Good Roulette, Bad Roulette

18 August 2024

By Frank Scoblete

There are now three roulette games that can be found in the casinos; the single-zero (0) game which are numbers 1-36 and a single green or blue zero; the double-zero (0, 00) game with two green zeroes and the numbers 1-36; and last but definitely least the triple-zero games with three green zeroes (0, 00, 000) and the numbers 1-36.

All three games pay the same on a single number hit – 35 to one. That’s right the single-zero (known as the European French game) has only that one zero so if you are playing 37 pockets your payment is somewhat reasonable at that 35 to one.

The house edge on this game is 2.70 percent.

The double-zero game (0, 00) has 38 pockets for the ball to fall into and it also pays 35 to one. Yes, the player’s return is not as good as the single-zero game and the house edge goes up to 5.26 percent. This has been the favored roulette game in America and most of Europe.

And finally, the worst game, the triple zero (0, 00, 000) game that also pays 35 to one on a winning number with the house edge – hold your breath – 7.69 percent. True to past form the payment on a winning number is 35 to one.

Evidently double-zero roulette didn’t make the casinos much money and to increase its power the casino installed the triple-zero game. Note the original game only had a 2.70 percent hour edge.

[Please note: In terms of money what do these house edges mean? Your expected loss on every hundred dollars you wager comes to $2.70. On the double-zero wheel the loss for every $100 wagered comes to $5.26. And for the triple-zero wheel the expected loss for every $100 wagered comes to $7.69. Certainly not much of a bargain.]

You’ll find the same kinds of bets at all three roulette games. You have single-number bets; multiple number bets; proposition bets; even money bets and some others.

Bet anyway you like but the house edge sits there starring you in the face at every single game.

Okay, how should you bet at roulette?

Do not bet single numbers, at $35 to one your likelihood of winning is remote. It will happen on occasion, yes, but you can go a long time without getting a return on your investment.

Do not take a bunch of chips and spread them out on numerous numbers. Not a good strategy.

You are better off betting the proposition bets which give you multiple numbers that can win money for you.

I enjoy betting the colors of red or black; the odd or even numbers; the high or low numbers. You have a little less than a 50-50 proposition on these bets but you won’t find yourself languishing in a pit of despair as you money flows from you to the casino.

There is a little wrinkle in betting the “even-money” wagers of red/black, odd/even, or high/low. Some casinos will only take half your wager if the green zero or zeroes hit. This reduces the house edge on the games in half. (Sadly I have not played at a casino where the triple zero wheel incorporates this option.)

Just check with the floor person as no casino publicizes this.

All the best in and out of the casinos.

Frank Scoblete’s books are available from Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Kindle, e-books, libraries, and bookstores.