Single-Zero vs. Double-Zero Roulette

by Bodog Casino | Jan 25 2010

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The debate never ends. Double-zero vs. single-zero, which one is better? Why is it better? And how did things get this way. For those who have been “rouletting" for decades you know what the deal is, but for you roulette newbies out there here's how it breaks down:

Double-zero came first. If you go back, we mean way back to the 18th century double zero on a roulette wheel was the standard way to game. It wasn't until the mid 1800s that things changed for the better. Why for the better? Well ,if you think about it having one zero makes for 37 numbers to choose from instead of 38, the law of averages immediately makes having one zero better for the bettor.

The way single zero came about was Francois Blanc, a regular 19th century Steve Wynn, won a gambling concession in Bad Homburg, Germany, and used single-zero roulette to attract gamblers.

Obviously the idea worked, because Blanc's German casino became the hottest spot to get your game on in Europe. It's no surprise considering single-zero gives the house a 2.7 percent edge, compared with double-zero roulette's 5.26 percent house edge.

Although the single-zero was extremely popular in Europe, the craze never made it over seas to the U.S. -- we're sure casino owners weren't really keen on offering something that hurt their odds if they didn't have to.

That being said, keep your eyes peeled and you can find plenty of single-zero roulette wheels in Las Vegas, Nevada today. Check out spots like Aria, Bellagio, Caesar's Palace, Green Valley Ranch, Luxor and the Rio and you'll find plenty of single tables to spin.

Plus, because of the recent recession, more and more Vegas spots are offering single-zero roulette for high rollers. That wizardofvegas.com survey found Aria, Mirage and MGM Grand offering European-style roulette in their main casinos with $25 minimum bets.

So roulette newbies don't let your friends tell you any different, single-zero roulette is where the money is at, try it out in the Bodog Casino and you'll quickly agree.