Is Zero Considered Even In Roulette?
For those getting started with roulette, the presence of the green zero on the wheel can raise a few questions—particularly around whether it counts as even or odd. It’s a common point of curiosity, especially when players begin exploring the layout of the betting table.
Although it might seem like a minor detail, zero plays a unique role in the game and can affect certain bets in unexpected ways. Understanding how it fits into roulette can help make betting choices clearer and reduces the chance of confusion during play.
In this blog post, we’ll break down exactly how zero is treated in roulette. Read on to learn more.
Is Zero Considered an Even Number In Roulette?
In roulette, zero is not classed as an even number. Even and odd bets only apply to the standard numbered outcomes—evens include 2, 4, 6, and so on, while odds include 1, 3, 5, and so forth. Zero doesn’t fall into either group.
If the ball lands on zero, both even and odd bets lose. That’s because zero has a distinct place on the wheel and betting layout, marked in green rather than the usual red or black. It’s treated as a separate outcome entirely.
This applies to both European and American roulette, and it’s one of the key reasons why even-money bets (like red/black or even/odd) don’t quite cover all the possibilities. Zero also factors into certain side bets and special table rules, which may vary slightly between games.
To avoid surprises, it’s worth checking the specific rules of the version being played. A clear understanding of how zero works can help you make more informed choices if you intend to play.
What About Double Zero?
Players may encounter roulette wheels featuring a double zero (marked “00”), which is most commonly found in American roulette. Like the single zero, the double zero is marked in green and occupies its own distinct space on both the wheel and the betting table.
The double zero is not considered even or odd, nor is it included in red/black or high/low bets. It functions as a separate betting outcome, similar to the single zero.
The presence of both zero and double zero slightly alters the odds of the game by increasing the total number of possible results. This change can influence betting approaches, so it’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the specific wheel layout and rules if you intend to play.
What If You Bet on Odd & Even In Roulette & Get Zero?
When players place a bet on odd or even and the ball lands on zero, the bet is lost. As noted earlier, zero is not included in either of these betting categories.
Zero has its own separate position on the table and does not count as odd or even. This means that any chips placed on odd or even will not win if zero is the result.
Some roulette tables, as in French roulette, may feature special rules such as “En Prison” or “La Partage,” which can change what happens when zero appears during an even-money bet. For instance, part of the player’s stake might be held for the next spin or partially refunded, depending on the variation of roulette being played.
Since these rules are not standard across all casinos, it is important to check the specific table rules before placing bets.
How Often Does 0 Hit?
The likelihood of the ball landing on zero depends on the type of roulette wheel in use.
On a European roulette wheel, which has 37 slots numbered from zero to 36, the chance of the ball stopping on zero is 1 in 37.
For American roulette wheels, which include both a single zero and a double zero among 38 slots, the probability of landing on the single zero is 1 in 38.
Each spin is independent, meaning all numbers—including zero (and double zero, if present)—have an equal chance of appearing every time the wheel is spun.
If you’re interested in placing any bets, understanding these odds can assist you in making informed decisions about your bets and how much to wager.
Is It Worth Betting on Zero?
Zero is available as a standard straight-up bet in roulette, just like any other single number. When players place a chip on zero and the ball lands there, most tables offer a payout of 35 to 1.
Because zero is not included in the red, black, odd, or even groups, betting on it means backing a single specific outcome out of many possibilities. This makes the chances of winning relatively low, which explains why the payout for hitting zero is higher than for most other bets.
Setting a budget and familiarising themselves with the roulette table’s rules can make betting on zero—or any other wagers—more manageable.
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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.