Double zero is the green roulette pocket marked 00. It appears on American roulette wheels and adds a second green result beside zero. That extra pocket increases the house edge on most standard roulette bets compared with single-zero European roulette.
Plain Talk
Double zero is not just a cosmetic difference. It is the main reason American roulette is usually more expensive for the player than European roulette.
A red bet, black bet, odd bet, even bet, high bet, or low bet still covers 18 numbers. But now the wheel has 38 pockets instead of 37.
| Term | Plain-English meaning | Where it appears | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Zero | Green 00 pocket | American roulette wheel | Adds another house result |
| American Roulette | Roulette with 0 and 00 | U.S.-style layouts | Usually higher house edge |
| European Roulette | Roulette with only 0 | Single-zero layouts | Usually lower house edge |
| Outside Bet | Broad category bet | Outside layout | Loses to zero and double zero |
Where You See It
Double zero appears on American roulette wheels and layouts. It is usually placed near the single zero area and can be bet directly as a straight-up number.
Rules and math references from Wizard of Odds, Nevada double-zero roulette rules of play, and casino rule summaries such as Venetian roulette rules show that double zero changes the total number of possible outcomes.
Why It Matters
Double zero matters because it nearly doubles the standard roulette house edge compared with single-zero roulette. The payout table usually does not improve to compensate.
For a beginner, this is one of the easiest casino math upgrades: all else equal, choose single-zero roulette over double-zero roulette.
Example
You bet $10 on black on an American roulette wheel.
You win if the ball lands on one of 18 black numbers. You lose if it lands on one of 18 red numbers, zero, or double zero.
That is 18 winning results and 20 losing results.
From the Casino Side:
From the casino side, double zero increases expected hold without making the game harder to sell. Many players notice the wheel style but do not calculate the effect.
For management, double-zero roulette can generate stronger theoretical win per dollar wagered than single-zero roulette, especially in markets where players accept it as normal.
Common Misunderstanding
Players often think double zero matters only if they bet directly on 00. Wrong. Double zero affects most bets because it adds another losing pocket.
Another mistake is thinking American roulette has higher payouts because it has more pockets. Standard payouts are usually the same, which is exactly the problem.
Hard Truth
Hard Truth: Double zero is not a bonus number. It is a second green tax on almost every common roulette bet.
Related Terms
FAQ
What is double zero in roulette?
Double zero is the 00 green pocket on American roulette.
Does double zero count as red, black, odd, even, high, or low?
No. It is a separate green result.
Can I bet on double zero?
Yes. A straight-up bet on 00 is usually allowed and pays like a single-number bet.
Why is double-zero roulette worse for players?
It adds another losing outcome while standard payouts usually stay the same.
Should beginners avoid double-zero roulette?
If the choice is available, single-zero roulette is usually the better mathematical choice.
Deeper Insight
Double zero is a clean example of how small layout differences affect expected loss. The game feels almost identical, but the math changes materially.
For the full context, read Roulette, American Roulette, and European Roulette.
Formula / Calculation
| Bet type | European roulette | American roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Total pockets | 37 | 38 |
| Green pockets | 1 | 2 |
| Winning color pockets | 18 | 18 |
| Losing results on red/black | 19 | 20 |
| Standard house edge | About 2.70% | About 5.26% |
Expected Loss = Total Amount Wagered × House Edge
Formula Explanation in Plain English
The American wheel gives you the same 18 winning color numbers but adds one more losing green pocket. That is why the house edge is higher.
Related Reading
To compare wheel types, read American Roulette and European Roulette. To understand which bets double zero affects most visibly, read Red/Black Bet, Odd/Even Bet, and High/Low Bet. For responsible play reminders, see UK Gambling Commission safer gambling.