to 7.69% on every bet. They are increasingly common on main casino floors, particularly at lower-limit tables.
Always check the wheel before sitting down. Count the green pockets: one green = single zero (best odds), two green = double zero, three green = triple zero (worst odds). If you see three green pockets, find a different table.
Strategy Tips for the American Wheel
The double zero wheel is mathematically tougher than its European counterpart. These four habits keep your bankroll alive longer.
- Never play the Five Number Bet. It has a 7.89% house edge — the worst on the table. Every other bet gives better odds.
- Prefer even-money outside bets. Red/Black, Odd/Even and Low/High win 47.37% of spins. Still worse than the 48.65% on the European wheel, but the most stable option here.
- Manage your bankroll more aggressively. The higher house edge means your stake depletes nearly twice as fast. Set a hard session limit and stop when you hit it. Tools for setting boundaries: responsible gaming.
- Test strategies before real money. Systems like Martingale and Fibonacci are far more forgiving on a European table. If you must run them on a double zero wheel, use smaller base units and run 500+ spins in our free simulator first.
For every system worth testing, see our strategy index.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a double zero roulette wheel?
A double zero wheel has 38 pockets: numbers 1–36 in alternating red and black, plus two green pockets numbered 0 and 00. It is the standard wheel used in American Roulette and carries a house edge of 5.26% — nearly double the 2.70% on the single zero wheel.
What is the house edge on a double zero wheel?
5.26% on every bet except the Five Number Bet, which has a 7.89% house edge. The double zero wheel does not offer La Partage or En Prison rules — there is no way to reduce the edge below 5.26%.
What does 00 pay in roulette?
A straight-up bet on 00 pays 35:1, the same as any other number. A €10 bet returns €350 in winnings plus your €10 stake. The 00 pocket is mathematically identical to any other number in terms of payout — its significance is that it increases the total pocket count from 37 to 38, raising the house edge.
Is double zero roulette worse than single zero?
Yes — mathematically, without exception. The double zero wheel has a house edge of 5.26% versus 2.70% on the single zero wheel. Over any meaningful session, the double zero costs approximately twice as much. There is no strategic advantage to the double zero wheel.
What is the Five Number Bet?
The Five Number Bet (Top Line) covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. It pays 6:1 but has a house edge of 7.89% — the worst bet available in standard roulette. It exists only on the double zero wheel and should be avoided.
Where are double zero wheels found?
Double zero wheels are standard in North American land-based casinos. They are also available at most online casinos as “American Roulette” — though online platforms always offer single zero alternatives too. In European casinos, double zero wheels are extremely rare.