When you sit at the roulette table, the pleasure of watching the ball stand on the numbers is truly unparalleled. For example, many players bet on red, black, or even numbers. However, the green area in the roulette wheel – zero – is often overlooked. Although betting on zero may seem unwise, it possesses its own unique risks and rewards because this aspect of the game adds an intriguing complexity.
To decide if this is worth your time, you need to know how zero works and how it affects the game. Learn more about betting on zero by checking out this guide on green in roulette. Moreover, there’s a detailed breakdown of what you should know.
How Zero Works in Roulette?
Roulette has two major formats, European and American. In the European format, there are 36 squares numbered 1 to 36, and then you have 1 square that is used for Zero. In contrast, the American version contains 38 slots, among which there is an extra double zero (00) slot aside from a green zero (0) slot.
The presence of these green pockets is important because they represent the house’s edge. The house edge of zero in European roulette is 7%, while in American roulette, plus two zeros gives the house edge of 5.26%.
What Happens When You Bet on Zero?
Betting on zero works like any other straight-up bet in roulette. You select a number; if the ball happens to land on zero, you win. A direct bet on zero yields 35 times your wager (which means that a $1 bet generates $35 in winnings in addition to your initial $1).
However, zero is unique; this is primarily because it does not belong to either the red/black or odd/even categories. Although it may appear to be just another number, its significance in the game is profound. In most outside bets, you can’t bet on the number zero or 00 if you have run out of chips.
Pros and Cons of Betting on Zero
Betting on zero can be a strategic move, but it also comes with its risks. Here are the advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
High Payout: A straight-up bet on zero offers a 35-to-1 payout, making it lucrative if you win. Other numbers don’t guarantee a huge win like this.
Low Competition: Most players avoid betting on zero, giving you a unique betting angle. This way the competition is less and you have better chances of winning big.
Strategic Hedge: Betting on zero can offset potential losses if you’re placing multiple bets on the table. Thus, it works as an ideal strategic aspect for the regular bettors.
Cons
Being Rare: In European roulette, the probability of getting zero is 1:37, while in American roulette, it is 1:38. Thus, there’s no concrete strategy that could help you to get the desired result.
High Risk: Betting on zero comes with a greater risk as the probability is low. Betting on a single number can be better, for example.
House Edge: The green zero provides the house with its edge, which makes it harder to win regularly. This could make it difficult, especially for the newbies.
Strategies Involving the Green Zero
If you decide to bet on zero, here are a few strategies to consider:
Straight-Up Bet: A simple bet directly on zero. While risky, it offers a high reward. Beginners can try with this one to understand how the game and its mechanism work.
Split Bets: In this kind of bet, a wager may be made upon two consecutive numbers. (For example, 0 and 1, 0 and 2, or 0 and 3.) It offers slightly better odds and reasonable payouts.
Martingale System: Zero bet with even money bets (red/black) and double up after losses to try to get your losses back. Be careful. This can go very fast.
When Should You Bet on Zero?
Betting to zero isn’t for every gamer, and is appropriate only in a few scenarios. If you like to make high-risk, high-reward bets, sprinkling a few chips on zero can be part of your roulette strategy. It can also be a hedge when you’re betting multiple bets across the table. For example, if you primarily bet on red and want to protect against a zero result, adding a small bet on zero can minimize your losses if the ball lands on the green.
The Impact of Zero on Your Betting Game
Understanding how zero affects your bets can improve your overall roulette strategy. Since zero is the reason most outside bets lose, acknowledging its presence is crucial. If you consistently play outside bets without considering zero, you’ll eventually be caught off guard when it hits.
In European roulette, a single zero provides a lower house edge an,d therefore is preferred by most players. On the other hand, double zero in American roulette increases the house edge, rendering it more difficult to win over time. Whenever possible, stick to European roulette to maximize your chances.
