Roulette is a simple-looking game that hides a few rules which can catch players out. One question that comes up again and again is whether the zero on the wheel counts as even or odd.
That single query affects how certain bets are settled and why the casino keeps an edge. This guide explains the role of zero in plain language, so you know exactly what happens when the ball lands there.
What Does ‘Zero’ Mean in Roulette?
In roulette, zero is a distinct number set apart from the usual red and black sequence. On European and French wheels there is one green zero marked 0. On American wheels there are two green pockets, 0 and 00.
Zero does not belong to the colour groups or to the even or odd categories used for most outside bets. It has its own position on the layout, which signals its special function during settlement. Because it falls outside standard betting groups, zero creates occasions when many common bets are lost, and that effect is central to how the casino’s advantage is built.
Next, we’ll look at why zero is treated this way rather than being grouped with even numbers.
Why Isn't Zero Considered Even or Odd?
Mathematically, zero divides evenly by two, but roulette rules deliberately exclude it from even bets. The game treats zero as a separate outcome to make sure even-money wagers are not true fifty-fifty chances.
On the betting layout, zero has its own box and is not included in the even or odd sections. When zero comes up, bets on even and odd are settled as losses under normal rules. That clear separation is what makes zero functionally different from other numbers on the wheel. This distinction also helps explain the practical impact zero has on payouts and probabilities, which is explored next.
How Does Zero Affect Even or Odd Bets?
Even or odd bets cover the 18 even numbers and the 18 odd numbers from 1 to 36. If the ball lands on any of those, an even-money bet pays 1:1. When the result is zero, those bets do not win because zero is outside both groups.
For example, a £10 bet on even returns £10 plus the original stake if an even number appears. If the ball lands on zero instead, the £10 is lost. This outcome is consistent across standard tables and reinforces why zero is important to understand before placing outside bets. The next section shows how this rule applies across the different variants of roulette.
Is the Treatment of Zero the Same in All Roulette Variants?
Yes. The principle that zero is neither even nor odd holds across European, French and American roulette. European and French wheels use a single zero. American wheels have both a single zero and a double zero, and either pocket will be treated outside even and odd bets.
French roulette sometimes offers specific rules such as La Partage or En Prison, which can reduce losses on certain even-money bets when zero appears. Those rules change how much of the stake is lost or whether the bet remains for an extra spin, but they do not make zero count as even or odd. With that in mind, it is helpful to understand how zero contributes to the overall house edge and payouts.
House Edge and Payout Implications Explained
Zero directly affects the house edge because it creates outcomes where even-money bets lose. In European roulette, with one zero and 37 pockets, the house edge on even-money bets is 2.7 percent. In American roulette, with 0 and 00 making 38 pockets, the house edge rises to 5.26 percent.
Payouts for outside bets remain 1:1 when they win, but those figures show why the expected return is lower than a pure fifty-fifty event. The presence of zero is the mathematical reason the casino retains a predictable advantage over time. Understanding this helps when deciding which table variant to play and which bet types to favour, which we compare next.
Other Key Roulette Bet Types Compared
Roulette bets are generally split into inside bets and outside bets, each offering different risk and reward profiles.
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups on the grid.
- A straight-up bet is a chip placed directly on a single number, such as 17, and pays 35:1.
- A split bet covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17:1.
- Other inside options include street bets for three numbers, corner bets for four numbers, and line bets for six numbers.
Outside bets cover broader groups around the edge of the layout.
- Colour bets back red or black.
- High/low bets choose between 1–18 and 19–36.
- Dozens and columns each cover 12 numbers.
Even and odd are outside bets that each cover 18 numbers and pay 1:1. Inside bets pay more when successful because they win less often. With a clear view of how bets differ, the table layout and where zero is placed become more meaningful.
Roulette Table Layout: Where to Find Zero
Zero is shown prominently on both the felt and the wheel so players can identify it quickly. On a typical European or French felt the green zero box sits at the top of the grid above the three columns of numbers. On an American layout there are two green boxes at the head of the grid for 0 and 00.
On the physical wheel, the green zero pocket interrupts the red and black sequence so it is visually obvious. That positioning mirrors the betting layout and makes settlement straightforward when zero appears. Knowing where zero sits helps when scanning the table for available bets and anticipating how a spin might be settled.
Zero’s unique placement and role are consistent across the game, and that clarity helps bring all the pieces of play together.
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**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.